Spanish Point

Spanish Point sits on the west coast of County Clare, a short distance south of the town of Miltown Malbay along the N67 and part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Set within the sweep of Mal Bay, it is a popular seaside spot known chiefly for its long sandy beach, which holds Blue Flag status for water quality and facilities.

The beach stretches for over a kilometre and is used for both swimming and surfing throughout the year, with lifeguards on duty during the summer months. It is one of the better-known surf breaks in County Clare, and a surf school with board hire operates locally. Visitor facilities include free parking, public toilets and showers, picnic tables, an observation deck and a wildlife information point.

The area takes its name from ships of the Spanish Armada that were wrecked off this stretch of coast in 1588. Beyond the sand, the rocky shoreline and the long spine of rock reaching into the sea at the northern end of the strand are good places to look for coastal plants and wildlife. Golfers are also catered for nearby at Spanish Point Golf Club, a nine-hole links course overlooking the Atlantic that dates back to 1896.