Beaches in Ireland: Seashells, Sunshine & Scenic Spots

Beaches in Ireland blend wild beauty with practical amenities, making them perfect stops on any Irish road trip. For travelers exploring the Emerald Isle, these coastal gems provide a refreshing contrast to the busy cities of Dublin and Belfast.

Let’s explore the finest beaches in Ireland, from remote coves accessible only on foot to family-friendly stretches with nearby restaurants and shops.

1. Keem Strand, County Mayo

Nestled within a sheltered horseshoe bay on Achill Island, Keem Strand offers powder-white sand against steep green cliffs. This Blue Flag beach has crystal-clear emerald waters that fade into deeper Atlantic blue. The drive to reach it includes some of Ireland’s most scenic routes, winding along cliff edges with panoramic ocean views.

• Address: Keem Strand, Achill Island, County Mayo

• Timings: Open all year; lifeguards patrol daily from June through August (11 am-7 pm)

• How to reach: Drive 90 minutes from Westport via the R319; take bus connections from Castlebar to Achill Sound, then a local taxi to Keem

• Things to do: Swimming, snorkeling, hiking the nearby cliffs, photography, picnicking

• Best time to visit: June through September for the warmest water temperatures

• Places to stay: Ferndale Luxury Bed and Breakfast, Achill Cliff House Hotel & Restaurant, Bridget’s View B&B

• Places to eat:Hester’s Golden Eagle Bar and Restaurant, The Wooden Spoon Restaurant

2. Inch Beach, County Kerry

Stretching for 5 kilometers along the Dingle Peninsula, Inch Beach features a vast expanse of golden sand where the mountains meet the sea. The constant Atlantic breeze makes it popular with surfers. Among the best beaches to visit in Ireland, Inch offers a unique microclimate that fosters rare flora, including sea holly and orchids.

• Address: Inch, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry

• Timings: Open 24/7; surfing schools operate April through October (9 am-6 pm)

• How to reach: 40-minute drive from Tralee via the N86; seasonal shuttle buses run from Dingle town (June-August)

• Things to do: Surf lessons for beginners, horseback riding along the shore, kite flying, birdwatching

• Best time to visit: July and August offer the warmest water temperatures

• Places to stay: Inch Beach Bed and Breakfast, Inspiration Lodge, The Old Anchor Inn Bed & Breakfast

• Places to eat:The Fish Box, The Stonehouse Restaurant

3. Murder Hole Beach, County Donegal

Despite its ominous name (derived from historical smuggling tales), Murder Hole Beach offers a secluded paradise of golden sand flanked by jagged cliffs. Located on Donegal’s Rosguill Peninsula, this hidden cove requires effort to reach, which keeps crowds at bay.

• Address: Rosguill Peninsula, County Donegal

• Timings: Accessible only 2 hours before and after low tide (check local tide charts)

• How to reach: 15-minute walk across private farmland from the car park near Downings; no public transport available

• Things to do: Exploring tide pools, landscape photography, beach combing

• Best time to visit: May through September offers the safest access and better weather

• Places to stay:Fisherman’s Village, Downings Bay Hotel, Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort

• Places to eat:The Narrow Quarter Bistro & Coffeehouse, Cove Restaurant

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4. Coumeenoole Bay, County Kerry

This windswept cove along the scenic Slea Head Drive captures the raw, wild beauty of Ireland’s Atlantic coast. The beach offers dramatic landscapes rather than sunbathing opportunities, making it perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

• Address: Slea Head Drive, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry

• Timings: Open from sunrise to sunset; no facilities or lifeguards

• How to reach: 45-minute drive from Dingle town; bicycle routes available for active travelers

• Things to do: Cliff hiking, wildlife spotting, wave watching

• Best time to visit: April through October offers the clearest skies and most reliable weather

• Places to stay:Old Irish Farmhouse, Dunquin House Bed and Breakfast, Gleann Loic Farmhouse

• Places to eat:Páidí Ó Sé’s Pub, Ceann Sibeal Hotel

5. Portmarnock Beach, County Dublin

Just 16 kilometers from Dublin city center, Portmarnock’s 11-kilometer stretch of sandy shoreline offers an accessible escape from urban life. Known locally as “The Velvet Strand,” this Blue Flag beach features gentle waves and consistent lifeguard coverage during summer, making it ideal for families with children.

• Address: Portmarnock, County Dublin

• Timings: Beach access 24/7; lifeguards patrol 8 am-8 pm (June-August)

• How to reach: 25-minute DART train ride from central Dublin to Portmarnock station; ample parking available

• Things to do: Kitesurfing lessons, beach volleyball, coastal walks to Malahide, swimming

• Best time to visit: May to September offers the best weather

• Places to stay: Marine Hotel, Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf, White Sands Hotel, Portmarnock

• Places to eat:Bay Restaurant, Da Mimmo, Day n Night

6. Tramore Beach, County Waterford

Combining traditional Victorian seaside charm with modern amenities, Tramore Beach stretches for 5 kilometers alongside a vibrant resort town. The southern end features a protected tidal pool perfect for young children, while surf schools cater to older kids and adults.

