Overview
Curracloe Beach, also known as Curracloe Strand, sits on the sunny south‑east coast of County Wexford, about a 15‑minute drive north‑east of Wexford town. It forms part of a continuous 7‑mile (11 km) sandy ribbon that includes Ballinesker and Colloton’s Gap, with two Blue Flag sections and a protected dune system designated as an Area of Scientific Interest. Directly behind the beach lies Curracloe Forest, the heart of the Raven Nature Reserve, a pine‑wooded sanctuary that borders the coastal slobs and supports a rich array of wildlife.
History & Background
The wide, white sands of Curracloe gained international fame when they were transformed into Omaha Beach for the opening D‑Day sequence of Saving Private Ryan (1998). A crew of around 1,500 spent two months on site in the summer of 1997, building mock German fortifications and staging the iconic landing. The beach later featured in the 2015 film Brooklyn starring Saoirse Ronan, where it stood in for the Irish emigrant’s memories of home. Local residents were employed as extras for both productions, adding a community flavour to the cinematic legacy.
Curracloe Forest is a relatively recent planting of coniferous pines within the broader Wexford Wildfowl Reserve. The reserve’s slobs, dunes and sandbanks have long supported breeding birds each spring, and the name “Raven” reflects occasional sightings of the eponymous bird that roosts among the trees.
Film Connections
Saving Private Ryan – The beach was used to recreate the historic Omaha Beach landing. Production crews built a full‑scale replica of the beach’s defensive obstacles, and the final scene was shot over several weeks in the summer of 1997.
Brooklyn – In 2015, the beach provided the backdrop for several nostalgic sequences, standing in for the protagonist’s childhood coastline.
Both films have turned Curracloe into a pilgrimage spot for movie enthusiasts, with informal sign‑posts near the car park noting the exact filming locations.
What to See & Do
Walking the Coastline & Raven Loop
- Raven Loop Walk – A 9 km (≈5.6 mi) circuit that starts at the main car park, threads through pine‑covered glades, skirts the edge of Curracloe Beach and returns along the shoreline. Signposted wooden posts guide the way, offering views of red‑winged blackbirds, red squirrels and the endless sea.
- Coastal Walks – From the main car park you can head south to Ballinesker Beach, crossing open dunes and spotting seabirds. A 4.3‑mile (6.8 km) round‑trip to Raven Point takes you through the forest and back to the sand, but note the trail is unlit after dark.
Surfing & Water Sports
Gentle, rolling waves make Curracloe a favourite beginner surf spot. The Surf Shack, situated near the main car park, offers lessons, board hire and stand‑up paddle‑board rentals for all ages.
Bird‑watching & Wildlife
The dune system, adjoining wetlands and forest provide habitats for a variety of species:
- Waders – Oystercatchers, curlews, redshanks.
- Waterfowl – Mallards, teal, greylag geese.
- Raptors – Occasional buzzard sightings over the canopy.
- Mammals – Red squirrels and the occasional rabbit. Spring and autumn migrations bring the greatest concentrations of birds, making those seasons ideal for bird‑watchers.
Shell‑collecting, Picnic & Relaxation
The fine sand yields an assortment of shells perfect for a quiet beach‑combing session. Scattered benches and clearings within the forest provide shaded picnic spots where the sound of waves can be enjoyed while you eat.
Getting There & Transport
Curracloe is accessed via the R734 regional road. The main car park – known locally as the Raven car park – sits next to the Surf Shack and provides the most convenient entry to both the beach and the forest loop. Limited Bus Éireann services run from Wexford town to the Curracloe area; check current timetables for exact routes and frequencies.
Practical Information
- Access – Free entry year‑round; no visitor centre is required.
- Parking
Parking Area Location Notes Main Car Park (The Raven) Near the Surf Shack Largest lot, closest to beach Ballinesker Car Park At Ballinesker Beach Smaller, also Blue Flag Colloton’s Gap – Raven Overflow South of main beach Rustic access, two separate lots - Facilities – Restrooms at the main car park, surf equipment hire at the Surf Shack, benches and picnic tables in the forest.
- Safety – The forest trail is unlit; plan to return before dark. Swimmers should stay within designated swimming zones and heed any local warnings.
- Best Times to Visit – Summer for surf lessons and beach activities; spring and autumn for peak bird‑watching.
Nearby Attractions
A short drive reaches Talbot Lake’s nature walk, the Irish National Heritage Park (with Iron Age reconstructions), and the rugged trails of Forth Mountain. Other coastal spots worth a visit include Blackhall Strand, Courtown, and the historic headland at Cahore Point.
Enjoy a day where golden sands, rolling surf and pine‑scented woods meet, all under the watchful eyes of the birds that have called Curracloe home for generations.