Swimming Ban Issued for Sherkin Island and Cape Clear Beaches Due to Bacteria Levels
Testing ongoing.
Cork County Council has issued immediate prohibition notices banning swimming at two popular West Cork island beaches following the detection of high bacterial levels in the water, with further testing underway to determine the extent of contamination.
The affected beaches are Silver Strand on Sherkin Island and South Harbour Beach on Oileán Chléire (Cape Clear Island), both popular summer destinations for locals and tourists visiting Cork's scenic islands.
The prohibition notices, commonly known as "Do Not Swim" orders, were issued today in consultation with the Health Service Executive (HSE) after routine water quality testing revealed bacterial levels that exceed safe bathing standards. The council has emphasised that the ban is being implemented in the interest of public health.
Both beaches will remain closed to swimmers until further notice. Cork County Council has confirmed that additional microbiological testing and investigations will be carried out today and over the coming days to identify the source of the contamination and monitor water quality improvements.
Swimming in water with elevated bacterial levels can pose significant health risks, including gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and ear, nose and throat infections. The public is strongly advised to observe the prohibition notices and avoid entering the water at either location.
The timing is particularly unfortunate as August typically sees peak visitor numbers to both islands, with many Cork families and tourists making day trips to enjoy the pristine beaches that both Sherkin and Cape Clear are known for.
Ferry services to both islands continue to operate normally, and other activities on the islands remain unaffected. Visitors can still enjoy walking, hiking and other land-based activities, though beach swimming must be avoided until the all-clear is given.
Updates on water quality testing results and the lifting of the prohibition notices will be provided as soon as they become available from Cork County Council and the HSE.
