Ireland’s spectacular beaches

The Wild Atlantic Way boasts more than 63 Blue Flag beaches along its 2,500km of coastline. You’ll find every kind of beach here, from the golden sands and crystal clear waters of balmy Fintra, just outside Killybegs in County Donegal, to the beautiful island-promontory of Inchydoney, which juts out into Clonakilty Bay in County Cork.

There is an incredible array of beaches on the north coast, too, with Antrim and Down boasting knock-out spots such as White Park Bay, Whiterocks, Downhill and Portstewart.

And while the east coast is famed for its long beautiful strands such as Curracloe in County Wexford and Brittas Bay in County Wicklow, it’s also the place to go if you’re looking for a quiet cove, such as the tiny Newtown in County Waterford, a favourite of sea swimmers.

If you’re looking to get away from it all, then head for a beach on one of Ireland’s offshore islands – think pale sands, turquoise waters and endless skies. Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands in County Galway boasts a gorgeous beach just by the harbour and is the perfect place to enjoy the long summer nights.

Trá Bán on the Blasket Islands, County Kerry, is home to Ireland’s largest seal colony and while it’s not advised to walk along it (in case you disturb the seals), it’s a special experience to sit above it listening to the mournful bellow of the inhabitants below. And the sheltered beach at Church Bay on Rathlin Island, County Antrim, is a charming little spot, named after St Thomas’s Church north of the harbour.