The beaches in Ireland are no exception to the country’s rocky coastlines and breathtaking natural scenery. Ireland’s beaches provide activities for everyone, whether you want to swim, surf, or just relax in the sun. Now is the ideal time to begin organising your beach vacation because summer is just around the corner. We shall explore the best ten beaches in Ireland in this post, each with its own special features and things to do.
10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Ireland to Visit this Summer
Inch Beach, County Kerry
Along with being a stunning beach, Inch Beach in County Kerry is a well-liked spot for outdoor recreation. The beach provides fantastic surfing conditions with reliable waves all year long. If you’re a beginner, you can rent a surfboard, or a wetsuit, and take instruction from one of the nearby surf shops or schools. Inch Beach is the perfect location for kiteboarding because it has excellent winds and level water.
Inch Beach is an excellent area for leisurely walks, hikes, and watersports. The beach is a section of the 179-kilometre Dingle Way, a long-distance walking route that circles the peninsula. You can go on a long walk to explore the surroundings.
Keem Bay, County Mayo
On Ireland’s west coast, in County Mayo, is a hidden gem called Keem Bay. Stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean may be seen from this isolated and peaceful beach, which is encircled by rocks. Keem Bay is a fantastic location to escape the throng and take in the local natural beauty.
Keem Bay’s calm, clear waters, which are excellent for swimming and snorkelling, are one of its main draws. Mackerel and pollock are the most often caught fish, and the beach is a well-liked location for fishing. You can hire a local guide to take you out on the sea or rent a fishing boat.
The place is a fantastic location for trekking and exploration. At the base of Croaghaun, the second-highest sea cliffs in Europe, is a beach. For breathtaking views of the area’s landscape and shoreline, walk up the cliffs. Although the walk is difficult, the views are well worth the effort.
Silver Strand Beach, County Donegal
On Ireland’s northernmost peninsula, Silver Strand Beach in County Donegal is a well-kept secret. This isolated, scenic crescent-shaped beach offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and is flanked by rugged rocks. A nice place to escape the throng and take in the local natural beauty is Silver Strand Beach.
The pristine waters of Silver Strand Beach, which are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, are one of its main draws. Sea bass and pollack are the two species that are most frequently caught when fishing at the seashore. You can hire a local guide to take you out on the sea or rent a fishing boat.
Also, Silver Strand Beach is a fantastic location for hiking and exploration. The beach offers beautiful views of the surrounding cliffs and shoreline and is close to the magnificent Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point. For even more breathtaking vistas, you can walk up the cliffs.
Ballymastocker Bay, County Donegal
In the far north of Ireland, on the Fanad Peninsula, is the stunning and tranquil Ballymastocker Beach. This long, broad beach is ideal for swimming and fishing and provides expansive views of the surrounding countryside. Due to its seclusion and serene seas, Ballymastocker Beach is also a well-liked destination for picnics and relaxation.
The crescent-shaped harbour and sand dunes that line the beach provide good wind protection. The beach’s fine, golden sand makes it an excellent location for relaxing and sunbathing. Ballymastocker Beach’s crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, and the beach is protected from danger by lifeguards throughout the summer.
Ballymastocker Beach is an excellent place for trekking and exploration in addition to swimming and fishing. The beach is next to the magnificent Fanad Head, which provides beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and the neighbouring rocks. For even more breathtaking views, trek up the headland or stroll down the beach.
A number of amenities are available at Ballymastocker Beach, including parking, public restrooms, and a small store that offers food and beverages. Since the beach is dog-friendly, it’s a great place to spend the day with your four-legged companions.
Also Read: Which country is best for backpackers in 2025?
Ballycotton Bay, County Cork
Ireland’s east coast is home to the gorgeous and serene beach of Ballycotton Bay, County Cork. This lovely beach, which is tucked between rocks, provides breathtaking views of the Irish Sea. Ballycotton Bay is a fantastic location to escape the crowds and take in the local natural beauty.
Ballycotton Bay’s crystal-clear waters, which are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, are one of its main draws. Sea bass, cod, and mackerel are the three fish that are most frequently caught when fishing at the beach. You can hire a local guide to take you out on the sea or rent a fishing boat.
Ballycotton Bay is a fantastic location for exploring and trekking. The beautiful Ballycotton Cliff trek, a 5-kilometre trek along the cliffs that offers breathtaking views of the area’s landscape and coastline, is close to the beach. The nearby Ballycotton Island, which is home to a lighthouse and a seabird colony, is another option for exploration.
Inchydoney Beach, County Cork
On Ireland’s southern coast, Inchydoney Beach, County Cork, is a broad sandy beach. This lovely beach is a well-liked location for swimming, surfing, and strolling and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Sand dunes surround Inchydoney Beach, which has a variety of amenities and is a great vacation spot for families and couples.
