My Ireland
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Ireland’s spectacular beaches
Whether you want to enjoy the wild drama of an Atlantic beach in winter, or you fancy settling down in a quiet cove on a warm summer’s day… Ireland’s beaches deliver
There’s something about an Irish beach that seems to reach into your soul. Whether you’re wandering the sands of a sheltered cove in County Waterford, or braving the wind-whipped Atlantic strands, you’ll quickly discover that beaches on the island of Ireland offer something special.
Maybe it’s that feeling of being on the edge. After all, as an island we are deeply connected to the sea – it’s in our DNA. Maybe it’s about the epic beauty of our beaches – some of which seem to stretch on for miles – or maybe it’s the sculptural drama of craggy sea arches, jagged rocks and secret coves, which have been carved into the landscape by the crash of Atlantic waves. Whatever gives our beaches their special something, don’t be surprised if you find yourself so beguiled that you stay there for hours.
A beach holiday may be more synonymous with the golden shores of Europe...but Ireland's rugged coastline is actually home to some of the best beaches in the world.
CN Traveller
Curracloe Beach, County Wexford
Nine gorgeous beaches in Ireland
Escape to the seaside with these nine beautiful 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.
Keem Strand, County Mayo
Keem Strand, County Mayo
A secluded paradise that lies at the heart of the horseshoe-shaped Keem Bay.
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.
Culdaff Beach, County Donegal
5 unique beaches
This Blue Flag beach boasts a lovely location and calm clear waters, but look a little closer and you’ll discover the sand is actually not sand at all, but tiny, pinkish, dried algae, which looks like coral.
A gem of a beach on the Inishowen Peninsula, this is actually two beaches in one – the Small Beach tends to be busiest but the Big Beach is perfect for long walks.
You might get some debate over which is the longest beach on the island of Ireland, but Fermoyle is definitely a contender at 14km long!
Like the sound of a vast beach overlooked by a 18th century temple? Then this is the beach for you!
Murlough Beach is part of a nature reserve and is backed by a 6,000-year-old sand dune system.
