We all have our favourite beach around this beautiful island of ours, but these ones are the most popular among tourists and locals alike
Summer, autumn, winter, spring – there’s never really a bad time to go to the beach. Whether you’re an avid sea swimmer or just someone who enjoys a bracing walk on a Sunday afternoon, you will never regret the natural high that comes from breathing in the sea air.
And while we know there are many charming destinations to choose from, there may be even more that we don’t know about, waiting to be discovered on our next staycation.
Here are some to add to your bucket list:
1. Silver Strand Beach – Sherkin Island, Co Cork
A fantastic spot with pristine white sand, Silver Strand on Sherkin Island also offers magnificent views of Cape Clear Island and the Atlantic.
2. Curracloe Beach – Co Wexford
Famous for being the filming location for the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan, Curracloe is a popular spot with tourists thanks to its 10 miles of sandy beach, ideal for walking and picnics.
3. Banna Strand – Co Kerry
One of the most heavenly spots in Ireland, Banna is a Blue Flag Beach known for its swimming, walking, surfing and historical significance during the Easter Rising.
4. Fanore Beach – Co Clare
With views of the Burren as well as the sea, the popular Fanore beach is located just beside the village of the same name and is set against the backdrop of a bare limestone hill.
5. Enniscrone Beach, Co Sligo
A fabulous spot for surfing and walking, Enniscrone beach is a must-visit along the Wild Atlantic Way.
6. Burrow Beach – Co Dublin
Also known as The Hole in the Wall, Burrow Beach is located in Sutton, Co Dublin. The small sandy beach (1.2km) is a great spot for a walk after a long day at the office.
7. Portsalon Beach – Co Donegal
A truly spectacular beach, Portsalon’s Blue Flag beach is located on the Fanad peninsula in north Co Donegal. It’s known for crystal clear waters, sheltered coves and long stretches of beach for running and playing.
8. Barleycove Beach – Co Cork
Located on the Mizen peninsula, just over 20km to the southwest of Schull, Barleycove is a beautiful beach, backed by sand dunes and about two hours from Cork city.
9. Gurteen Bay – Co Galway
Known as one of the finest beaches in Ireland, Gurteen Beach lies just behind Dog’s Bay and is perfect for swimming and collecting sea shells.
10. Streedagh Beach – Co Sligo
This incredible 3-km sandy beach is a great spot for a long walk and is also known for its excellent surfing.
11. Ballymastocker Bay – Co Donegal
Ballymastocker Bay is a beautiful bay with a long sandy beach on the western shore of Lough Swilly.
12. Killiney Beach – Co Dublin
The long, stony beach at Killiney is a great spot for a sunrise walk and swim with cracking views of Bray Head and Dalkey Island.
13. Glassilaun Beach – Co Galway
The breathtaking Glassilaun Beach is located in north Connemara between Renvyle and Killary Bay and is perfect for those looking for a relaxing swim and incredible views.
14. Five Finger Strand – Co Donegal
So called because of the five sea stacks at the north end of the beach which can be clearly seen at low tide, Five Fingers Strand is located on the Inishowen Peninsula in Co Donegal but is not suitable for swimming due to dangerous undercurrents and rip tides.
15. Dunmoran Strand – Co Sligo
This beach is a rare gem as it is quite secluded in a rural area but is also linked to a hiking trail that leads along the beach and all the way to Aughris Head.
