CLONE STRAND
CLONE
STRAND
POCKET IRELAND › Place Guides › Clone Strand
Nestled just south of the border between Counties Wicklow and Wexford, Clone Strand (often referred to locally as Clones Beach) is a masterclass in the raw, understated beauty of the Irish coastline. While your query mentioned County Wicklow, this hidden gem sits precisely in North County Wexford, serving as a tranquil escape from the more bustling tourist hubs of the East Coast.
Atmosphere
The air at Clone Strand carries the sharp, clean scent of the Irish Sea, often mingling with the earthy aroma of marram grass from the towering dunes that shelter the shore. It is a place of profound quietude; the soundscape is dominated not by crowds, but by the rhythmic surge of waves against shingle and the occasional call of a oystercatcher. The vibe is one of authentic, unpretentious solitude, making it a sanctuary for those looking to swap digital noise for the tactile reality of sand, stone, and sea.
Unique Features
The strand is architecturally striking for its width, stretching nearly 100 metres at low tide, creating a vast canvas of golden sand frequently punctuated by patches of colourful, sea-smoothed pebbles.
The Ahare River Inlet
A defining feature is the winding inlet of the Ahare River, which cuts across the sands to meet the ocean. This creates a shifting landscape of shallow pools and silver threads of water that reflect the ever-changing Irish sky.
The Rugged Dunes
To the rear, high, rugged dunes provide a dramatic backdrop and a sense of enclosure, protecting the beach from the inland winds and offering elevated vantage points over the Irish Sea towards Kilmichael Point.
Connectivity
For the ambitious walker, Clone Strand seamlessly connects to Kilgorman Strand to the south, offering a two-mile stretch of uninterrupted coastline for a truly immersive maritime trek.
Visitor Insights
To experience Clone Strand at its most ethereal, arrive just before dawn. The sunrise over the Irish Sea here is legendary, painting the wide sands in hues of copper and rose. It is a favourite haunt for local sea anglers, who cast their lines into the surf as the light breaks. For families, the river inlet provides a safer, shallower alternative for paddling compared to the sometimes vigorous sea swells. If you visit in the winter, the beach takes on a haunting, moody character that is exceptionally restorative for a bracing walk.
General Information
Address
Clones Upper, Castletown, Co. Wexford, Ireland.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessibility is very limited. The primary access is via a narrow, winding path through hedgerows and sand dunes which is not paved. There are no designated wheelchair-accessible entrances or parking bays directly at the beach.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours
Entry
FREE
Parking
Limited FREE roadside parking is available on the Coastal Road overlooking the beach (capacity for approximately 10 vehicles). There is no formal car park.
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