Some of Ireland’s top beaches to explore for fresh invigorating walks
Silver Strand Beach, Sherkin Island, Cork: Silver Strand Beach is an absolute must-see on Sherkin Island, accessible by ferry from Baltimore. The sandy beach is one of Sherkin Island’s most beautiful spots, with magnificent views of Cape Clear Island and the Atlantic Sea.
Keem Bay(County Mayo): This secluded beach is often ranked as one of the most beautiful in the world. It’s a crescent-shaped stretch of golden sand, surrounded by towering clis and dramatic rock formations. Towering clis and dramatic rock formations surround the beach, creating a sense of secluded beauty.
Curracloe Beach, Wexford: Curracloe Beach is situated in Wexford. It’s no surprise that the sandy beach scored so highly, with it being featured in the 1998 filmSaving Private Ryanas well as beingknown for being one of the cleanest and longest beaches in Ireland, backed by grassy dunes.
Portsalon Beach:Portsalon Beach(County Donegal: This stunning beach is located on the Inishowen Peninsula, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline. Stunning beach with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline, soft white sand, and clear turquoise water.
Fanore Beach, located in the little village of Fanore, also has much to oer, with it being on the southern shore of Galway Bay
Sligo’s Enniscrone Beach is a hidden gem described as a ‘walker’s paradise’ on the shores of Killala Bay.
Burrow Beach, or the Hole in the Wall in Dublin oers spectacular views of Ireland’s eye and is a twenty-fiveminute drive from the city centre
Inchydoney Beach(County Cork): This long, sandy beach is located on the west coast of Cork, with views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Seven Heads Peninsula. The beach is popular with families, thanks to its calm waters and lifeguard supervision. Inchydoney Beach is also a great spot for surfing and windsurfing.
East End Beach, Galway: Galway’s East End Beach is one to tick o the bucket list as long you’re happy to clamber over some rocks to find the blissful, secluded cove on the Island of Inishbofin.
Dog’s Bay(County Galway): Escape the crowds and find your own slice of paradise at Dog’s Bay. This secluded beach is located on the Connemara coast, surrounded by rolling hills and lush green scenery. The beach has a mix of sand and pebbles and the water is crystal-clear.
Barleycove Beach, Cork: Barleycove Beach is based close to the villages of Crookhaven and Goleen on the Mizen Peninsula and is about two hours from Cork City.
Banna Strand, Kerry: Banna Strand always proves to be popular with its beautiful views and crystal clear waters. Stretch out on the soft sand of Banna Strand and gaze at the Slieve Mish Mountains and the Maharees Islands in the distance. The waves are perfect for surfing, and the beach is a great spot to watch the birds. After a day at the beach, enjoy a traditional Irish meal at one of the many nearby pubs.
Streedagh Beach, Sligo: The site of three shipwrecks, Streedagh Beach is a 3km sandy strand linking Streedagh Point to Connor’s Island, which makes for gorgeous views of the Sligo coastline.
Ballymastocker Bay, Donegal: The pure white sands at Ballymastocker Bay is also on this list of the best hidden beaches in Ireland.
Killiney Beach, Dublin: Three beaches tie for ninth place. Killiney Beach in Dublin can be viewed from Killiney Hill, with a 4.5 Google rating, and over 13,000 Instagram hashtags.
Dunmoran Strand, Sligo: Dunmoran Strand is a beautiful secluded beach, providing an easy 4km stretch for a stroll and sits just under 30 minutes from Sligo town.
Howth Secret Beach is one of Dublin’s worst-kept secrets, sitting 45 minutes from the city centre, and providing somewhere more private for reflection and swimming
Tramore Beach in Waterford: The panorama of Tramore Bay, with the protecting arm of Brownstown Head beyond, is truly magnificent. The town itself is built on a hill that slopes down to the strand. The long, rolling waves in Tramore make it popular with water sports enthusiasts.