Inchydoney Beach’s dependable waves, which make it a popular surfing location, are one of its main draws. There are two surf schools on the beach where beginners can rent a surfboard, a wetsuit, and receive lessons. In addition to being an excellent place to swim, the beach has lifeguards on duty during the summer.
Along with water sports, Inchydoney Beach is a great location for walking and trekking. The beach is a stop along the Wild Atlantic Way, an extensive walking route that follows Ireland’s west coast. You can go for a long walk to explore the nearby hills and farmland or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shore.
Murlough Beach, County Down
On the east coast of Northern Ireland, Murlough Beach, County Down, is a stunning and tranquil beach. This magnificent beach has beautiful views of the Irish Sea and is flanked by sand dunes. To escape the crowds and take in the local natural beauty, head to Murlough Beach.
Murlough Beach’s calm, clear waters, which are ideal for swimming and fishing, are one of its main draws. Due to the variety of species that call the beach home, it is also a well-liked location for bird watching. The neighbouring Murlough National Nature Reserve, which has a variety of ecosystems and fauna, is open for exploration.
Also, Murlough Beach offers a number of amenities, such as free restrooms, a parking lot, and a café that sells delectable meals and drinks. With wheelchair access to the beach and public restrooms, the beach is accessible to those with impairments.
Also Read: 10 Cheap Sun Holidays from Ireland to Europe in 2025
Rosses Point Beach, County Sligo
On Ireland’s west coast, Rosses Point Beach in County Sligo is a lovely and attractive beach. This magnificent beach, where swimming, surfing, and walking are all popular activities, provides expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. Rosses Point Beach is a fantastic location for families and couples because it is surrounded by sand dunes and offers a variety of amenities.
One of Rosses Point Beach’s biggest draws is its reliable waves, which make it a well-liked location for surfing. There are two surf schools on the beach where beginners can rent a surfboard, a wetsuit, and receive lessons. In addition to being an excellent place to swim, the beach has lifeguards on duty during the summer.
One of Rosses Point Beach’s biggest draws is its reliable waves, which make it a well-liked location for surfing. There are two surf schools on the beach where beginners can rent a surfboard, a wetsuit, and receive lessons. In addition to being an excellent place to swim, the beach has lifeguards on duty during the summer.
Apart from watersports, Rosses Point Beach is an excellent place for strolling and trekking The beach is close to the magnificent Knocknarea Mountain, a well-liked hiking destination with amazing views of the region’s landscape and shoreline. You can go for a long walk to explore the local hills and forests or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach.
Barleycove Beach, County Cork
On Ireland’s west coast, Barleycove Beach, County Cork, is a vast and breathtakingly beautiful beach. This breathtaking beach offers expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean and is tucked between the Mizen Head and Sheep’s Head peninsulas. One of the most visited beaches in Ireland is Barleycove Beach and for good reason.
Barleycove Beach’s beautiful golden sand and clear seas, which are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and constructing sandcastles, are one of its main draws. The beach is a well-liked location for kiteboarding, windsurfing, and surfing. If you’re a beginner, you can rent a surfboard or enrol in lessons at one of the nearby surf schools.
Barleycove Beach is a fantastic location for hiking and walking. The magnificent Sheep’s Head Way, a long-distance walking track that follows the coastline and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding terrain and cliffs, is close to the beach. You can go for a long walk to explore the local hills and forests or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach.
Also Read: 7 Ways you manage your holiday spending in better a way
Killiney Beach, County Dublin
Ireland’s south coast is home to the gorgeous and tranquil Killiney Beach, County Dublin. This stunning beach is an excellent place for swimming, fishing, and walking and offers sweeping views of Dublin Bay. Both locals and tourists alike enjoy visiting Killiney Beach.
Killiney Beach’s crystal-clear, quiet waters, which are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, are one of its main draws. With sea bass and mackerel being the most often caught fish, the beach is also a well-liked location for fishing. You can hire a local guide to take you out on the sea or rent a fishing boat.
Killiney Beach is an excellent spot for strolling and trekking in addition to participating in watersports. The beach is located along the Dublin Mountains Way, a long-distance walking track that gives beautiful views of the area’s landscape and shoreline as it travels along the coast. You can go for a long walk to explore the local hills and forests or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach.
Conclusion:
Ireland is home to many beautiful beaches that are ideal for a summer day trip. Ireland has beaches for everyone, whether you’re searching for a quiet, wild beach or a busy, family-friendly beach. So, take your belongings, sunscreen, and head to one of these stunning beaches for a summer to remember. Compare Travel Insurance with Ucompare and find Best Travel Insurance