Top 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Ireland

Top 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Ireland

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Ireland is an island county, see what I did there? There are very many interesting facts about Ireland, like the fact that St Patrick was not, Irish (he was British), or that it is the only country in the world to have a musical instrument- the harp- as its symbol; or that it is the only country in Europe with no postal codes, or that it has beautiful beaches?

Well, as cold as it is, the Irish people love their beaches, some which they visit during the cold season and some which they visit during the summer even though they aren’t as warm as the ones in tropical areas, but they love them nonetheless! 

Here are ten of the most beautiful beaches in the home of Guinness beer that is worth enjoying!

1. Inchydoney Beach, Co. Cork

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Looking for fantastic Atlantic views in Ireland? Look no more, this spectacular beach with clear waters and soft sand is just what you might be looking for. It is located off West Cork, a small island and a very popular destination for tourists, it is also connected to the mainland by two causeways. Clonakilty is just four kilometers away. And do not worry about accommodation while traveling to the beach; the area offers some of the most exquisite beach accommodations like the Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa and many others, and people get to surf and swim as well as just enjoy the ocean. You can get some lessons from a surf school nearby.

2. Barleycove, Co. Cork

Image: Wikipedia

In the south of Ireland is the Mizen Head, which is home to the stunning Inch Beach. Enjoy the sun and sand as well as views of the dunes that decorate the area. When the 1775 earthquake hit Europe, a tidal wave was created which in turn formed the dunes that form part of the views at the Barleycove! The nearby villages of Crookhaven, Goleen, and Schull giving you a great experience. On this beach, you can get to go horseback riding, swimming, surfing, bird watching, sea angling, sailing, boating, hiking, and even cycling!

3. Dog’s Bay Co Galway

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Dog’s Bay Co Galway is a fine and pristine beach, in the Clifden region, not far from Roundstone Village. The most interesting feature about this beach is its horseshoe shape, and the sand has lits of seashell fragments so if you like to collect seashells, then this is your plug! Kite surfing and windsurfing as well as swimming are great activities to do on this beach since the currents are not very aggressive. 

4. Gurteen Beach

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Separated from the Dog’s Bay Beach by a tombolo touching the Atlantic Ocean but yet close to each other is the Gurteen Beach. It is closest to Roundstone Village and has amazing views of Errisberg. The beach has great geological features first of all since much of the sand was formed from the fragments of the seashells. The dunes and greenery give the beach a very nice appeal!

5. Coumeenole Beach

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In the Dingle Peninsula, one of the most beautiful places on this planet, the Coumeenole Beach stretches beautifully. The beach offers more than just sand and the water, in the same area is the village of Dunquin, the Blasket Islands, and the Gallarus Oratory. The beach is not only a tourists’ favorite but a movie set as well! Even though it is small, people enjoy surfing, swimming, and exploring the dunes nearby. Strolling is also a leisure activity you can do on the beach!

6. Keem Beach 

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In the west village of Doogah lies a breathtaking beach that stretches more than the eye can see. Achill Island is Ireland’s biggest island, it has amazing features, and nature trails but one of the most outstanding features is the picturesque Keem Bay Beach, located near the Croaghaun Mountain. The drive to the Island is magical with the Irish countryside, Mountains, and flower fields, and many more amazing things to see. You should give yourself enough time to reach the Keel Beach; the long and flat beach and if you love surfing, then this is the place for you; the exotic Keel Bay, with cliffs, is also located there, it is the first stop before you reach the beach, therefore you will have two experiences in one!

7. Inchavore, Loughdan Co Wicklow 

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The picturesque beach of Inchavore can be accessed using the Wicklow Way, one has to walk through the Way-Marked Trail, to the mountainous beach. Most people love the place for its scenery and the beautiful waters and swim. Some sporting activities and races take place on the beach often!

8. Sandycove Beach

The Sandycove is a beach near Dublin, which makes it easily accessible to city residents! And even though Ireland is cold, some people love cold water swimming. It is said to be good for you! The beach is accessible to everyone and is loved by families; there are also many other attractions nearby to enjoy, like the Forty Foot, the Martello Tower, the Joycean Museum as well as the harbor is nearby as well. 

9. Brandon Bay 

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The beach is an amazing golden beach, up on the northern side of the peninsula, a beach amazing for surfers and watersport enthusiasts. It is at the foot of the Brandon Mountain, therefore it is a good scenic beach with an amazing backdrop. 

10. Easkey, Co. Sligo

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Love surfing? You will love Easkey, it is after all the surfing headquarters of the Irish Surfing Association. The winds and the waves make the beach a good surfing destination. And after spending time in the water, get a drink at the Mc Gowan’s Pub in the nearby Easkey village. Easkey Village remains untouched by lots of modernity, still preserved, and has its traditions intact. 

Achill Island 

The highest of the Irish Isles, Achill Island is a small island with a small population, connected to the mainland by Michael Davitt Bridge. Achill Island is home to some of the most spectacular Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, most of which is an international standard for beaches and marinas; which in Ireland is administered by An Taisce.