8 of the Best Irish Beaches

From secluded coves to sweeping strands, here we highlight 8 of the best Irish beaches that you might like to explore and enjoy this Easter.

1. DOG’S BAY

Connemara

Just a short drive from Roundstone village lies Dog’s Bay, one of the most spectacularly beautiful beaches in the world. Dog’s Bay is a horseshoe-shaped bay with more than a mile-long stretch of white sandy beach. It backs onto Gurteen Bay, and together they form a tombolo that juts out into the Atlantic ocean. similar to Gurteen Bay, the sand is not comprised of traditional limestone but rather made entirely of fragments of seashells which give it a pure white colour contrasting beautifully with the crystal blue water. The wild headland which stretches out into the Atlantic between the two beaches is an area of great beauty and is a fantastic walk where you will be surrounded by water on three sides. Both beaches are well sheltered from currents and are considered safe for swimming and other water sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing. guidetoconnemara.com

2. DUNMORAN STRAND

Co. Sligo

Dunmoran Strand is surrounded by dunes and lies in a quiet, rural region. a hiking trail leads along the beach and all the way to Aughrim Head, two and a half kilometres away. Rated as a green coast beach, a symbol of excellence that recognises excellent water quality, high environmental standards, good management and community involvement, Dunmore strand is ideal for those wishing to enjoy a beach experience far removed from the intrusions normally associated with the traditional and more urban seaside beaches. This long sweeping stretch of beach offers fantastic views and has a sheltered beach break with quite reliable surf that can be enjoyed all year round. sligotourism.ie

3. WHITEROCKS BEACH

Portrush, Co. Antrim

Situated just off the Causeway Coastal Route, this gem of a Blue Flag beach enjoys a stunning natural location, with limestone cliffs stretching from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle. Whiterocks not only offers a sandy stretch of beach which is perfect for those wanting to enjoy a bracing beach walk that stretches between here and the east strand, but it’s also a magnet for water sports enthusiasts, especially surfers, but bodyboarders and surf kayakers are also regular visitors. The impressive sand dunes also offer lots of fun for kids big and small! discovernorthernireland.com

4. MARBLE HILL

Dunfanaghy, Donegal

Marble Hill beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Donegal. at high tide, it is split into two different sections, with several small yachts and boats moored in the bay during the summer season. Marble Hill is popular with swimmers, surfers, bathers, walkers, sand-castle builders and just about everybody who knows of its existence. Don’t forget to call by The Shack, if you fancy a coffee or ice cream. dunfanaghy.info

 

5. MURLOUGH BEACH & NATURE RESERVE

Newcastle, Co. Down

This four miles long wide flat sandy stretch of Blue Flag beach lies beneath the Mourne Mountains and Slieve croob. Wild and windswept, it’s popular with kitesurfers. Murlough beach is backed by an ancient sand dune system and a large area of the dunes is designated as a National Nature reserve. The Nature reserve is a fragile 6,000-year-old sand dune system. Thanks to a network of paths, this reserve is an excellent area for walking and bird watching due to its spectacular location at the edge of Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains. outdoorni.com

6. BAGINBUN BEACH

Fethard On Sea, Co. Wexford

This lovely secluded and sheltered sandy beach is tucked away on the eastern side of Wexford’s Hook Peninsula. The beach here is protected from the prevailing winds by low cliffs behind and because of this the water in the bay is usually calm making it suitable for swimming and paddleboarding, although care must be taken as there are no lifeguards and very few people around. at the southern end is baginbun Head, upon which stands a 19th century Martello tower. discoverireland.ie

7. STRADBALLY COVE

Stradbally More, Co. Waterford

Almost hidden and well protected between two hills, this beach is set apart because of its unique shape and woodland setting. Surrounded by oak, ash and alder, the deep cove has clear waters and an expanse of golden sand. Part of the copper coast geopark, the beach stretches a good distance from the sea into the interior. if you visit the beach at low tide, you have to walk a fair bit before you can dip your toes into the seawater! on one side of the bay, the river Tay runs gently through the sandy riverbed and flows into the sea. on the opposite side, inland, there is an old lime kiln. coppercoastgeopark.com

8. TRÁ BÁN

Great Blasket Island, Co. Kerry

The exquisitely serene Trá Bán beach is located on great blasket island, just off the coast of County Kerry. an archipelago off the Dingle Peninsula, the fascinating blasket islands have been uninhabited since the 1950s. On Great Blasket (the largest) this half-mile stretch of white sand and turquoise water is the only real beach in the Blaskets. This little slice of seclusion is accessed via a ferry from the mainland (with stops at Dingle, Ventry, and Dún Chaoin) during spring, summer and autumn, and makes for a great day trip when the weather is favourable. So be sure to pack a picnic and soak up the solitude! dingle-peninsula.ie