Coral Beach



Beautiful Coral Beach forms part of the Connemara Peninsula in County Galway.

Known as Trá an Dóilín, Coral Beach in Carraroe is an area of stunning natural beauty. It is an area just begging to be discovered, with small coves and bays around virtually every corner of the roads that wind their way along the coast. It has a coveted blue flag – only given to beaches and marinas with the very best water quality, lifesaving and disabled access facilities – and is of major conservation importance.

As its name suggests, the beach is famous for its very fine coral and it is an excellent area for snorkelling and diving. Patrolled by lifeguards during the holiday season, it has toilet facilities and dozens of little rock pools ripe for exploring. A little off the beaten track, it is usually less busy than some of the other beaches in the area.

As well as its beach, the village of Carraroe is famous for its traditional fishing boats, known as Galway Hookers. These are now largely used for racing and every August Carraroe hosts the Féile an Dóilíin, one of the biggest maritime festivals in Ireland.

Away from the coast, Connemara’s inland canvas is a heady mix of isolated valleys, bogs and lakes. The Maumturk Mountains and the quartzite peaks of the Twelve Bens mountain range are at its heart, offering countless cycling and hiking opportunities. Cut off from the rest of County Galway by Lough Corrib, it’s a richly rewarding region to explore.

Popular places to visit


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Eco-friendly house beside the sea in the wildness and solitude of Connemara

Eco-friendly house beside the sea in the wildness and solitude of Connemara

Glinsk
Eco-friendly house beside the sea in the wildness and solitude of Connemara
Connemara Coast Hotel

Connemara Coast Hotel

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Spiddal Road, Galway, Galway
Connemara Coast Hotel
Mountain View Guesthouse

Mountain View Guesthouse

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Aughnanure, Oughterard, Co. Galway
Mountain View Guesthouse
The Twelve Hotel

The Twelve Hotel

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Barna Village, Galway, Galway
The Twelve Hotel
Glasha Meadows

Glasha Meadows

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Glasha, Doolin, Clare
Glasha Meadows
Doolin Inn

Doolin Inn

4 out of 5
1 Fisher Street, Ballyvara, Doolin
Doolin Inn
Blackberry Lodge Accommodation

Blackberry Lodge Accommodation

3.5 out of 5
Toomullin, Doolin, Clare
Blackberry Lodge Accommodation
Luxury Lodges in Doolin Village

Luxury Lodges in Doolin Village

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Fisherstreet, Tiergonean, Doolin, Clare
Luxury Lodges in Doolin Village
Leonardo Hotel Galway

Leonardo Hotel Galway

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Quay Street, Galway, Galway
Leonardo Hotel Galway
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Coral Beach

Coral Beach in Carraroe offers a range of activities for visitors, including thrilling diving sessions to explore the stunning underwater landscapes. Each year, the annual regatta showcases local culture and excitement on the water. For those curious about the beach, FAQs provide valuable insights on tides, safety, and facilities, ensuring a well-rounded experience in this picturesque location.

Shopping

In Coral Beach, you can visit local shops for unique gifts. If you're up for a drive, the Sheep And Wool Centre, 38.6km away, offers traditional Irish woollen products, while Kenny Woollen Mills, 40.2km away, features a delightful selection of textiles and crafts.

Recreation

The Connemara Isles Golf Course, located 8.0km from Coral Beach, offers a serene outdoor golfing experience amidst breathtaking landscapes. About 29.0km away, Oughterard Golf Club provides a charming setting for golf enthusiasts. For family fun, Cong Mini Golf Club, 38.6km from Coral Beach, promises an adventurous mini-golf experience.

Adventure

Lahinch Leisure Centre offers a range of exhilarating activities, located 40.2km from Coral Beach. Enjoy thrilling water sports, invigorating fitness classes, and relaxing spa treatments, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way. Perfect for those seeking adventure and rejuvenation alike.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the local pubs, where you can savour traditional Irish music and a pint of Guinness. Enjoy live performances at the nearby venues, or relax by the beach with friends, soaking in the stunning views of the Atlantic under the stars.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Coral Beach

Coral Beach, Carraroe, County Galway, offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Visitors can explore picturesque lakes and nearby islands, as well as the historic lighthouse. Perfect for those seeking beach relaxation and stunning scenery, the area provides an array of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it's a leisurely day on the beach or an adventurous hike, Coral Beach promises a memorable experience for all travellers.

  • Lough Minnaun: A picturesque lake located 1.3km from Coral Beach, Lough Minnaun offers serene beach spots and stunning scenery, perfect for romantic strolls and outdoor relaxation.
  • Leabharlann na Ceathrún Ruaidh: Situated 1.6km away, this charming library is a cultural haven for families, providing a quiet space to explore literature and local history.
  • Caladh Thadhg Pier: Just 1.3km from Coral Beach, this vibrant marina is an adventure hub, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking exhilarating beach activities and scenic views.

Best time to go to Coral Beach

The best time to visit Coral Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
February44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
September56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Coral Beach

To save money on your trip to Coral Beach, consider visiting during the cheaper months of February to March or October, avoiding the peak season from June to August. Book your hotel about a month in advance or take advantage of last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Thursdays tend to be the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's tools to filter by budget and preferences, and look for package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Coral Beach are February to March and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Coral Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Coral Beach is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Coral Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Coral Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia