Bishop's Quarter

Bishop’s Quarter is a beach on the southern shore of Galway Bay, a short drive from the village of Ballyvaughan in County Clare. Set on the edge of the Burren, it sits in a semi-sheltered cove backed by grassy dunes and the pale limestone that gives this corner of Clare its distinctive character. Rather than a broad stretch of sand, it is a largely stony, rocky shore, with open views across the bay towards the Galway coast.

The beach is a popular spot for summer bathing, and lifeguards are on duty during the peak months of July and August. It also suits gentler visits, being a pleasant place for a family walk, some paddling at the water’s edge, or a spot of birdwatching. There is a car park just above the shore, and seasonal facilities are provided during the swimming season.

As with many managed bathing areas, local byelaws apply in summer, including restrictions on dogs and horses on the beach during daytime hours and limits on watercraft near swimmers. Ballyvaughan makes a convenient base for the wider Burren, whose stone forts, tombs and walking country lie close at hand.