13 Amazing Beaches in Ireland
Here is our list of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. Including tips on how to get, when to go, and where to stay.
Ireland is known for many things: incredible coastal scenery, rich heritage, charming cities, rolling hills, picturesque seaside villages, and much more.
On our first trip to Ireland, we discovered one of the island's hidden features that surprised us.
The Emerald Isle is also home to some amazing beaches.
With so much coastline, it makes perfect sense that there is always a stunning beach behind the next corner.
In fact, some of Ireland's beaches are among the most beautiful ones in the world, though this topic is always extremely subjective.
However, Ireland is not the most sought-after beach destination in the world due to its mild oceanic climate with abundant rainfall.
The island isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think about beaches.
That doesn't take away the fact that you should add at least a few of these stunning spots to your Ireland itinerary.
So here's our list of some of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland you should visit on your holiday.
Barleycove Beach
This list of the best Ireland's beaches is packed with amazing places. County Cork's Barleycove Beach is no exception.
In fact, Barleycove is often considered among the most beautiful beaches Ireland has to offer.
This incredible sandy paradise is located on Mizen Head, Ireland's most southwesterly area.
Barleycove is accessed via a floating bridge during the peak season to reduce impact on the beach area.
The road that leads around the bay offers several spectacular views, so make sure to stop whenever possible.
In our opinion, this is one of the most beautiful places in Ireland.
No matter whether Barleycove Beach is the most beautiful beach in Ireland or not, it's worth stopping by.
There is free parking at Barley Cove Beach.
How to Get
The only way to get to Barleycove Beach is by car. Barleycove Beach is about 120 kilometers from Cork and 20 kilometers from Schull.
Where to Stay
The nearest large city is Cork, which offers a great range of hotels.
You can also stay in Mizen Head if you want to be closer to the main attractions in this area.
Schull | Schull Harbour Hotel - With an excellent location, modern rooms, and a leisure center, this hotel is an ideal choice for exploring Mizen Head.
Ballinskelligs Beach
The Ballinskelligs Beach is arguably the most beautiful beach on the Skellig Ring.
The beach is accessed from the small town of Ballinskelligs, so it's an ideal stop when touring this scenic drive.
This beautiful sandy beach is part of the Blue Flag Programme and has lifeguards on duty during the main season.
As it's very safe for swimming, it's popular among families with kids. Ballinskelligs is not about water activities, though.
You can walk across to McCarthy's Castle, a picturesque ruined tower house.
Also, don't forget to explore the ruins of 15th-century Ballinskelligs Priory while you're here.
Ballinskelligs has two parking lots adjacent to the beach that are free of charge.
How to Get
Ballinskelligs is located on the Skellig Ring, a scenic extension of the Ring of Kerry.
The town is about 80 kilometers west of Killarney and 160 kilometers from Cork.
Where to Stay
There are a few accommodations in Ballinskelligs, though there are much more popular options in this area, such as Waterville.
Waterville | Butler Arms Hotel - With cozy rooms, interesting history, and free parking, this is one of Waterville's most popular and best hotels.
Inch Beach
If you come to Ireland for sea, surf, and sun, Inch Beach should be on your list.
This golden stretch of sand with mountains in the backdrop stretches for about five kilometers, and you can easily spend a whole day here.
The beach is truly beautiful but also incredibly popular. Simply, Inch is one of the top attractions on Dingle Peninsula.
If you arrive there on a sunny busy summer day, the first impression will most likely be underwhelming.
This is one of the best places to visit for day-trippers from County Kerry. On top of that, cars are allowed on the beach.
So, the first section sometimes looks more like a parking lot than an unspoiled paradise.
Despite the fact that this is one of the most visited beaches in West Kerry, it never really gets too crowded.
The trick in finding a quiet place is to walk further along the beach until the crowds thin out.
How to Get
The easiest way to get to Inch Beach is by car. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Killarney to Inch Beach.
Where to Stay
The best way to enjoy Inch Beach without crowds is to stay in the village so you can hit the beach early.
You can stay in Killarney, Tralee, or Dingle Town.
Inch | Inch Beach House - With a stunning beach location, panoramic views, and free parking, this lovely bed and breakfast is one of the best options in the area.
Minard Beach
Of all the places on this list, Minard Beach is quite different.
This stunning boulder beach is off the main route that goes around Dingle Peninsula, but it is definitely worth the drive.
