Location
Ireland
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Raven Point/Curracloe Beach
Curracloe is the great strand of County Wexford, a sand beach of roughly 11 km running north from the mouth of Wexford Harbour, backed by high dunes and, at its southern end, by the pine forest of the Raven Nature Reserve. The Irish Naturist Association lists the secluded southern end, alongside Raven Wood, as a beach regularly used by naturists. From the most southerly car park, naturists walk south along the edge of the wood for 10 to 15 minutes; beyond that the beach continues for several more kilometres to Raven Point, the sandy spit facing Rosslare across the harbour mouth, where INA members have held nude hikes. The sand is wide and firm, the water shallow and cold, and the dunes give shelter from wind. The beach was used to film the D-Day landing scenes of Saving Private Ryan and its northern sections are busy family beaches in summer, so the INA asks for discretion at weekends and in high season. The INA has asked Wexford County Council to designate a naturist section here; the council's mayor in 2016 took a 'live and let live' line, but no designation has been made. There are no facilities at the naturist end.
Getting there
From Wexford town take the R741/R742 north toward Curracloe; from Enniscorthy take the R744 to Blackwater and then the L304 south. Use the car park at the southern end of the beach by Raven Wood, then walk south along the edge of the wood for 10 to 15 minutes. Raven Point itself is a much longer walk along the sand or forest tracks. Soft sand; not wheelchair accessible beyond the car park. Facilities are at the main beach entrances further north.
Amenities
Legal context
Ireland has no designated naturist beaches, and public nudity can in principle be treated as an offence; in practice discreet nude bathing at quiet spots is tolerated. The Irish Naturist Association has asked Wexford County Council to designate part of Curracloe for naturists; local councillors commented in 2016, but no designation exists and no signs are posted.
Naturism at Raven Point/Curracloe Beach sits under Ireland's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: Ireland public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 52.3479, -6.3597
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Ireland
Frequently asked questions
Is Curracloe an official nude beach?
No. Its southern end by Raven Wood is regularly used by naturists and listed by the Irish Naturist Association, but there is no designation.
Where is the naturist section?
Park at the southern car park by Raven Wood and walk south along the edge of the wood for 10 to 15 minutes.
When should I be discreet?
The INA advises extra discretion at weekends and during the peak summer season, when the beach is busy.
Is it safe to swim?
The Irish Naturist Association warns that remote spots can have currents and rip tides that are not obvious; do not swim alone and check water safety guidance.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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