When considering the beaches of Ireland, Dublin isn’t the first place that comes to most people’s minds. However, this city is in fact home to a surprisingly large number of beaches, each with its own charms and attractions.
For spectacular views and invigorating walks, the beaches of Portrane (one of only two Blue Flag coastal areas in Dublin), Balcarrick and Tower Bay can’t be beaten.
On a clear, bright day, the views from the cliffs which overlook Tower Bay stretch from the Sugarloaf in the south to the lighthouse of Wicklow.
In between these sights there are plenty of other eye-catching features around the bay, including Pigeon House’s candy-striped towers, the sailboats close to Ireland’s Eye and the seabirds swooping over Lambay Island.
You can walk along the cliffs from Tower Bay to Balcarrick. Just follow the coastline of pebbles and sands and soon you’ll reach the 3.4km stretch that is Balcarrick, with its tidal pools in which children love to search for starfish and stone crabs. Parking is available at the northern end of the Balcarrick beach.
Claremont is a beach not often visited by tourists. This hidden gem lies behind the DART tracks, in the area of Howth.
Simply stroll along the West Pier and you’ll end up on the scenic sands of this beach, where Ireland’s Eye is just a stone’s throw away.
Claremont beach is an absolute must-visit place for those who love seafood. Its location close to the West Pier means that this is where you’ll find the freshest, most mouth-watering dishes.
You will be able to sample mackerel, oysters, crab, lobster, sole and, of course, the famous Dublin Bay prawns. There are also quite a few quaint little pubs here, where you can sip on a traditional pint of Guinness.
When the winds are strong, the skies above the Dollymount Strand are always filled with rows of colourful kites, as this is known as the place to go not only for kitesurfing, but also for flying a kite on dry land.
This is the second of Dublin’s Blue Flag beaches and the waters here are clear but choppy, making them perfect for those who love the thrill of surfing.
Dollymount contains protected habitats, so dog walkers must keep their pets on the leash at all times.
- Rocky Beach (Waterville, County Kerry, Ireland)infomatique
North Bull Island is a relatively new discovery for visitors to Dublin. However, over the past few years it has rapidly evolved into a UNESCO-approved area.
Here you can stroll through the beautiful nature reserve, walk your dog along the sandy strands or take a dip in the River Pool Sea.
For a spot of summertime swimming, Skerries is the best beach in Dublin. It’s located to the north of the city and not many other beaches can compete with this cosy seaside retreat with perfect swimming conditions.
The two areas on the beach where most people swim are known as ‘Captains’ and ‘Springers’. The south of the beach is great for stronger swimmers, while the waters to the north of the beach are calmer and best for paddling.
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