Best Beaches in Ireland

Enjoy over four miles of beautiful white/beige sand in perfect condition! It truly is paradise to run on the beach, bring your family for an evening swim, or re-connect with old friends.

One of Ireland's most notable beaches, Inchydoney offers a surreal environment: gorgeous golden sand, a beautiful lodge, and a wide range of activities. Pub and spa located near the beach, which has great parking. In the water, common activities include (predominately) surfing and swimming. Ideal for long walks and beautiful views of Ireland!

This beach is a very popular holiday destination. This world renowned beach is seated on the scenic Lough Swilly and boasts sandy beaches and sunlight in the Irish countryside.

Consistently hailed as one of Ireland's most gorgeous beaches (and for good reason), Keem Bay is located at the western edge of Achill Island. Breathtaking golden sand, turquoise water, and steep sea cliffs make Keem a one-of-a-kind destination. Recommended activities include swimming, bathing, and completing the cliff-top exploration. There is a coffee and tea stand at the beach, but besides that, amenities are limited.

Streedagh Beach is located in Grange, Ireland and is approximately 3km long. The sand on the beach is a mix of golden and white.

Killiney Beach, nestled along the coastline of Dublin, Ireland, is a picturesque and inviting destination for beach lovers. This beautiful beach stretches for approximately 500 meters and features fine golden sands, making it an idyllic spot for beachgoers to relax and soak up the sun. The crystal-clear waters of the Irish Sea are perfect for swimming and splashing around, providing a refreshing escape on warm days.

Located in the rugged Dingle Peninsula of Ireland, Coumeenole Beach is a picturesque and secluded beach that offers a peaceful escape. The beach is about 1.5 km long and features golden sand with occasional rock formations.

Rossbeigh Beach is a hidden gem located in the Glenbeigh district of Ireland. It is an expansive, six-kilometer long, sandy beach. It makes up part of the Ring of Kerry, a 179-kilometer long circular tourist route in south-western Ireland that is popular for day trips. During the summer months, the beach is warm enough to visit, but remember to bundle up as the temperature averages around 64 °F. The texture of the sand here is incredibly fine, and Rossbeigh Beach’s status as a Blue Flag beach means that the water is very clean, making it perfect for swimming and surfing. Parking is abundant on the southern end of the beach which also contains tennis courts, a children’s playground, and a small restaurant called the Rosspoint Bar and Restaurant. If you’re tired of the beach and are looking for a commercial area, the village of Glenbeigh is two kilometers away and has a pub, shops, and more restaurant options. Rumours Bistro offers delicious Irish cuisine, with vegan and gluten-free​ options, while Towers Restaurant is a local bar and pub serving delicious Guinness beer.

Located in Clogher West, Ireland, Silver Strand is a stunning beach with a length of approximately 300 meters. The beach is known for its soft white sand that contrasts beautifully with the clear blue water of the Atlantic Ocean.

Murder Hole Beach, located on the secluded Rough Island in Ireland, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This idyllic beach is relatively small, measuring about 200 meters in length, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty. The sand at Murder Hole Beach is a soft and golden color, offering a perfect spot to relax and soak up the sun.

A remote beach with calm quiet waters. There is no lifeguard on duty here so it is not recommended to leave children unattended.

Awarded Blue Flag recognition and marked as a Special Area of Conservation, Barleycove Beach has all of the facilities needed to enjoy your day. The combination of fine beige sand and excellent opportunities for swimming makes this a great place to relax. If you visit this beach, it's strongly recommended to grab a meal at the Beach Bar Restaurant.

Bundoran Beach lays in the seaside town of Bundoran at the southern tip of the county of Donegal. The population of Bundoran is about 2,000 people making the city a charming seaside location, but lacking in some amenities. You will not find luxury hotels in Bundoran, instead, you’ll find many families and individuals who travel from far and wide for the world-renowned surfing at the Tullan Strand. The Tullan Strand lays directly north of the main Bundoran Beach and offers ideal surfing for experienced surfers, however, this beach is not recommended to beginners due to the many rocks and reefs that are potentially dangerous. For visitors who choose to forgo the surfing, they can enjoy the calmly situated Bundoran Beach which has much smaller waves and less dangerous rocks. Bundoran Beach is a Blue Flag beach as of 2018 and is lifeguarded from June until September every year, making it a great spot for families and anyone trying to suntan in a calm setting. While there are no​ shops on the sand, the main street of Bundoran is a short 10-minute walk from the water, and in town, you’ll find many restaurants such as Caroline’s Cafe, Waves Surf Cafe, and La Sabbia Restaurant. The one surf shop in town, the Donegal Adventure Center, offers rentals and lessons. Other attractions in Bundoran are the Bundoran Adventure Park (classic carnival-style rides and food), the Waterworld Bundoran (many slides and a wave pool), and the Stracomer Stables (offers periodic horseback outings). The Bundoran Golf Club is a links-style golf course which is often enjoyed by surfers after a morning on the waves! Bundoran is a secluded yet bustling town on the Atlantic just waiting for you to experience its many attractions!

Golden sand. Four miles long. Beautiful views. Filmed in "Ryan’s Daughter." Great restaurants. All of this perfectly describes Inch Beach, one of the best beaches in Ireland and awarded Blue Flag status. Located on the Dingle Peninsula. Popular spots on the beach include the surfing school and Sammy's Restaurant, which serves fresh oysters. There is a large car park with reserved handicapped spaces, but you can even drive on the beach (just don't get stuck!). Great for families, surfers, photographers, and just about anyone!

Enjoy the rural Irish landscape at Brittas Bay, which was recently awarded Blue Flag status and designated as a Special Area of Conservation! Swim, hike, or play links-style golf. This is the perfect place for those who want to visit a quieter beach and escape the business of Dublin––and see plenty of dune brush. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. RV's are prohibited near the beach, but there are a few caravan parks nearby.

Glanleam Beach, nestled in the picturesque village of Glanleam, Ireland, is a delightful coastal gem that offers a serene and inviting atmosphere. This enchanting beach stretches along the shore for approximately 200 meters, providing a cozy and intimate setting for beachgoers to relax and unwind. The sand at Glanleam Beach features a soft and golden hue, creating a warm and tranquil ambiance.

Dunmoran Beach is located in Dunmoran, Ireland. The beach is approximately 3 kilometers long and features soft golden sand.

An Trá Mór Beach, located in Inverin, Ireland, is a picturesque coastal paradise that stretches along the Atlantic coastline. This beautiful beach boasts a length of approximately 1.5 kilometers and showcases soft, golden sand that glimmers in the sunlight.

Velvet Strand, located in Hoorn Terschelling, Ireland, is a stunning coastal paradise that beckons visitors with its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. This picturesque beach stretches for miles along the shoreline, offering a generous expanse of golden sand for beachgoers to enjoy. The sand at Velvet Strand is soft and velvety, giving the beach its name and creating a pleasant texture for barefoot walks.

This beach is peculiar in that its white sand is comprised not of limestone but seashell fragments. The water is clear and the conditions are perfect for various waterspouts such as windsurfing.

This beach is the location of the wrecked Armada ship La Trinidad Valencera making it a perfect spot for fishing. Plenty of bass, flounder, and dogfish dwell around the ship. In the summer months, this beach becomes a popular destination for sunbathing for locals and fisherman.