Check out the best beaches in Ireland and have an enjoyable time by the seaside. Ideal for sun-worshippers, hikers, swimmers, and chillers, Ireland’s beaches have something for everyone. Read on to find out our recommended list of Irish beaches for you to visit.
Best beaches in Ireland
Check out the best beaches in Ireland for a holiday that you won’t forget. The perfect place for families, couples, and individuals, Irish beaches have something for everyone. Go hiking in the mountains, swimming in the sea, or surfing on the waves and enjoy yourself on one of many stunning beaches in Ireland.
Tra Mor, County Donegal
We begin our journey into Ireland’s fabulous beaches at Tra Mor, which literally means ‘big beach’ in Gaelic. As the name would suggest, this is a vast beach, which is composed of soft sand and clean waters. With it being a remote location, it’s the perfect retreat for both adventurers and for those that want some peace and tranquillity. Sometimes you may even be the only person enjoying this majestic spot.
Located in the Horn Head peninsula, you’ll have to reach the beach on foot, as there isn’t a road to take you there. You can park at Lurgabrack Nature Reserve, from which there is a path you can follow to the beach. All this effort to reach your destination is well worth it though, with the beach offering spectacular views and sublime scenery. Due to the beach’s remoteness, make sure you pack food and drink supplies for the day – there are no shops around.
Curracloe Beach, County Wexford
If you’re looking for a more classic Irish beach experience, then one of the best beaches in Ireland is Curracloe Beach. Located in County Wexford, you’ll be able to enjoy a day of soaking up the sun whilst looking out into the Irish Sea. The sandy beach is ideal for families, with it having been a popular bucket and spade destination for many a decade. Whilst the beach is popular with Irish families, it still doesn’t feel over-commercialised, which just adds to its charm.
When you’re at the beach, you can visit The Raven Nature Reserve, which is located just at the rear of the beach. Here you’ll find a variety of bird life, as well as other flora and fauna to explore. Not only popular with holidaymakers, but Curracloe Beach is also a popular location with filmmakers, with the coast being used in both the ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘Brooklyn’ films. The beach itself is quite rural, with the R743 road taking you there – it’s recommended you take your own supplies for the trip, to ensure your family stay well fed and hydrated.
Dogs Bay, County Galway
Easily mistaken for a Caribbean beach due to the turquoise colours of the waters, Dog’s Bay in County Galway is another of the best beaches in Ireland for you to visit. The luminous water in fact comes from the crushed shells that cover the beach, which reflect the sunlight. A great place for families to visit, the waters are shallow and calm, which makes it ideal for children and less confident swimmers to paddle in. There are also a variety of rock formations, which are great for young explorers looking for marine life.
The beach itself is close to Roundstone. You can get to the beach with ease by following the R341, which takes you close to Ballyconneely and Clifden before you see signs for Dog’s Bay. Our top tip for this beach is to bring your snorkel gear – on a clear day, there will be a good chance of seeing marine life under the water. This beach also boasts a romantic aura, so if you’re travelling with that special someone, it’s the ideal place for a picnic.
Streedagh Beach, County Sligo
If it’s water sports that you’re after, then look no further than Streedagh Beach, which is the ideal surfers’ hangout in Ireland. Streedagh Beach is around 1.5 miles long and curves from Streedagh Point to O’Connors’ Island. You’ll also be able to appreciate the stunning views of Ben Bulben Mountain whilst you’re catching a wave or relaxing on the shore. The beach is made up primarily of pebbles, with some openings of sand, so it’s a good idea to bring some suitable sandals with you.
It’s easy to get to the beach by car if you take the N15 to Grange and then the L3203 to Streedagh. Once in Streedagh, you’ll start to see signage for your final destination. The beach has two claims to fame, too, which makes it even more iconic. Firstly, it is home to three Spanish Armada ships that were shipwrecked there in the 16th century. More recently, the beach was used in the TV programme ‘Normal People’, which has increased the natural footfall on the beach.
Velvet Strand, County Dublin
When you’re visiting the Irish capital, you’re never too far from some great beaches, too. One of the best beaches in Ireland happens to be only a short drive from Dublin. Known as Velvet Strand, this sandy beach is an ideal way to escape from the hustle and bustle of the popular Irish city. It’s great for all ages and levels of swimmer, with the water being relatively shallow. When you’re at Velvet Strand, you’ll also be treated to breathtaking vistas of Ireland’s Eye, Howth Head, and Lambay Island.
To get to the beach, you’ll need to leave Dublin and drive across the River Liffey, following the R106. When you get close to the beach, you’ll start to see signposts to it. As with many of the beaches on our list, there aren’t too many amenities nearby, so it’s recommended you pick up food and water for your trip. Don’t forget your sunscreen either, as the wind can be quite deceiving, making it feel cooler than it really is.
If you want to find out more about Dublin, check out our itinerary for things to do in Dublin. You can also plan a weekend in Dublin.
