Summer is coming, and there’s nothing better than feeling the wind in your hair and the sand between your toes on a hot summer’s day. When the sun is shining, there is no better place to be than Ireland.
by Phoebe Webb
We have been gifted with so many beaches around the country that it’s hard to know which ones to go to. Because of that, we at Blarney Woollen Mills have listed our top 10 favorite beaches around Ireland to help make those decisions a little easier for you.
Inchydoney
Inchydoney is located near the town of Clonakilty in West Cork. Famous for its beauty and ideal conditions for surfers around the world. You can check out the live web cam for this Blue Flag beach here from the fabulous Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa.
Brittas Bay
This beach is situated in the Garden of Ireland, Wicklow. Brittas Bay is a 5km stretch of white sand lined with sand dunes, which houses various wildlife and plants. It is one of the finest and most beautiful beaches on the East coast of Ireland, perfect for bathing, walking and sailing. It holds a Blue Flag.
Derrynane
Kerry is home to some of the most iconic scenery in Ireland. It also holds some stunning beaches including the sandy Derrynane, which is close to the lovely village of Catherdaniel on the Ring of Kerry. Take some time out to relax on this beach, or participate in some water activities such as wind surfing or sailing.
Curracloe
One of the most popular beaches in Ireland located near the village of Cuuacloe, Co.Wexford. It is a long beach, with soft sand loved by sun bathers and walkers. With a Blue Flag, Curracloe is very busy in the summer months with many holiday makers staying in the nearby holiday homes, hotels and B&B’s. It’s great in the winter too for walks with the dog.
Lahinch
Just a short drive from the Cliffs of Moher there is a small Blue Flag beach called Lahinch. It attracts the locals and tourists because of its ideal conditions for sea kayaking and kite surfing. A perfect holiday resort for families, with great accommodation, restaurants, a golf course and a surf school to name a few.
Salthill
Salthill is a seaside resort north to the picturesque town of Galway. Here you can see the Aran Islands in the distance. It is a great beach, with a promenade, that you can walk along with a 99 ice-cream on a sunny day, with restaurants and shops just moments away.
Silver Strand
Silver Strand beach is on the quintessential Sherkin Island, located just off the sailing village of Baltimore in West Cork. To get there you must take a boat trip, which adds to the experience of the day ahead. The white sand beach is almost tropical on a summer’s day, so bring a picnic and some towels and relax.
Maghera Beach & Caves
This scenic, photo worthy beach with neighbouring caves is situated near the village of Ardara, Co.Donegal. There are over 20 caves, accessible by kayak or small boat. Great in any weather and perfect for walks with picturesque Irish coastal scenery, this beach is worth a visit for any adventure seekers.
Banna Strand
Banna Strand is Kerry’s leading holiday destination for families, located just a few miles from Tralee. The Blue Flag beach looks out to the Atlantic Ocean, alongside the magnificent mountains of the Dingle peninsula. Shore fishing, swimming, surfing and walking are popular activities on the beach as well as sandcastle building and picnics with the kids.
Portmarnock
The Blue Flag Portmarnock beach in Co.Dublin has earned its nickname The Velvet Strand due to its smooth sand qualities. It is a long beach, back by sand dunes, that is very popular to locals and tourists in the summer months. From the beach, there are wonderful views of Howth Harbour and the Dublin mountains.
So wherever you are in Ireland there is a beach nearby that you can enjoy, no matter the weather.
Additional Information / Image Source
Inchydoney
Brittas Bay
Derrynane
Curracloe
Lahinch
Salthill
Silver Strand
Maghera Beach and Caves
Banna Strand
Portmarnock
