10 Best Beaches in Ireland

Keem Beach is nothing short of magnificent. Resting between steep, craggy cliffs, this wide inlet is filled with grassy slopes giving way to a crescent of soft sand. The waters are calm enough for swimming, but you’re more likely to spend your time here admiring the stunning landscape.

The beach is located on the rugged Achill Island. Drive down a long and winding road through fields of grazing sheep to land at this tranquil escape. After your time at the beach, take a walk along the Croaghaun Cliffs, the highest sea cliffs in all of Ireland.

The beaches at Bundoran cater to swimmers and surfers alike. There are 2 to choose from: the main beach located at the edge of town and the Tullan Strand to the north. A true seaside resort town, Bundoran’s main beach has a long stretch of shoreline and tonnes of amenities. The Adventure Park is great for the family, with classic rides and carnival games for all ages.

The Tullan Strand is only a mile away and offers a radically different experience. The beach is wide and wild, mostly used by surfers and long-walkers. It’s well known for its consistent surf, although beginners should still exercise caution around the rocks and reefs.

One of several beaches along the windy coast of Northern Ireland, Whiterocks sets itself apart with spectacular scenery. Centuries of sculpting by the sea has carved the limestone cliffs into unique, curving formations fringed with mossy green. A walk along the turquoise water’s edge is just what the doctor ordered to clear the mind.

Looking up from the beach, you’ll spot the remnants of a clifftop fortification. This is what remains of Dunluce Castle, the one-time headquarters of the MacDonnell clan. Tours of the well-preserved site give a taste of local mythology and excellent views of the rocky coast.

It comes as no surprise that some of the country’s best beaches are found in breathtaking Connemara. Dog’s Bay – and its twin, Gurteen Beach – are havens of white sand and clear waters. The soft sands are formed from crushed seashells rather than limestone, which gives them their almost luminous white hue.

The 2 beaches are separated by a narrow tombolo where wildflowers bloom and cattle graze. Both are generally safe for swimming, but swim at your own risk, as there are no lifeguards here. To see this unique spot from another vantage point, rent a kayak and paddle along the coast.

If Curracloe Beach looks familiar to you, that might be because you’ve seen it before – on the silver screen. This classic Irish landscape was featured in Irish American romantic drama Brooklyn and as a stand-in for the beaches at Normandy in Saving Private Ryan. Hilly dunes rise along 7 miles of sand: an idyllic place for a seaside stroll.

Despite its fame and popularity, Curracloe still has a wild feel. The Raven Nature Reserve may deserve credit for that. The reserve protects miles of forest bordering the beach and is interwoven with several peaceful walking paths.

A treasure of the National Trust, the Portstewart Strand is a long, sandy beach on the coast of Northern Ireland. Ideal for a laid-back picnic by the sea, you can park your car right on the beach and stretch out on the golden sand. Notably, Portstewart is an Inclusive Beach, providing extensive facilities to disabled visitors.

The area is home to 6,000-year-old sand dunes, declared an Area of Special Scientific Interest for their biodiversity. Explore the dunes to see wild pansies and a variety of orchids swaying in the breeze. Looking out into the ocean, you may even spot visiting seals, porpoises, or dolphins.

If what your heart desires is a deserted stretch of coastline all to yourself, the Dunmoran Strand is for you. Backed by grassy dunes and peppered with rock pools, the appeal of this beach is in its wildness. You won’t find amenities or ice cream stands here.

Take a long walk by yourself or bring the family and hunt for crabs and starfish in the rock pools. Surfers will be glad to know there is a sheltered beach break where you can ride the waves with plenty of space.

The Murlough Nature Reserve is a nature lover’s dream. Ireland’s first reserve, the dunes here are the healthiest and most biodiverse in the country. This heathland ecosystem allows lichens, wildflowers, and over 600 species of moths and butterflies to flourish. It’s great for birdwatching, too. Wandering the network of paths and boardwalks through the dunes, you may happen upon grazing wild ponies or even the UK’s smallest rodent, the pygmy shrew.

At the south end of the reserve is beautiful Murlough Beach. This beach is best for walking, with a mix of sand and pebbles along its shore and the magical Mourne Mountains serving as a grand backdrop.

Just outside of Dublin, Killiney Strand is a long, stony beach with stunning views of the wide Killiney Bay. The beach is a lively spot, filled with Dubliners swimming and strolling seaside. Explore the Strand from end to end or sit back and enjoy the view of Dalkey Island and Bray Head.

After the beach, take the easy hike to the top of Killiney Hill. The summit offers impressive views of the curving coastline and the endless blue of the Irish Sea.

At Coumeenole Beach, it’s all about the drama of the landscape. A small slice of beach at the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, jagged cliffs, and thunderous surf make this place something to behold. It’s recommended to visit at low tide because at high tide the sea swallows the sand almost entirely. While you may see a few surfers braving the currents, be aware that swimming here is not advised.

After your visit, find a high vantage point where you can watch the waves foam and crash into the land – a mesmerising sight.