The Best Irish Beaches to Visit This Summer
Posted by Jessica Sommerfield on 29th Apr 2019
Ireland is privileged to have many spectacular beaches. Ireland promises something for everyone whether they are lovers of rocky beaches, smooth sandy beaches or adventurous hidden beaches. Ireland’s best beaches for the summer are no secret.
The beaches in the east coast tend be busier that the rest because they are nearer to the capital, Dublin. The beaches found in the West Coast on the other hand, in areas like Kerry, Donegal and Cork, tend to be rather isolated. This makes them perfect for those searching for the perfect beach for skinny dipping and sunbathing.
One of the most important points to note when visiting the best beaches in Ireland is that it is not advisable to go swimming alone; regardless of how calm the waters look, it is not safe. Ireland waters tend to experience hidden undertows and currents. So grab your Irish blanket and head to any one of these pristine beaches.
Main Beach, Bundoran, Co. Donegal
If you have heard the “Beautiful Bundoran” song, you have already been introduced to the beauty that is Main Beach, Bundoran, co. Donegal. This song has been based on this beautiful beach and the town it is located in.
It is a destination of choice for both international and domestic surfers and has even been used to host international championships in the past. Bundoran also hosts the Sea Sessions, an annual surf and music festival, every summer making this among the best beaches to visit during summer time.
Bundoran is famous for its Peak waves which attract surfers from across the globe, breaking against an offshore reef. The main beach accommodates novice surfers while the Peak lures the most experienced surfers from all over the globe to Ireland. Bundoran was named among the top twenty surfing spots by the National Geographic. Bundoran is also near to the home of Hanna Hats, which produces some of the best Irish flat caps made of authentic Donegal tweed.
Bundoran is a place with an endless selection of places to visit and things to do. First and foremost, surfing. There is also kayaking, blokarting and stand-up paddle boarding. Other things to do include:
A long walk along the coast – bundoran experiences a beautiful sea view throughout the year. You can take a leisurely walk along the Rougey Cliffs or the West End, enjoying the beautiful view of the Donegal Bay. On the other side of the Bay are the Slieve League Cliffs which have been hailed as Europe’s highest sea cliffs. In the west is the Mullaghmore headland where the Classie Bawn Castle is and in the north are the Bluestack Mountains behind the town of Donegal. The scenery is perfect for taking photos so make sure you take your camera along.
Entertainment spots – there are various bars, nightclubs and live music spots in Bundoran enough to ensure you get none a dull moment during your visit. Some of the visitor favourites include the Chasin’ Bull, the Aparthotel, and Brennan’s Criterion Bar.
Family entertainment spots – Bundoran also has places where you can go to enjoy wholesome family entertainment. Among these is the Bundoran cinema and Mac’s amusement where you will find Ten Pin Bowling.
Eateries and cafés – there are various cafes and eateries found within the town. Some of them include the Waves café, the Peak restaurant, Caroline’s café and La Sabbia restaurant.
Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Bay, Co. Galway
Just a short distance from Roundstone village is one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, Dogs Bay. Dogs Bay is shaped like a horse shoe and stretches over a mile. The Dogs Bay backs on to Gurteen Bay and together they form spectacular white sand crescents which seem to be mirroring each other from an overhead view.
The only thing separating these two bays is the small headland which is a few hundred metres wide. One of the most appealing features of Dogs Bay and Gurteen Bay is the white sand. Contributing to the white dazzling color of the bays is the shells from various sea creatures and the foraminifera.
The beaches in Connemara are the safest, with protection from strong waves and a lack of strong currents. The only thing to be wary of is the drastic fall in temperature during the months of January and February. The weather is however pleasant during the summer months.
Connemara is a beautiful scenic place found in Ireland’s east coast, and a popular tourist destination. There is an abundance of places to visit and things to do in Connemara, with no one place being too far from another. This is the perfect place for watersports and swimming. The stunning beach and scenic surroundings make these bays perfect for taking long walks on the beaches.
Nearby also is Brigit’s Garden, perfect for a family-friendly fun experience. There is a café and gift shop within the garden and a natural playground for the little ones. The Connemara heritage and history centre, the national park, and the Glengowla mines are also in the list of places to visit while in Connemara.
There is also a great selection of places to eat while in Connemara. Among these includes the Boat Inn, Hallorans restaurant and café, Marconi restaurant and the Pier Bar.
Inchydoney Beach, Co. Cork
The Inchydoney beach has been at the top of TripAdvisor users’ most preferred beach for three consecutive years. The beach even received the coveted Travellers’ Choice Awards several times, and seeing the beach it is plain to see exactly why this is so.
This breath taking beach is a natural marvel featuring peaceful and spacious sands. Travellers are able to enjoy the crystal clear waters and the ideal conditions for surfing. The mainland and the Virgin Mary Bank have been connected, making it easier for travellers to cross.