Driving the narrow single-lane road is an adventure on its own, but you should be fine if you drive carefully.
With the castle ruins in the backdrop, Minard Beach is a sight to behold.
The castle is not safe to enter for safety reasons, so you can only admire it from a distance.
We visited the beach on a rainy day, and no one was there. Even in the main season, on a clear day, this site is not at all touristy.
If you're looking for a quiet yet beautiful place to add to your Dingle itinerary, Minard Beach might check all the boxes.
There is free parking at Minard Beach.
How to Get
Minard Beach is less than 15 kilometers east of Dingle Town. The tourist town of Tralee is about 40 kilometers from here.
Where to Stay
As Minard Beach is so close to Dingle Town, you might want to consider staying there. This little seaside town is a perfect base for exploring the Dingle Peninsula.
Dingle Town | Dingle Bay Hotel - This centrally located hotel with cozy and clean rooms is one of the best choices in Dingle.
Dog's Bay and Gurteen Beach
County Galway's Connemara region is wild and rugged. The area is also home to several amazing beaches.
The lovely Dog's Bay Beach and Gurteen Beach are probably our favorite beaches on this list. The reason why we loved this site is simple.
Both beaches are gorgeous. But there is more magic to discover.
There are fragile dunes covered with vegetation, the water is crystal clear, and the sheltered beaches are ideal for swimming.
Dog's Bay and Gurteen Beach are basically a giant sand bar that connects to the nearby island.
This coastal formation that has been forming for thousands of years is known as Tombolo.
The feature is quite rare and fragile, so try to reduce your impact while there.
Apart from swimming, Dog's Bay and Gurteen Beach are popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers.
Each beach has a separate free parking.
How to Get
As usual, the most convenient way to get to Dog's Bay and Gurteen Beach is by car.
Dog's Bay and Gurteen Beach are about 20 kilometers from Clifden and 80 kilometers from Galway.
Where to Stay
The nearest tourist town is Clifden. This is a small town with a good range of hotels.
Galway is a great alternative to Clifden for those who want to enjoy the perks of a large city.
Clifden | Connemara Sands Hotel and Spa - This hotel is roughly halfway between Clifden and Dog's Bay. It has access to a private beach area, so it's perfect for all beach lovers.
Five Finger Strand
If you're touring the Wild Atlantic Way, Inishowen has to be on your itinerary.
There are plenty of things to do on Inishowen, a remote peninsula on the island's northern edge.
This article is about beaches, though. Well, Inishowen's rugged coastline is dotted with beaches.
We are not afraid to say that Five Finger Strand is one of the best beaches in Ireland.
Well, at least it's the most dramatic beach in County Donegal.
The golden sand, massive dunes, stunning views, and lack of crowds are the main reasons why you should visit Five Finger Strand.
The beach is accessed from R242. There is no designated parking, just a very narrow road, so it's better to leave your car at St. Mary's Chapel and walk the rest of the way.
To complete your Wild Atlantic Way, make sure to visit Malin Head, which marks the end of this epic road trip.
How to Get
Five Finger Strand is a remote beach. You will need a car to get there.
The beach is about 70 kilometers from Letterkenny and 50 kilometers from Derry.
Where to Stay
You can stay on the Inishowen Peninsula if you're seeking a quiet experience.
Letterkenny is the favorite place for people who want to stay in town. If you're traveling to Northern Ireland later, you can consider Derry.
Letterkenny | Radisson Blu Hotel Letterkenny - Letterkenny is ideally positioned for exploring Inishowen. This mid-range hotel has everything you need while there.
Enniscrone Beach
Situated in Killala Bay, Enniscrone Beach is one of the best places to visit in County Sligo.
This 5-kilometer strip of golden sand with a rich dune ecosystem is perfect for long walks no matter the season.
During the summer, Enniscrone is a Blue Flag Beach ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, or surfing.
Enniscrone Beach is lifeguarded during the summer, at least in the area beside the town.
Unlike some remote beaches on this list, Enniscrone has everything you need when spending time in the area.
So it's a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway.
When you're done with the beach, walk up the path to the Old Cliffs Baths.
This iconic landmark has been closed for years but is worth seeing.
A bit further down the street is Kilcullen Seaweed Baths, where you can enjoy the authentic experience of seaweed baths.
