From sweeping strands to hidden coves, the island of Ireland has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Many of the most well-known beauties can be found on the 2,500km Wild Atlantic Way, the longest defined coastal route in the world. However there are more along the Northern Causeway Coast and on Ireland’s Ancient East.
Here are 9 of our top picks for year-round visits…
Barley Cove, Cork
Few people in Ireland realise the beautiful sand dunes of Barley Cove, on the Wild Atlantic Way, were created by a tsunami in the 1700s. On November 1, 1755, an earthquake was recorded in Lisbon, Portugal, and the resulting tsunami was felt on the Irish coast along the Mizen Peninsula in west Cork.
Today this Blue Flag beach is accessed by a fun floating bridge from the car park, leapfrogging the delicate dune’s eco-system which are great places for wildlife watching. Play in the surf of the main beach or at the sheltered river-like system that flows in the Atlantic.
Après beach: Visit Mizen Head Signal Station on the southernmost tip of the peninsula. Enjoy eating al fresco at Heron’s Cove in Goleen.
Dog's Bay, Galway
Après beach: Visit O’Dowd’s in Roundstone for a bowl of delicious local chowder.
Curracloe, Wexford
Remember the harrowing 20-minute sequence of the D-Day landings in the movie Saving Private Ryan? It was shot, not in northern France, but at Ballinesker Beach, Curracloe Strand. In real-life, this is a stunning a long stretch of Blue Flag beach with dunes. It is known for its rich shellfish and bird life. In 2019, it was voted Ireland’s Favourite Beach by readers.
For added points in a table quiz, the extras in the movie along the beach were members of the Irish Defence Forces.
Après beach: Keep an eye out for oysters, mussels, scallops, cockles and starfish and then head north Gorey for fresh seafood at The Bistro restaurant.
Inch Beach, Kerry
David Lean chose Inch beach for filming Ryan’s Daughter and the 1962 film of Playboy of the Western World was entirely shot here. But it’s not only filmmakers that appreciate its beauty – so too do Kerry locals from the Dingle Peninsula on the Wild Atlantic Way. It is a gorgeously long stretch of gently sloping sand and sand dunes jutting out into the Atlantic.
Après beach: Down a plate of oysters at Sammy’s overlooking Inch beach or let us arrange a carefree canter along Inch’s counterpart, Rossbeigh Strand, on the Iveragh Peninsula, on horseback.
Brittas Bay, Wicklow
A 5km stretch of powdery sand and sand dunes, Brittas Bay is a highlight of the east coast all year long. Less than an hour from the capital city, many a Dubliner has fond childhood memories of this Blue Flag beach. It’s sandy beach and shallow water makes it ideal for family swimming.
This is where Wicklow members of our team (two-legged and four-legged) dip all-year-round. They promise it’s never that cold!
Après beach: Visit nearby Hunter’s Hotel for a historical afternoon tea in the beautiful gardens. You can even find the chair where Charles Stewart Parnell used to rest his pistol when he regularly stopped by.
Rossnowlagh, Donegal
Facing westward into the Atlantic ocean, Rossnowlagh Beach is a favourite with surfers – it has seen waves up to 7m high. It’s a great place for beginners to get used to a board (we recommend Fin McCool Surf School) but it’s also popular with families who are enjoying picnics, walkers and swimmers.
Après beach: Walk uphill to Smuggler’s Inn for a platter of seafood as you look over the strand.
Portstewart, Derry
Ever since Victorian times, Portstewart has been a seaside resort as holiday makers frequented the 3km of sandy beach. Nowadays, the Blue Flag beach on the Northern Causeway Coast is still a favourite. It is the perfect place to spend lazy summer days and take long walks into the sand dunes, which are a haven for wild flowers and birds.
Après beach: Go no further than Harry’s Shack on the beach to fuel up before swaying across the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge.
Keem Bay, Mayo
Keem beach has sheer drop-dead beauty. Scraped out of the cliffs of Benmore to the west and Croaghaun on the east, it is a Blue Flag tiny piece of paradise that was once a basking shark fishery. If you’re lucky, you might still see some of the harmless creatures off-shore.
Après beach: Explore Achill’s mountains and sea cliffs with expert guides at Achill Surf. Visit Pure Magic Lodge for pizza.
Inchdoney, Cork
Big and beautiful, Inchydoney Island beach is a firm favourite for walkers, swimmers and surfers.Sheltered by land on three sides, it has views out over Clonakilty Bay to the south and here you can walk the sandy shore and watch the long rollers come in from the Atlantic. You’ll find the crystal clear waters just beyond the road from Cork to Clonakilty, proudly flying its Blue Flag.
Après beach: This is the heart of west Cork foodie country so the offerings are bountiful For something a little different, take a spin to another beach called Dunworley to sample the delights of chef Caitlin Ruth’s food truck.
Inchavore, Lough Dan, Wicklow
Après beach: Head to the Roundwood Inn for a pint of Guinness and a toasted sandwich.