Rossbeigh Strand, County Kerry
For those looking for a beach where they can test out their hiking skills, Rossbeigh Strand will not disappoint. A 3-mile strip of sand that pokes into Dingle Bay on the Iveragh Peninsula, it’s a walker’s haven. You’ll have to make sure that the tide is completely out if you want to make it all the way out to the tip. In perfect conditions, you’ll feel like you are only a few steps from touching Inch Strand on the other side of the channel.
It is the perfect place for those that want some peace and solitude, when out at the tip you’ll feel like your only companions are the natural elements. Take your camera to ensure that you remember the view of the mountains, the sea, and the sky from a truly special place. To get to the beach, travel on the N70 around Kerry and take the turn off to the R564 towards Glenbeigh village. Again, remember to stock up on provisions for your trip, as there aren’t many shops close by.
Murder Hole, County Donegal
This beach has an ominous name for a reason, as it’s not recommended for swimming due to strong currents and rip tides. However, it’s certainly one of the best beaches in Ireland for a romantic walk. The beach, which is made up of two sandy crescents that are separated by a rock formation, offers a great place to catch an Atlantic sunset.
The beach is rural and has no road leading to it, so you’ll need to reach it on foot from Melmore. To make sure you don’t get lost, you should ask one of the locals for directions or ensure you have a map to follow. Whilst it is off the beaten track, the effort to reach the beach is certainly well worth it.
Dunmoran Strand, County Sligo
With beautiful countryside surrounding this epic beach, it’s the perfect place to come if you want to enjoy the sea in an unspoilt environment. Boasting golden sands and crystal-clear waters, it’s a great place to take your family when holidaying in Ireland. The waters are safe and shallow and the sand is ideal for playing games. Whilst you relax, your children can explore the rock pools for starfish, crabs, and other marine life.
Further out from the shoreline, it’s also an ideal spot for surfers that are learning their trade, with small waves providing the perfect playground. There are also stunning sand dunes surrounding the beach, providing additional privacy to beachgoers. To get to Dunmoran Strand, take the N59 between Shemagh and Skreen, where you’ll see signposts for the beach.
Whiterocks Beach, County Antrim
An absolute must-visit when you’re looking for beaches in Ireland is Whiterocks Beach. A popular haunt with many locals, it still hasn’t quite taken off as a top tourist attraction yet. Offering a beautiful Blue Flag sandy beach that’s flanked by limestone caves and naturally sculptured rocks, it’s the picture-perfect photo opportunity. A great place for families, surfers, and hikers, this beach has something for everyone.
Beachgoers can enjoy a day soaking up the sun whilst enjoying views of Dunluce Castle, a stately ruin, which stands over the beach. There’s also plenty of wildlife that can be enjoyed at Whiterocks Beach, especially for birdwatchers. If you bring a pair of binoculars with you, there’s a good chance you’ll get to see hawks hunting over the water.
To get to this beautiful beach, you need to drive on the A2 Coast Road, also known as Dunluce Road, where you will see signs leading to the beach. It’s worth noting that the road is narrow and hard to access, so taking a compact car is always a good idea.
Keem Bay, County Mayo
In one of the continent’s most westerly points, you’ll find one of the best beaches in Ireland. A golden sand beach that’s in the shape of a horseshoe, you may recognise it before you even arrive, with it having appeared on many a postcard. The beach is ideal for families, with the water being very welcoming, but it’s also perfect for hikers, with there being a range of cliffs that surround the beach.
Another popular activity that takes place at Keem Bay is scuba diving and snorkelling, with there often being sightings of basking sharks in the bay. You can get to the beach, which is located on Achill Island, by following the R319 Atlantic Drive on the west of the island. If you want a more remote experience on Achill Island, then you can check out Annagh Bay (on the north side), which can only be reached by foot or by boat.
Murlough Beach and Nature Reserve, County Down
A National Trust beach that sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, this is a hiker’s and wildlife lover’s dream. A wild, raw, and rugged beach that’s dune backed, it’s the perfect place for a long winter stroll. Add to that a range of additional footpaths behind the beach and you’ll be able to explore for hours on end. Consisting of sand, you’ll also find kids love it during the warmer months, as it’s ideal for beach games.
Due to the often windy conditions, silhouettes of kite surfers are not uncommon. You’ll find an abundance of wildlife on the shore and the surrounding areas, with seals often coming to the beach with their pups. You can drive to this beach on the A2, with it being located halfway between Newcastle and Clough. Upon arrival, you can use the National Trust car park, from which the beach is only a short walk.
Kinnagoe Bay, County Donegal
Last but certainly not least on our list of best beaches in Ireland is Kinnagoe Bay. This sandy beach is surrounded by green hills and rugged rock formations. A great place to visit if you want peace and tranquillity, it’s the perfect beach to get away from it all. A romantic spot to share a special moment with a loved one, you can watch the waves crash against the rocks and listen to the rhythm of the tide.
History lovers will be fascinated by the plaque that commemorates the Spanish Armada ship La Trinidad Valencera, which was shipwrecked in the 16th century. You can get to the beach by following the R238, where you’ll see signs once you’re close to Gleneely. To get to the parking area, you must follow a small hairpin road, so it’s recommended to drive a car that is compact.
