Beaches in Ireland

1. Kilmurvey Beach

Kilmurvey Beach is a delightful sandy beach in the Aran Islands in County Galway, located along Inish Mór's northern coastline. The Blue Flag-designated beach is home to a number of rare native plant species which are listed within the Red Data Book, along with internationally-significant populations of coastal bird species. Visitors can swim safely within the beach's calm waters throughout the warm months, with lifeguards staffed on duty at peak times. Birdwatching and wildlife watching are also popular beachfront activities, with exquisite beach strolling conditions offered for viewing the region's beautiful sunsets. A number of budget and upscale accommodations are located near the beach, including the Galway Harbour Hotel City Centre, the Ardilaun Hotel, and Corrib Village.

Kilmurvey, Aran Mor, Galway, Republic of Ireland, Phone: +353-14-00-22-02

2. Tullen Strand

Tullen Strand is a charming two-kilometer white sand beach that is considered to be Ireland's most consistent beach stretch, spanning between Bundoran's northern end to Ballyshannon's Erne Estuary. The popular beachfront is framed by the nearby Sligo-Leitrim Mountains and a number of sand dune formations, making it one of the country's most scenic beachfronts. Waves frequently reach heights of up to six feet, making for great surfing conditions for surfers of all skill levels. Due to wave conditions, swimming is not recommended at the beach, especially for children and novice swimmers. The beach is also popular with canoeists, body boarders, and other watersport enthusiasts, which can sometimes create overcrowding conditions during summer weekends, so tourists are advised to visit the beach during weekdays to avoid crowds.

3. Derrynane Beach

Derrynane Beach is an extensive Blue Flag-designated beach located on Derrynane Bay along the Ring of Kerry, near the Derrynane House and the village of Caherdaniel. The sheltered beach is home to its own natural harbor, with fine sands stretching between rocky outcroppings on each end of the beach. Swimming and watersports are popular throughout the summer months, with lifeguards staffed on duty during peak times. Visitors should note that a section of the beach known as "Danger Beach" is prone to particularly turbulent ocean currents, though additional lifeguard staff is on hand to monitor the area for safety. Near the beach's western end, visitors can access Abbey Island via a spit connected to the mainland, which is home to the 8th-century ruins of St. Finian's Abbey.

Derrynane, Caherdaniel, Kerry, Republic of Ireland, Phone: +353-6-46-63-16-33

4. Fanore Beach

Fanore Beach is a mostly-unspoiled beach located within Ireland's Burren region along the Atlantic Ocean coastline, near the lovely seaside village of Fanore. The Blue Flag-designated beach is one of nine major geological sites within Burren and Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark, which is known for its unique glacial karst landscapes and seaside shale cliffs. Swimming and surfing are popular water activities at the beach, which is staffed with lifeguards throughout the summer months for visitor safety. Public parking is offered along an access road near the R477, with an RV park located near the dunes adjacent to the beach. Many beachgoers use the beach and RV park as a jumping-off point for exploring the nearby natural wonders of the Burren, which include caves featuring some of the world's largest stalactites.

Fanore More, Co. Clare, Ireland, Phone: +353-6-56-82-16-16

5. Lahinch Beach

Lahinch Beach is a Blue Flag-designated beach located along Ireland's Atlantic Ocean coastline near the village of Liscannor and the resort town of Lahinch, offering convenient access to the nearby Burren and Cliffs of Moher Global Geopark. The beach is a very popular spot for swimming, surfing, kite surfing, and sea kayaking throughout the warm months, with several surfing schools located nearby offering surf lessons for beginners. Lifeguards are staffed on duty at the beach during peak times throughout the summer. Deep sea and freshwater fishing opportunities also abound throughout crescent-shaped Liscannor Bay. A wide variety of visitor amenities are offered within Lahinch, including overnight accommodations and restaurants.