Free parking is available at Enniscrone Beach, and cars have limited access to the beach.
How to Get
Enniscrone is just a short detour from N59, so you can easily get there by car.
Enniscrone Beach is about 15 kilometers from Ballina, 70 kilometers from Westport, and 50 kilometers from Sligo.
Alternatively, you can catch a bus from Sligo to Ballina that stops at Enniscrone.
Where to Stay
Enniscrone is a popular seaside resort, so staying as close to the beach as possible makes perfect sense.
Enniscrone | Diamond Coast Hotel - Situated near Enniscrone Beach, this hotel is one of the most popular choices in this lovely seaside town.
Keem Beach
While Achill Island remains often overlooked by international visitors, this stunning area is home to several incredible places.
Keem Beach is one of them. Unlike many beaches on this list, Keem is fairly small.
This sheltered bay with mountains behind you is absolutely stunning, though.
Keem is a Blue Flag Beach popular for swimming, surfing, and kayaking.
You might be lucky enough to spot basking sharks and dolphins here.
The beach is also a starting point for a Croaghaun Cliffs trail. These are considered together with Slieve League, the highest cliffs in Ireland.
Undoubtedly, Keem Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches in County Mayo, if not the entire Ireland.
How to Get
If you want to explore Achill Island and see Keem Beach, you will need a car.
Keem Beach is about 60 kilometers from Westport and 150 kilometers from Galway.
Where to Stay
If you prefer cozy bed and breakfasts, you can stay on Achill Island.
Alternatively, you can stay in Westport, one of the larger towns within reasonable driving distance from Achill Island.
Achill Island | Ferndale - This stylish bed and breakfast is located near Keem Beach, which is ideal if you want to arrive early and have the beach for yourself.
Derrynane Beach
The Ring of Kerry is one of Ireland's most iconic scenic drives. One of its main draws is coastal scenery, which is absolutely stunning.
While driving around Iveragh Peninsula is fun, some of its most beautiful spots are best explored on foot.
That's why we suggest adding Derrynane Beach to your itinerary.
This beautiful Blue Flag beach is located in Derrynane Bay, also home to the historic Derrynane House and ancient Ogham Stone.
The beach itself is remarkably beautiful, and you can easily spend a few hours here without getting bored.
Remember to cross to the adjacent island when the sea is out to explore the ruined Derrynane Abbey and enjoy even more spectacular views.
If that's not enough, you can also explore the Derrynane Seashore Nature Trail from this beach to learn more about tidal lagoon, sea birds, dunes, and much more.
How to Get
As usual, the best way to get to Derrynane Beach is by car.
The beach is roughly halfway between Waterville and Sneem, about 50 kilometers west of Kenmare.
Where to Stay
One of the most popular towns in the area is Kenmare, which has an ideal location for exploring the Ring of Kerry.
If you're seeking a more tranquil experience, you can stay in the Derrynane Bay area.
Kenmare | Brook Lane Hotel - With beautiful rooms and a great location, this 4-star hotel is an excellent retreat for all travelers.
Portmarnock Beach
If you want to base yourself in Dublin, you can still visit a beach or two on a day trip.
In fact, there are several lovely beaches near the capital city. Dollymount Strand or Killiney Strand are fine examples of that.
Arguably the best beach near Dublin is Portmarnock.
Also known as Velvet Strand, this long stretch of fine sand is a great place to visit on a day trip from Dublin.
Portmarnock usually retains its Blue Flag Beach status, so you shouldn't be concerned about water quality.
Parking is limited, so it's better to use public transport. If you don't have extra time, you can visit Sandymount Beach.
This beach is about 4 kilometers from Trinity College Dublin, and you can get there on foot.
This city beach is not on the same level as other sand strips on this list, but it's still great for leisurely walks.
Remember that Dublin's beaches get busy, especially on hot summer days. Still, a visit to a beach is one of the best free things to do in Dublin.
How to Get
If you want to explore Dublin's beaches, use public transport this time. Portmarnock Beach and Dollymount Strand can be reached by bus.
Killiney Strand is also serviced by DART, Dublin Area Rapid Transit system.
Where to Stay
There are many amazing hotels near Dublin, even more in the city itself. Hands down, the best area to stay in Dublin is the city center.
Dublin | Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin - Set in a historic building in the city center, this modern midrange hotel is a great choice for every traveler.
