7 Best Beaches in Ireland

Ireland has nearly 2,000 miles of coastline, full of stunning cliffs, jagged rock formations, and plenty of Irish beaches. The beaches in Ireland vary from small stretches of sand on private property to official spots with lifeguards and facilities, and everything in between. No matter which beach you pick, expect windy conditions, possible seal sightings, and plenty of shells from the depths of the Atlantic. 

In Ireland, locals love to swim throughout the year, even when the temperatures start to drop. If you’re visiting from a warmer climate, you may not be able to spend long in the chilly water – but you’ll probably want to at least dip your toes in once you get there. Here are the best beaches in Ireland to help you get planning!

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Learn more about Ireland and get your free country guide here.

The best Irish beaches

Ireland is known for its green hillsides and stunning natural beauty – which is rugged and often untamed. The beaches on the island of Ireland are largely wild, with little infrastructure on the beach or in the surrounding area. 

I’ve lived in Ireland for about two years, and this list represents my favorite beaches from around the country. Beaches like Inch Beach, for example, are well known and loved by visitors from around the world, while Coumeenoole is further off of the beaten path and Brittas Bay is more of a hidden gem. 

No matter which beach you choose to visit, you’re sure to find plenty of amazing spots to spread out and enjoy the views over the water. 

Travel Tip: Be sure to bring your eco-friendly sunscreen and your sand-free Tesalate towel!

Inch Beach, Kerry

Inch Beach is an idyllic, sandy strand that stretches along a bit of coastline in County Kerry. It is surrounded on all sides by dunes, hills, and mountains, so it offers the best panoramic views of any beach on this list. The water features decently sized waves, so you’ll see a few surfers in the water throughout the day and even a few boards for rent if you’d like to try it out. 

For anyone who isn’t entering the water, the sand is very compact because cars are allowed to drive out onto the beach. You can easily walk or jog along the sand, and on a given weekend you’ll see plenty of people making their way up and down the beach. As you explore the length of Inch Beach, you can enjoy a beautiful backdrop of large sand dunes behind you, and plenty of seashells to collect along the way. Inch is one of the best beaches in Ireland.

Inch beach is one of the best beaches in Ireland.
Inch Beach. Photo by Amber Everywhere.

Tramore Beach, Waterford

Another awesome Irish beach is Tramore Beach. Located in County Waterford, Tramore Beach is an idyllic stretch of coastline that was historically a popular place for urban dwellers to spend their summer holidays. During the summer, you’ll see plenty of locals and visitors alike stretched out on the sand and enjoying the sunny days when they come. Children will love exploring the tidepools on the southern edge of the beach, which are full of small sea creatures. 

While you’re in Tramore, visit Seagull Bakery, one of the best bakeries in the country. They serve pastries, sandwiches, and focaccia bread out of their small storefront in the center of town. You might also enjoy a peaceful stroll through the Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Gardens, which are dedicated to a 19th Irish writer who briefly resided in Tramore as a child. 

Read More: Ireland Bucket List

Curracloe Beach, Wexford

Located in the lesser-visited county of Wexford, Curracloe Beach is a local favorite and known for its traditionally beautiful sand and ocean view. This beach has a somewhat famous history, as it was the filming location for the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan, a 1998 film that starred Tom Hanks and Matt Damon.

This sandy beach is surrounded by dunes, growing on which you may find sea thrift, a beautiful pink or purple flower that thrives near the ocean. Curracloe Beach has a designated parking area, along with food service and public toilets for visitors to use. This hidden gem is a favorite of the best beaches in Ireland.

Coumeenoole Beach, Dingle

Coumeenoole Beach is one of my favorite spots in Ireland, especially when the tide is low. Located in an idyllic portion of County Kerry, one of the best parts is the incredible drive along a windy coastal road to reach the car park. Adding to its allure, this beach is set near a filming location for Star Wars; after you’ve explored the beach, hike up the clearly marked hill to see it. 

When the tide is out, you can walk onto this beach, which is covered in black rock fins that are thick with mussels and barnacles. You can swim in Coumeenoole Beach, but use extreme caution because there is no lifeguard on duty. If you decide to enter the water, stay back from the rocks and watch for rip tides. 

Coumeenoole Beach is one of the best beaches in Ireland.
Coumeenoole Beach. Photo by Amber Everywhere.

Bunmahon Beach, Waterford

Bunmahon Beach in County Waterford is a wonderful spot near an area of Ireland called the Copper Coast, known for its reddish-brown rocks and soil. Here, you’ll find a sandy beach that is approximately 5 kilometers long, popular with surfers and sea kayakers. This area is also a very popular free campsite during the summer, and there are bathroom facilities with running water across the street from the main green. 

If you visit Bunmahon, be sure to also follow the trail towards a little beach a few minutes south of the parking area. This secluded sandy beach is the perfect place to meditate, dip your feet in the ocean, or just feel at one with the sea. 

Brittas Bay, Wicklow

Brittas Bay is a hidden gem in County Wicklow, Ireland, known locally for being popular with families, dogs, and people who love to swim. This beach is a great place to see seals and their pups, who love to bob just off the shore and observe the beach goers. 

The best spot in Brittas Bay is just south of the main beach, around a rock fin that extends into the ocean. Once you get past the rock fin, you’ll find a small and secluded stretch of pebbly and sandy beach that you’ll likely have to yourself. Watch the tides closely and head back if you notice water crashing against the rock fin, or find a way to go back towards the main beach on land.