Ennistymon Rd, Dough, Lahinch, Co. Clare, Ireland, Phone: +353-6-51-23-45-67

6. Barleycove

Barleycove, known as Bá na hEornan in Irish, is a charming beachfront town in County Cork, located along Ireland's southern coastline on the Mizen Peninsula. The beach is flanked by stunning sand dune formations created by tidal waves following the Lisbon earthquake in 1755, which have been partially eroded but are protected as a Special Area of Conservation by the European Union. A wide variety of wildlife habitats are present within the dunes, creating excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife watching. Surfing, boating, and sailing opportunities are offered throughout warm months, with opportunities for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding offered on land near the beachfront. Nearby, the spectacular 400-foot cliffs of Mizen Head make for great photo opportunities, while the Maritime Museum and Heritage Attraction showcases exhibits on the region's natural and cultural history.

BarleycoveCannawee, Co. Cork, Ireland

7. Inchydoney Beach

Inchydoney Beach is one of West Cork's most family-friendly beaches, located on Inchydoney Island near the town of Clonakilty. The Blue Flag-designated beach has been voted as Ireland's best international tourist beach three times since 2016 by TripAdvisor, showcasing picturesque dune formations throughout its beautiful unspoiled beachfront area. Excellent surfing conditions are offered for surfers of all ability levels, with surf lessons and board rentals provided by the beach's surf school. Lifeguards are staffed on duty throughout the summer months to keep young ones safe, and a number of rock pools throughout the beach make for great beachcombing spots for families. Nearby, Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa is home to four-star accommodations and a variety of dining options, including the nautical-themed Dunes Pub and Bistro.

8. Murvagh Beach

Murvagh Beach is a two-kilometer sandy beach along Donegal's southern coastline, located near the village of Laghy. The Blue Flag-designated beach is a popular site for picnics, offering a sheltered shoreline which is protected from strong sea currents for safe swimming conditions. Lifeguards are staffed on duty at the beach from June through August, making the beach a great family-friendly destination. Extensive sand dune formations are protected as a Special Area of Conservation by the European Union, which are located near the entrance of Murvaugh Forest. Nearby in Donegal, visitors can dine at a number of charming restaurants or stay overnight as a launching-off point for exploration of the Blue Stack Mountains.

Laghy, Murvagh, Donegal, Republic of Ireland, Phone: +353-7-49-72-11-48

9. Narin-Portnoo Strand

Narin-Portnoo Strand is a Blue Flag-designated beach within a Natural Heritage Area protecting significant low sand dunes, located along Ireland's Atlantic Ocean coastline near Donegal and Dunmore Head. The beach is home to a diverse range of significant terrestrial, coastal, and marine habitats, located within a picturesque sheltered cove home to white-gold sands that stretch for more than a mile. Safe swimming conditions are offered for visitors of all ability levels, with lifeguards staffed on duty at peak times throughout the summer months. Panoramic views are offered from the beach's coastline, with access available at low tide to the nearby island of Inis Caoil, which is home to the remains of several historically-significant churches dating back to the 6th century.

Narin Portnoo, Donegal, Republic of Ireland

10. Killiney Beach

Killiney Beach, known in Irish as Cill Iníon Léinín, is a popular seaside resort town and beach near the towns of Dalkey and Shankill, originally founded in the 11th century as Killiney Church. The beachfront area became an affluent resort town during the 19th century and offers a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the summer months, including swimming and watersports along its stony shoreline. Many Irish and European celebrities own homes nearby or flock to the resort town throughout the summer months for stunning views of nearby Bray Head, Dalkey Island, and Sorrento Terrace. Swimmers should note that the beach's waters increase in depth steeply near the shoreline and should exercise appropriate caution. Grassy areas are offered for picnics, and a Dublin Area Rapid Transit stop adjacent to the beach provides convenient access to Dublin's major tourist attractions.

Killiney, Dublin, PO Code: Co Dublin, Republic of Ireland, Phone: +353-12-84-50-66