Overview
Blackhall Strand sits on the eastern edge of County Wexford, just south of Bannow. Unlike the busy Blue Flag beaches in the county, this spot keeps its low-key charm intact. The strand stretches along a sheltered bay of fine golden sand, flanked by clay cliffs that look out onto the Irish Sea. It’s a favourite with local families, coastal walkers, and anyone after a quieter day by the water. At low tide, the base of the cliffs reveals a network of natural rock pools teeming with anemones, crabs, and small fish – perfect for exploring.
History & The Keeragh Islands
A glance offshore reveals the Keeragh Islands, a pair of small islets sitting roughly 1.5 km from the shoreline. They sit atop a notorious rocky reef that has been a navigation hazard for centuries. Shipwrecks were once so common in this stretch that local communities in the 1800s built a small stone shelter on the larger island to provide refuge for stranded sailors. Today, the building is in ruins. While the silhouette of the islands is easy to spot from the beach, the remaining walls of the shelter serve as a quiet reminder of the area’s maritime past. Due to its scenic and historic quality, the strand is sometimes listed as a location by Screen Wexford for filming.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
The cliffs and surrounding waters support a rich range of coastal wildlife. Gulls and cormorants are regular sightings, while terns and razorbills occasionally circle the Keeragh Islands during migration seasons. The tide pools are the real draw for visitors: bring a pair of wellies, and you can spend hours discovering starfish, limpets, and hermit crabs hidden among the seaweed.
What to See & Do
Blackhall Strand is as much about relaxation as it is about activity. The gentle swell close to shore makes it popular for swimming, though there is no lifeguard service, so swimmers must exercise caution. Paddleboarding and kayaking are popular, and the consistent swell draws occasional surfers.
Walkers can follow informal paths along the cliffs, offering sweeping views across the bay towards Bannow. Dogs are welcome on the sand year-round.
Practical Information
Parking & Access The parking area at the end of the access road is unpaved and very small, fitting approximately five cars. Parking is free, but spaces fill quickly on sunny weekends. A level pathway leads directly down to the sand.
Facilities As a natural, undeveloped beach, Blackhall Strand has no public toilets, showers, changing areas, or playgrounds. Visitors should bring their own food, water, and waste bags, as there are no shops or public bins directly on the beach.
Safety & Seasonality There are no lifeguards on duty at Blackhall Strand at any time of the year. Always swim with caution and heed local safety advice, as currents can strengthen near the rocky outcrops. The reef surrounding the Keeragh Islands is extremely hazardous to boats and swimmers alike; venturing out to the islands is not recommended.
Getting There & Nearby
Blackhall Strand is reached via a short turn-off from local roads south of Carrig-on-Bannow and Bannow. Public transport options are extremely limited, so a private vehicle or bicycle is required. The historic town of Wexford Town lies about 30 km to the north and offers a full range of accommodation, dining, and fuel options.
If you have time to explore further, the neighbouring Cullenstown Strand is just a few kilometres to the east, offering similar cliff-backed scenery. The historic site of Bannow Island, where the Anglo-Normans first landed in Ireland in 1169, is also nearby and well worth a visit.
Check tide times before you visit to make the most of the rock pools, and pack a windbreaker – the coastal breeze off the Irish Sea rarely lets up, even on warm days.