The following list highlights some of the best beaches in Ireland. So if you are in Ireland, I recommend visiting the following:
The Best Beaches in Connacht
Strandhill Beach, Sligo
Address – Strandhill Beach, Sligo, Ireland
Google Maps Link – 54°16’16.9″N 8°36’36.1″W
Strandhill Beach is located in Sligo, in Northwest Ireland and Lakelands. Both sandy and pebbled, this dog-friendly beach is a favorite among surfers. With surf schools and shops, you can get your first surfing lessons here. There are many options to dine in the area; restaurants, cafes, bars and an ice cream parlour. The beach tends to get crowded on weekends, but other than that, even the busiest days are not overly crowded.
Keem Bay, County Mayo
Address – Keem Bay, County Mayo, Ireland
Google Maps Link – 53°58’03.3″N 10°11’36.1″W
Keem Bay is located in County Mayo, in West Ireland. This picturesque beach, with its fine, white sand, offers some of the most beautiful views, with verdant hills and cliffs surrounding it. The beach is fairly small, its blue waters are warm enough for swimming and perfectly clear for snorkelling. You can find rock pools around, where kids can safely swim. There are no facilities on the beach, so it is always empty, only getting crowded during summer, especially on weekends.
Ross Beach, Killala
Address – Ross Beach, Irish Coast Guard, Quay Rd, Ross, Killala, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Google maps link – 54°13’55.7″N 9°11’55.0″W
Ross Beach is located in Killala, on the northern coast of County Mayo, West Ireland. Standing just where a river flows into the ocean, this lovely beach is both sandy and rocky, and a great place for dog-walking. The water is rather cold but great to go for a swim; there are lifeguards on duty during the summer, and designated areas where it’s safe for swimming. There are no restaurants at the beach, but you can find a few benches to have a picnic. It never gets busy or crowded, and the atmosphere is always quiet and serene.
Silverstrand Beach, Galway
Address – Silverstrand Beach, Unnamed Rd,, Co. Galway, Ireland
Google maps link – 53°15’04.2″N 9°07’33.7″W
Silverstrand Beach is located in Galway, on the southern coast of County Galway, West Ireland. This serene and lovely beach is surrounded by steep cliffs and verdant fields, offering stunning scenery and warm weather for sunbathing and relaxing. The water is safe for swimming, covering almost the entire coast during high tide, and retreating back to allow space for jogging or dog-walking during low tide. On windy days, there is a chance to practice kitesurfing in Silverstrand Beach. Keep in mind that this is a popular spot among locals, and can be busy during weekend afternoons.
The Best Beaches in Leinster
Duncannon Beach, Wexford
Address – Duncannon Beach, Beach View, Duncannon, Co. Wexford, Ireland
Google maps link – 52°13’12.1″N 6°55’56.9″W
Duncannon Beach is located in the Duncannon village, on the southern coast of County Wexford, in Southeast Ireland. Extensive and picturesque, Duncannon Beach is a great option for a nice family outing, and to hang out with friends. The water is calm and safe for everyone to swim; however, to the right end of the beach, where the Duncannon Fort stands, the currents tend to be strong. You can find restaurants, stores and accommodation around the area, with great facilities and friendly staff. Even during the busiest weekends, the beach is long enough to allow space for everyone, and it never feels crowded.
Dollymount Strand, Dublin
Address – Dollymount Strand, Clontarf, Dublin, Ireland
Google maps link – 53°21’40.7″N 6°09’16.3″W
Dollymount Strand is located on the eastern coast of Bull Island, County Dublin, in the East Coast and Midlands region of Ireland. This narrow strip of golden sand is a lovely spot for dog-walking, sunbathing, relaxing and admiring an unforgettable view. The water is shallow and safe even for dogs to swim, and there are lifeguards on duty. It can be busy on weekends, especially during the afternoon; however, the beach is long and extensive, and it never gets crowded. There is a small cafe to western side of the beach, and you can bring your own food to have a picnic in the sand.
Sandymount Beach, Dublin
Address – Sandymount Beach, Strand Rd, Dublin, Ireland
Google maps link – 53°19’24.6″N 6°12’21.5″W
Sandymount Beach is located in Dublin, in the East Coast and Midlands region of Ireland. This extensive, flat and picturesque beach is a wonderful spot for walking or jogging, with stunning sunrise views and a serene atmosphere. The water tends to come in and out a few times during the day. At low tide, there are small puddles safe for children to play, and the beach is perfect for dog-walking; when the calm water comes back, taking a relaxing bath is a must. You can find a few cafes and ice cream shops nearby, with green areas and parks for picnics. It never gets busy or crowded, the extensive stretch of sand allowing space for everyone.
Bettystown Beach, Meath
Address – Bettystown Beach, Beach View, Coast Rd, Betaghstown, Bettystown, Co. Meath, Ireland
Google maps link – 53°42’04.2″N 6°14’38.4″W
Bettystown Beach is located in Bettystown, a small village in County Meath, in the East Coast and Midlands region of Ireland. This lovely beach offers a long and extensive stretch of golden sand, with stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere to relax and disconnect. The water is shallow and safe for everyone to swim, perfect for children and dogs to play; during low tide, the extensive sandy coast is a great spot to walk and run. There are a few restaurants, cafes and stores in the area, and green areas for picnics. It is usually quiet and empty, but tends to be busy during weekend afternoons.
The Best Beaches in Munster
Inchydoney Beach, Clonakilty
Address – Inchydoney Beach, Clonakilty, Ireland
Google Maps Link – 51°35’47.4″N 8°51’57.6″W
Inchydoney Beach is located in Clonakilty, in Southwest Ireland. This stretch of fine sand, with its stunning views and quiet atmosphere, is a great spot to relax and disconnect. Due to the rather strong wind, the waves can be big and perfect for surfing; head to the surf school on the beach to get your first lessons! The currents can also be strong so be careful when swimming and don’t get too far from the shore. It can get crowded on weekends, but otherwise you can enjoy a quiet and empty beach. There is a restaurant, food trucks in the area, and a resort with spa facilities nearby.
Rossbeigh Strand, Kerry
Address – Rossbeigh Strand, Co. Kerry, Ireland
Google maps link – 52°04’01.2″N 9°58’26.2″W
Rossbeigh Strand is located in Rossbeigh, in County Kerry, Southwest Ireland. This unspoiled beach is both sandy and pebbly, and with its mountainous backdrop and grassy fields, it gives off some of the most beautiful views in Ireland. The waves are calm and the water is shallow, making it a safe spot for swimming; dogs are allowed here, and there are horseback rides available. You can find a few restaurants and accommodation before arriving at the beach; once you reach Rossbeigh Strand, there is a children’s playground, a soccer/basketball court, and a tennis court. Even during the busiest days, the beach is extensive and allows space for everyone, so it never gets crowded.
Tramore Beach, Waterford
Address – Tramore Beach, Tramore West, Tramore, Co. Waterford, Ireland
Google maps link – 52°09’31.5″N 7°08’35.8″W
Tramore Beach is located in Tramore, a town in County Waterford, Southeast Ireland. This long stretch of golden sand is a great option to hang out with friends, and for a nice family outing. The water has a gentle slope and small waves, safe for swimming and great for surfing beginners; you can find a surf school in the area where you can get your first lessons. Besides, there is a mini golf court and an amusement park in the area. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes, stores and accommodation nearby, offering a wide range of options to eat and stay. Even though Tramore Beach is popular among locals and tourists alike, the coast is extensive and it never gets overly busy or crowded.
Lahinch Beach, Clare
Address – Lahinch Beach, Ennistymon Rd, Dough, Lahinch, Co. Clare, Ireland
Google maps link – 52°56’12.2″N 9°21’12.0″W
Lahinch Beach is located in Lahinch, a small town in County Clare, in the Shannow Region of Ireland. This popular beach offers a long stretch of sand and rocks, with a mountainous backdrop and dramatic views. The water is shallow with strong waves perfect for surfing; there are surf shops in the area, where you can get equipment and surf lessons. You can find many restaurants, cafes, bars, stores and accommodation around the town, just a short walk away from the coast. Keep in mind that this is a popular spot among locals and surfers, and it can be busy during the weekends, especially on the afternoon.
The Best Beaches in Ulster
Dooey Beach, Donegal
Address – Dooey Beach, Donegal, ireland
Google maps link – 54°52’28.4″N 8°23’02.7″W
Dooey Beach is located in Donegal, in Northwest Ireland and Lakelands. White sand, dark rocks, grassy fields and horses walking around; Dooey Beach is all about unforgettable views. With fast wind and great waves, the beach is mostly visited by surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers; otherwise, it is never crowded. Its relaxing atmosphere and quietness makes it a perfect spot to disconnect from the busy city life. Bring your own food for a picnic if you plan on staying for long.
Murlough Beach, County Down
Address – Murlough Beach, County Down, Ireland
Google Maps Link – 54°14’28.2″N 5°49’53.9″W
Murlough Beach is located in Country Down, on the western coast of Northern Ireland. A dog-friendly beach , with soft sand and shallow waters, perfectly quiet and peaceful for relaxing and taking long walks. There’s a short hike you have to take to arrive at the beach, and during low tide, you can walk miles into the sea. There are no facilities, which is why Murlough Beach has such a quiet atmosphere; keep this in mind and bring everything you might need, beach supplies and food.
Murder Hole Beach, Donegal
Address – Murder Hole Beach, Donegal, ireland
Google maps link – 55°14’45.2″N 7°47’18.8″W
Murder Hole Beach is located in Donegal, in Northwest Ireland and Lakelands. With beautiful golden sand, scattered with rocks and surrounded by verdant hills and cliffs, the scenic views Murder Hole Beach offers are unforgettable. The walk to arrive at the beach is an experience on its own, and on the way you can spot cows and sheep in the fields; keep your distance and be careful! You can climb the rocks and explore the different coves around, but there are no facilities. Avoid bringing your dog with you, the land owners are strict about now allowing them in.
Tyrella Beach, Downpatrick
Address – Tyrella Beach, Downpatrick BT30 8SU, Ireland
Google maps link – 54°15’06.3″N 5°44’53.9″W
Tyrella Beach is located in Tyrella, in County Down, Northern Ireland. A long and wide stretch of white sand, backdropped by sand dunes, perfect for walking, jogging, and relaxing under the sun. The water is shallow with a gentle slope, there are lifeguards on duty, and the calm waves make it safe for everyone to swim, even dogs! There are no places to eat at the beach; make sure you bring your own food, and have a picnic on the sand. This spot is mostly frequented by local families, and it never gets busy or crowded, the serene atmosphere remaining all year long.