• Address: Tramore, County Waterford

• Timings: Beach accessible 24/7; promenade amusements operate Easter through September

• How to reach: 15-minute drive from Waterford city; Bus Éireann Route 40 runs regularly

• Things to do: Surf lessons, mini-golf, fossil hunting at low tide, amusement arcades

• Best time to visit: July and August offer full town amenities and the warmest weather.

• Places to stay:O’Shea’s Hotel, The Majestic Hotel, Seacourt Accommodation

• Places to eat:O’Neills Bar, The Sweep Bar, Camile Thai Waterford

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7. Lahinch Beach, County Clare

A paradise for surfers, Lahinch Beach is among the most famous beaches in Ireland for active travelers and sits just 15 minutes from the stunning Cliffs of Moher. The west-facing orientation ensures powerful swells, while numerous surf schools cater to all skill levels.

• Address: Lahinch, County Clare

• Timings: Surf equipment rentals available 9 am-6 pm daily; beach accessible 24/7

• How to reach: 30-minute drive from Ennis; Bus Éireann Route 333 connects from Galway and Limerick

• Things to do: Surf lessons for beginners, coastal golf courses, dolphin watching tours, sea kayaking

• Best time to visit: September through November offers the largest swells for experienced surfers

• Places to stay:Lahinch Coast Hotel, Sancta Maria Hotel, Lahinch Lodge

• Places to eat:Vaughans on the Prom, Vagabond Restaurant, Lahinch, The Edge

8. Rossnowlagh Beach, County Donegal

With three kilometers of firm sand perfect for walking, Rossnowlagh offers gentler waves than many Atlantic beaches. The beach allows car access at specific points, making it convenient for picnics and equipment. With its combination of natural beauty and quality accommodation, Rossnowlagh is among the most accessible romantic beaches in Ireland.

• Address: Rossnowlagh, County Donegal

• Timings: Surf shops and schools operate 8 am-8 pm during the summer months

• How to reach: 40-minute drive from Donegal Town; limited bus services available

• Things to do: Night surfing (July-August only), horseback riding along the shore, sunset photography

• Best time to visit: May and June offer fewer crowds but still pleasant weather

• Places to stay:Boortree Touring Rossnowlagh, The Sandhouse Hotel, Sea Crest B&B Rossnowlagh

• Places to eat:Smugglers Creek Inn, Top Pizza, Mill Park Hotel

9. Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay, County Galway

These twin crescent beaches form a rare geographical feature called a tombolo—a sand spit connecting the mainland to a rocky islet. These beaches regularly appear on lists of best beaches to visit in Ireland for their unusual geography and striking beauty. The adjacent grasslands form a Special Area of Conservation hosting rare orchids and migratory birds.

• Address: Near Roundstone village, County Galway

• Timings: No restrictions; exercise caution during spring tides

• How to reach: 90-minute drive from Galway City; parking available at Roundstone Harbour with a short walk

• Things to do: Snorkeling in clear waters, birdwatching for rare species, guided geology tours

• Best time to visit: April and May for wildflower displays in adjacent conservation areas

• Places to stay:Errisbeg Lodge B&B, Rush Lake House, Island View House B&B

• Places to eat:O’Dowd’s Seafood Bar and Restaurant, Owenmore Restaurant

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10. Sandymount Strand, Dublin

This 5-kilometer tidal flat offers a unique urban beach experience within Dublin’s city limits. At low tide, the exposed sandbanks stretch nearly a kilometer out to sea, creating a vast playground for joggers, dog walkers, and kite flyers. The Poolbeg Lighthouse provides a picturesque endpoint for strolls.

• Address: Sandymount, Dublin 4

• Timings: Accessible 24/7, but avoid 2 hours before and after high tide when water covers the entire beach

• How to reach: 15-minute DART train ride from Connolly Station to Sandymount

• Things to do: Morning yoga classes on the sand, kite flying in consistent breezes, birdwatching

• Best time to visit: Winter months for spectacular bird migrations, including Brent geese

• Places to stay: Aberdeen Lodge, Broc House Suites, InterContinental Dublin by IHG

• Places to eat:Ristorante di Napoli, F.X. Buckley Steakhouse Pembroke Street, Kennedy’s Pub & Restaurant

11. Banna Beach, County Kerry

This 7-kilometer Blue Flag beach north of Tralee offers expansive golden sands perfect for long walks. The beach provides ample space for family picnics and beach games, while the nearby dunes reach heights of 12 meters, creating a natural wind barrier. Banna Beach holds historical significance as the landing site of Roger Casement during the 1916 Easter Rising.

• Address: Banna Strand, County Kerry

• Timings: Open all day with lifeguards on duty June through August (11 am-7 pm)

• How to reach: Located 7 miles north of Tralee; local buses run hourly during summer

• Things to do: Surfing lessons for beginners, kite surfing in consistent winds, dune hiking

• Best time to visit: Summer months for the warmest swimming conditions

• Places to stay:River Island Hotel, Trident Holiday Homes, Castlemaine House

• Places to eat:Kate Browne’s Restaurant & Bar, The Oyster Tavern Tralee Co.Kerry, The Tankard Bar and Restaurant

12. Curracloe Beach, County Wexford

Famous worldwide as the filming location for the opening scenes of “Saving Private Ryan,” Curracloe features 11 kilometers of soft golden sand backed by natural dunes and pine forests. Curracloe consistently ranks among the cleanest beaches in Ireland with excellent water quality monitoring.