Fanore Beach
Driving through the Burren region is an incredible experience. You can marvel at the Cliffs of Moher, explore Doolin Cave, or hike in the Burren National Park.
With its unique geology, this is one of the most remarkable places in County Clare. One of our favorite parts was the scenic drive along Burren's coastline.
Fanore Beach is one of the best stops on this route. The sandy beach between the Atlantic Ocean and the Burren's rocky mountains is a sight to behold.
This Blue Flag Beach is one of those relatively remote yet easily accessible places that's fun to visit.
Whether you like walking barefoot on the sand, catching sun rays, or splashing in the water, Fanore won't disappoint.
Apart from swimming opportunities, Fanore is also known as a great surfing beach.
There is a surfing school open on Fanore Beach during the summer.
Fanore has free parking.
How to Get
Bus stops at Murroogh Bridge and Fanore village. That said, driving is the best way to see what Burren has to offer.
Fanore Beach is about 60 kilometers from the City of Galway and 30 kilometers from Lahinch.
Where to Stay
You'd have several options when it comes to accommodation near Fanore Beach. Fanore village is close, but there are not that many accommodations.
Lahinch is a great place to stay before driving the Burren Coastline route. Or you can stay in Galway, one of Ireland's favorite cities.
Lahinch | Lahinch Coast Hotel and Suites - Lahinch has an ideal location for exploring the Cliffs of Moher, Fanore Beach, etc. This hotel offers everything you will need when on the road.
Tullan Strand
Just a short drive from Donegal's Bundoran lies another gem worth seeing.
Tullan Strand is one of the most beautiful beaches in the southwest of County Donegal.
This 2-kilometer stretch of golden sand and dunes is simply gorgeous, especially with the Sligo-Leitrim Mountains in the backdrop.
While the beach is not safe for swimming due to rip tides, it's a popular surfing spot.
In fact, the Bundoran area is one of Ireland's premier surfing destinations and a great spot to learn this water sport.
The views from the upper trail, known as Rougey Walk, which connects Tullan Strand with Bundoran, are absolutely stunning.
This scenic walk also features Fairy Bridges, a beautiful rock formation with blowholes and a Wishing Chair.
This is an amazing place to visit, no matter the season.
How to Get
If you base yourself in Bundoran, you can reach Tullan Strand on foot.
If you rely on your rental car to get around, Tullan Strand is about 40 kilometers from Sligo and 30 kilometers from Donegal Town.
Where to Stay
You have several options when it comes to accommodation near Tullan Strand. As Bundoran is a popular tourist town, finding a hotel for your budget is easy.
Bundoran | Allingham Arms Hotel - With a modern design and fantastic locations, this is one of the best 4-star hotels in Bundoran.
Coumeenoole Beach
Without any doubt, Coumeenoole Beach is one of the highlights of Slea Head Drive.
This scenic drive features some of the most dramatic scenery Dingle Peninsula has to offer.
And Coumeenoole Beach is one of its crown jewels. The beach is surrounded by cliffs, green hills, and a restless ocean.
The best time to go to Coumeenoole Beach is when the sea is out, as you can explore some of its hidden coves that are otherwise inaccessible.
Swimming at Coumeenoole Beach is considered dangerous due to undertow currents.
However, you will most likely see people wading in the shallow parts during the summer.
We visited Coumeenoole Beach on a stormy day, and there wasn't anyone on it.
Parking at Coumeenoole Beach is free. Make sure to explore the lovely trail around Dunmore Head that starts from the very same parking if you're in the area.
This trail offers more stunning views, a Star Wars filming location, and an old lookout post.
How to Get
Unless you take a tour or hire a driver, you need a car to get to Coumeenoole Beach.
The beach is less than 20 kilometers from Dingle Town and about 170 kilometers from Limerick.
Where to Stay
Coumeenoole Beach is only a short drive from Dingle Town, so you should consider finding a hotel there.
Or you can try your luck in Tralee or Killarney.
Dingle | Murphy's Hotel - This family-run bed and breakfast is located in the center of Dingle Town. The property boasts cozy rooms, a traditional Irish pub, and warm hospitality.
Things to Know Before You Go
Ireland has no shortage of amazing swimming spots. You probably have some questions about Ireland's beaches.
There are tons of beaches in Ireland, varying from sheltered secret coves to endless stretches of sand.