Among the places to visit while in Inchydoney Beach include Ferhill gardens, the West Cork Model Railway Village, the Michael Collins Centre and the Michael Collins house. Popular eateries nearby include the Flavour ie and Scannels Bar and Richys restaurant.
Strandhill, Co. Sligo
This beach is located in a charming close-knit village community in Strandhill. The people are friendly and make you feel like you are home away from home. This area experiences strong currents which make it the perfect place for surfing activities, swimming is however restricted for security reasons.
Some of the places to visit include the Glen , Killaspugbrone church, and the Sligo Enterprise and Technology centre. There is a golf course, surf clubs and baths that are sure to keep you entertained for the duration of your stay here. Eateries include the Shells café and the Strand Bar among many more restaurants and bars.
Inch Beach, Co. Kerry
Inch Beach is found on the Dingle peninsula. It expands for over three miles casting the Dingle and Castlemaine harbours on either side. Approaching the Inch Beach from the eastern side gives you one of the most amazing views you will ever see. The inch Beach is found in the most breathtaking surroundings which also feature the majestic Slieve Mish Mountains. So scenic is this location that it has even been featured in movies.
Spanning for five kilometres, the Inch Beach with its easy gradient and space provides a suitable environment for a variety of water sports. You can take part in fishing, surfing, kite surfing, and kayaking. There are also surfing schools along the beach.
The Dingle peninsula is among the most scenic places in the West Coast of Ireland. You can take part in scenic walks along the various walking routes available. There are also guided walks that allow you enjoy the scenery with the guidance of a guide.
One of the places to eat while at Inch Beach is Sammy’s Store, Bar, Café and Restaurant Inch.
Murlough Beach, Co. Down
The Murlough Beach is a wide sandy beach which has a pebble ridge, which is 2 metres, higher than the high water mark. The beach features a sand dune system behind its six kilometre length, one that has been there for centuries. Most of the dunes have been reserved as National Nature Reserve.
The Nature Reserve, which features the sand dune system, has been around for over six thousand years. Being located near the Dundrum Bay and the Mourne Mountains makes this the ideal place for bird watching and taking long walks. The breathtaking scenes make Murlough Beach among the greatest beaches in Ireland.
There are various walk trails nearby, including the nature trail of the National Nature Reserve, the Dundrum/Murlough trail, the Newcastle Way trail, and the Mourne Way trail.
Cycling and canoeing routes include the Murlough Bay, the Dundrum Coastal Path, and the Slieve Croob Cycle Route are also wonderful activities for the family. Other outdoor activities include blokarting and horse riding.
Killiney Strand, Co. Dublin
This beach is found in the south of Dublin, a short train distance from the city. It has however managed to maintain its tranquillity. The beach is ridden with stones making it not the most suitable spot to take a dip. The best activity to indulge in is leisurely walks while enjoying the amazing panoramic views.
At the peak of the beach you are able to vaguely see the Bray Head headland, the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea. If you are lucky enough with the weather, you can even see the Wales.
Among the outdoor activities you can take part in are kayaking, boat tours, and golfing. There are paddocks riding centres, Go sailing and cycle tours as well as a variety of sailing schools.
Keem Beach, Co. Mayo
Most visitors find the Keem Bay, which is in the village of Dooagh at Achill Island, captivating and you will too. Keem beach is nestled in the valley, in a surroundings taking on the shape of a horse shoe. This gives you the opportunity to take in the beautiful cove that is surrounded by spectacular cliffs.
The only way to access Keen beach is through Croaghaun mountain road which is famous for its high sea cliffs. The sea cliffs of Croaghaun mountain road are known to be the highest in Ireland. The beach was at one time the home of a shark fishery, these days however it is a popular destination for taking long walks, snorkelling and scuba diving.
Keem Beach is a popular destination for not only taking long leisurely walks along the beach and bird watching; it is also a popular destination for water sports. You can take Achill seaweed baths at any of the two spas on the Island and there are also a lot of attractions to visit.
Mulranny Beach, Co. Mayo
Nearby to Keem Beach on the mainland of County Mayo lies Mulranny Beach, a stunning mix of smooth stone and fine sand that opens up to breathtaking views of Clew Bay and Croagh Patrick. One of Ireland's blue Flag beaches, this area is one of the most popular summer destinations for those in the area, but is largely unknown outside it. So you'll likely have much more space to spread out should your summer travels take you here.
Close by is the Carraig Donn knitwear factory, which, though not open for tours, often uses the beach to stage photo shoots for their latest seasonal lines of Irish knitwear, including Aran sweaters and Irish blankets. Perhaps you'll happen upon a new catalogue in the making!
The beach is popular with surfers, kite enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to take in the picturesque views of Ireland's most important religious peak. Close by too is the Mulranny Golf Course, where you can get some sport in before your evening pint.
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Did we leave your favorite Irish beach off this list? Let us know in the comments below!