Explore Brittas Bay while you’re staying in County Wicklow, the perfect place for a nature escape after you’ve spent a few days in Dublin. 

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Ventry Beach, Kerry

Ventry Beach is a wonderful place to visit and camp if you’re traveling in County Kerry on a budget. There are a few great campsites up in the dunes behind the beach, and you can even go for a moonlit stroll along the sand while the tide goes out. This beach is also popular for swimming in the warmer months, and there is sometimes lifeguard coverage – always check local conditions before entering the water. 

If you get hungry, you’ll be a short, 20-25 minute drive from Dingle Town. There, you can get a tasty coffee from My Boy Blue or a delicious ice cream cone from Murphy’s, a local creamery with flavors like Irish gin and brown bread. 

Find your own beach

If you’re dedicated to exploring Ireland’s coastline, the best beach you find in Ireland may not be on this list. There are hidden gems throughout the country, including The Cove, a beach in Arklow that features beautiful views of rolling hills and dramatic sand dunes. You can even ask the locals you meet about their favorite local beaches, and they just may surprise you by telling you how to find a truly hidden spot.

It’s common in Ireland for people to wander off the beaten path and try to find their own little slice of heaven, where they can swim and enjoy a moment alone with nature. Many groups in Ireland are secretive about the locations where they wild camp and swim, so the small, beautiful treasure spots will take some research and luck to find. 

Small beaches in Ireland can be found by looking for signs like this that show a beach ahead.
A sign leading to a small beach in Ireland

Additional information about Irish beaches

Many visitors see large parts of Ireland without ever making their way to a beach. If you decide to visit one of the spots on this list, here is some additional information about Irish beaches that you may find helpful during your visit.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Irish beaches is during the summer months of June to September. During this time, the shore and water will be the warmest, optimal for swimming and lounging on the sand. That said, you’ll find swimmers in the water throughout the year – locals in Ireland swear by ice-cold dips in the sea as a way to calm their anxieties and clear their heads. 

Be aware that Irish beaches can be chilly, even in the summer months. In July, usually Ireland’s warmest month, the inland temperatures rarely exceed 70℉. So, be prepared with a towel, a light sweater, and maybe even a pair of pants if you want to explore the Irish coastline. 

Are there sandy beaches in Ireland?

Yes, there are many sandy beaches in Ireland, and you can find them throughout the country. The sand is usually a coarse yellow sand, slightly less fine than the white sand you might find in, say, the Caribbean. In addition to sandy beaches, Ireland also has rocky and pebbly beaches. The coastline of Ireland is sometimes surrounded by cliffs or large hills, making for a beautiful and varied experience for visitors. 

Many sandy beaches also have sand dunes, which can be quite fragile. Stay off of them or stick to well-defined paths in order to protect these natural parts of the ecosystem. 

A starfish in the sand at one of the best beaches in Ireland.
A starfish in the sand at Cuomeenoole Beach. Photo by Amber Everywhere.

Can you swim in Irish beaches?

You absolutely can swim in Irish beaches! People in Ireland love to swim at the beach, whether it’s for a quick dip or to swim laps up and down the beach. You may even see swimmers enter the water wearing wetsuits during the chilly Irish winter! In Ireland, going for a swim in the ocean is referred to as a “sea swim” or a “sea dip.” 

If you do decide to swim, take all of the necessary precautions to stay safe while wading in the open water. Only swim in beaches where there is an on-duty lifeguard.  Some beaches have strong riptides, and you should never enter the ocean if the waves seem to be going in more than one direction. 

There are women’s swim groups throughout the country

Throughout Ireland, you’ll find groups of women who love to explore the great outdoors together. One of the best things to do in County Wicklow is joining a “Rise and Salt” event with Galz Gone Wild. During these events, participants go for a dip in the sea, then sit together on the beach and enjoy each other’s company over a hot beverage. 

If you live in Ireland, you can also look into joining a chapter of the Salty Sea Sisters. SSS is a network of groups throughout Ireland and the United Kingdom that go for sea swims, hikes, or even roller skating sessions.  

Yoga is a great thing to do on the best beaches in Ireland.
Enjoying yoga at the beach in Ireland. Photo by Amber Everywhere.

What should you do when you visit an Irish beach?

When you visit an Irish beach, always be conscientious of other beachgoers and try to leave the area nicer than you found it. Practice Leave No Trace principles, and be sure to pack out any garbage you might bring with you onto the sand. Similarly, you’ll want to avoid damaging the local ecosystem by parking in a designated space when available. 

Watch your belongings because the wind off of the ocean can be very strong, often turning umbrellas inside out. It’s better not to rely on local services for food and water, so you’ll want to pack snacks or a picnic for your visit. Finally, be sure to shake off your towels, shoes, and other belongings before entering your rental car to avoid unwanted cleaning fines.  

Did your favorite Irish beach make the list? If not let me know in the comments & I’ll add it as a reader favorite!

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About the author

Amber Haggerty runs Amber Everywhere, a site dedicated to encouraging others to travel. The mission of Amber Everywhere is to help people feel the sort of belonging, purpose, empathy, and expansiveness that travel can offer, especially if approached with the right mindset. Amber is originally from Colorado, but now she now lives in Europe and writes about her experiences traveling and living abroad.

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