Discover Dublin’s best beaches

Dublin is a swimmer’s paradise and there are many excellent idyllic and safe places to take a dip. Dublin also boasts Blue Flag Beaches at Portmarnock, Seapoint, Portrane and Killiney.

Dollymount Strand

Take a stroll along this wonderful stretch of sand – a favourite haunt of walkers, cyclists and runners. The Strand also takes in amazing views of Dublin Bay. It hosts a nature reserve and also allows for a bit of kitesurfing.

Bull Island

A sandbar island, which is within a short reach of any city centre location. This beach is also a dream for anyone who loves water sports.

Forty Foot - Sandycove

An exciting promontory on the southern tip of Dublin Bay at Sandycove. It’s one of the county’s most popular bathing spots with a 250-year tradition among swimmers. There are plenty of handrails to help swimmers have a safe and easy access to the emerald sea. This Dublin institution was male-only and used to be popular with nudists.

Tower Bay, Portrane

Near the Forty Foot, you can view the Tower Bay which is also near to Lambay Island. Overlooking this idyllic nook is one of the many Martello towers dotted around the coastline.

The Great South Wall

A haven for swimmers near Ringsend and the Grand Canal Dock. Close to the famous Poolbeg towers and you can also take in the chance to view the busy workings of Dublin Port.

Killiney – White Rock

This is a cool hideaway at low tide. The beach can be stony but between the White Rock Beach and the beautiful Vico Baths, this area is popular. The water depth is good and the views are spectacular as far as the Sugarloaf Mountain.

Bullock Harbour

If you wish to jump from high viewpoints, then this is the place for you. Near the Forty Foot, it is a haven for thrill-seekers. The harbour is also home to a wonderful scuba diving school.

Skerries

A Blue Flag beach on the northside, peppered with picturesque villages.

Burrow Beach

Also known as the ‘Hole In The Wall’ in Sutton and a good stretch of about 1.3km in one of the country’s most scenic area.

The Velvet Strand

This Portmarnock flat sands beach has been kissed by fame when in 1930, aviator Charles Kindgford Smith used the sand as a runway. This brave man’s flight to Newfoundland began in a calm Irish azure setting.

Flying the Blue Flag

Four of the beaches along the coast are of Blue Flag quality.

1. Seapoint – Dun Laogharie/Rathdown

2. Portmarnock/Velvet Strand

3. Bray South Promenade

4. Greystones

These beaches have achieved the Blue Flag standard – which is an international award of the highest accolade. It recognises outstanding compliance with bathing water quality.

The programme aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and inland bathing waters around the world.

The beaches and marinas that have achieved this accolade have complied with strict criteria relating to water quality, safety, facilities for visitors, beach management, environmental education and the provision of information.