Some of our favorite Irish beaches dotted the west coast, but you can find amazing beaches all over the country.
Quite frankly, even if it's your tenth visit to Ireland, you should be able to include beaches you haven't seen before in your itinerary.
The main draw of Ireland's beaches is that most of them are still largely unspoiled.
And if you travel in the off-season, chances are you will have all that beauty just for yourself.
Just remember that Ireland's beaches are usually not warm enough for comfortable swimming, even during the summer.
How to Get
Due to their relatively remote locations, most of Ireland's beaches are best reached by car.
Luckily, Ireland is a perfect road trip destination, making the decision much easier.
The Emerald Isle has so much to offer, and having a rental car is one of the best ways to explore it.
While you can get around Ireland by bus and train, you will miss out on many worthwhile stops.
If you decide to rent a car in Ireland, make sure to read this guide.
And don't forget to check out our post on driving in Ireland, which is also packed with useful tips.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Blue Flag Beaches
If you're unsure what beaches you should visit, start with Blue Flag Beaches.
This award usually goes to beaches that are clean and safe for swimming, with a lifeguard on duty during the bathing season, and follow sustainable tourism development.
In a nutshell, the list of Ireland's Blue Flag Beaches usually includes some of the best beaches this island has to offer.
The awarded beaches receive the Blue Flag status just for the bathing season. After this period, each beach has to renew its status for the next season.
The bathing season in Ireland lasts from June 1st to September 15th.
Most of Ireland's beaches are not patrolled, and if you want to enjoy local beaches to the fullest, Blue Flag Beaches are a great place to start.
Safety
A trip to the beach should be fun. However, knowing about all the dangers is strongly recommended when visiting Ireland's beaches.
If you want to just stay on the beach, then Ireland's beaches are pretty much as safe as a beach can be.
If you want to go for a swim, always check the local beach advisories and warnings.
One of the main hazards on Ireland's beaches is the rip currents.
Rip currents are fast-flowing currents that move off-shore and are one of the biggest dangers of being near the sea.
As a result, many beaches in Ireland are not suitable for swimming.
You should also know what the signs and flags mean on lifeguarded beaches.
Again, Blue Flag Beaches are great places to enjoy Ireland's beaches safely.
Here, you will find extra tips for staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Entrance Fee
The best part is that most of Ireland's beaches are free to visit. This is great news for those visiting Ireland on a budget.
Some places charge a small fee for parking, though.
When to Go
You can visit all of Ireland's beaches all year round. With that said, your overall experience will vary greatly depending on when you visit.
The most popular time to visit Ireland's beaches is generally the summer season.
Days are warm and long, so you can take advantage of great weather. The water remains relatively cold during the summer.
That's one of the reasons why Ireland is not the most popular beach destination in the world.
Don't get us wrong. The most accessible and beautiful beaches will be flocked by local beachgoers.
The weekends can be quite hectic, so arriving early to secure your parking spot is better.
Spring and autumn provide mild weather and fewer crowds, but the water is usually too cold for swimming during this period.
If you're wondering when to visit Ireland, spring is our favorite season.
Ireland's wide and sandy beaches are ideal for walking once the temperatures drop.
Just make sure to bring your trusty windbreaker to keep you warm and protected from the gusts.
A visit to Ireland's beaches in winter is a perfect activity for those seeking solitude and enjoying long walks along sandy stretches.
What to Pack
Ireland's weather is quite unpredictable, especially in the coastal areas. And creating your own Ireland packing list can be tricky.
Being prepared and packing the right essentials will help you have a memorable day when exploring the local beaches.
So, what are the most essential items to pack for an Ireland beach day?
A good sunscreen, water shoes, and comfortable swimsuit are pretty much on the top of every beach packing list.
A lightweight and absorbent beach towel is another must-have item.
You should also bring plenty of water with you to stay hydrated throughout the day. A hat and sunglasses will especially come in handy during the summer.
Of course, these are the essential items for a beautiful sunny day in the summer season.
You should also know what water activities you plan to do, as they will also affect your overall packing list.
When visiting Ireland between fall and spring, you will most likely need to pack a few extra layers to stay warm and dry.
Outside the summer, you'll want to pack travel pants or leggings, a windproof rain jacket, and an extra layer of fleece jacket or sweater.
We also always bring our trusty waterproof dry bag for our beach adventures to keep our valuables safe.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