• Address: Curracloe, County Wexford

• Timings: Open all day with lifeguards present June through August

• How to reach: 8 kilometers from Wexford Town; limited bus service in summer

• Things to do: Swimming in safe waters, walking through the adjacent Raven Nature Reserve, camping at nearby sites

• Best time to visit: June through August for the warmest conditions

• Places to stay:Hotel Curracloe, Ravenport Resort, Maple Lodge

• Places to eat:Da Paolo, The Holy Grail, Wexford

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13. Bunmahon Beach, County Waterford

Part of the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, Bunmahon Beach combines golden sands with fascinating geological features. The beach sits midway along the scenic Copper Coast driving route, making it a perfect stop on a road trip through County Waterford.

• Address: Bunmahon, County Waterford

• Timings: Open all day; no lifeguard service

• How to reach: Located off the R675 coastal road; accessible only by car

• Things to do: Exploring cliff walks, visiting the Copper Coast Geopark Centre, and family playground activities

• Best time to visit: Summer months for pleasant temperatures

• Places to stay:The Haven Hotel, Brandon House Hotel & Solas Croí Spa

• Places to eat:Engine House, The Carraig Restaurant

14. Portsalon Beach, County Donegal

Also known as Ballymastocker Bay, this Blue Flag beach has been voted one of the world’s most beautiful by international travel magazines. The golden crescent offers spectacular views across Lough Swilly to the Inishowen Peninsula, with shallow waters perfect for safer swimming.

• Address: Killavee, Co. Donegal, Ireland

• Timings: Open all day; no regular lifeguard service

• How to reach: Accessible by car from Letterkenny (40 minutes) via the Fanad Peninsula

• Things to do: Swimming in sheltered waters, walking along the full 2km stretch, kayaking, scenic drives

• Best time to visit: May through September for the best weather conditions

• Places to stay:Knockalla Caravan & Camping Park, Duntinney House

• Places to eat:Ripples Restaurant, The Waters Edge Restaurant

15. Brittas Bay, County Wicklow

Just an hour south of Dublin, Brittas Bay offers 5 kilometers of soft sand and dunes designated as a Special Area of Conservation. The beach provides a popular weekend escape for Dubliners seeking natural beauty close to the capital. Like most public beaches in Ireland, parking fees (around €4) represent the only cost.

• Address: Brittas Bay, County Wicklow

• Timings: Open all day; lifeguards patrol June through August (11 am-7 pm)

• How to reach: One hour drive south from Dublin via the N11; limited bus service available

• Things to do: Swimming in relatively calm waters, walking through protected dune ecosystems, and picnicking

• Best time to visit: May through September for the warmest conditions

• Places to stay:Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge, Arklow Bay Hotel

• Places to eat:Hunter’s Hotel, Jack White’s Inn

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FAQs

1. Are there any private beaches in Ireland?

Beaches in Ireland are publicly owned—the foreshore between high and low tide belongs to the state and must remain accessible. Some stretches can only be reached by crossing private land, so you may need permission to access the path.

2. Which are the most family‑friendly beaches in Ireland?

Portmarnock (Dublin), Tramore (Waterford), Curracloe (Wexford) and Lahinch (Clare) are top picks. They offer gentle swimming conditions, lifeguards in summer, nearby restrooms, and food options. All have easy parking and usually have a lifeguard on duty during peak season.

3. When is the best time to visit the beaches in Ireland?

Late May through early September brings the warmest weather (air 15–20 °C) and sea temperatures up to 16 °C. July and August are the sunniest—and busiest—months. If you’re used to warmer waters, a wetsuit is often more comfortable even in midsummer.

4. Which beaches in Ireland are best for surfing?

Lahinch (Clare) and Inch (Kerry) offer powerful swells for experienced surfers, while Rossnowlagh (Donegal) has gentler breaks perfect for beginners. Tramore (Waterford) also provides consistent waves year‑round. Most surf schools rent boards and teach lessons for about €30–60 per session.

5. Are there any luxury accommodations near beaches in Ireland?

Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links (Dublin), The Sandhouse Hotel (Rossnowlagh) and The Europe Hotel (Killarney) are standout options. Rooms typically start around ₹15,000–25,000 per night in summer. Each features ocean views, spa facilities and fine‑dining restaurants.

6. Which beaches in Ireland are most accessible from Dublin?

Portmarnock and Sandymount Strand are under 30 minutes away by train or bus. Brittas Bay is about an hour’s drive, and Curracloe roughly two. Eastern‑coast shores tend to be calmer than those on the west.

7. Which are the most romantic beaches in Ireland for couples?

The most romantic beaches in Ireland for couples include Keem Strand (Mayo) for its secluded horseshoe bay, Murder Hole Beach (Donegal) for dramatic scenery and solitude, and Dog’s Bay (Galway) for Caribbean-like white sands.