Best Beaches in Ireland

Updated On: April 07, 2024 by   Asmaa Alhashimy

As we approach spring and the summer seasons in Ireland, we thought we would share some of the best beaches in Ireland. There is no doubt that the beauty in Ireland is everywhere; the place is covered in unspoilt coastlines and natural wonders.

Ireland is home to some of the most stunningly magnificent beaches in the world. From stretches of gorgeous coastlines and secluded coves, there’s no need to head abroad for a beach destination. On a sunny day in Ireland, there’s nowhere better to head than the beach. Whether you’re searching for family-friendly beaches, surfer beaches or beaches for nature lovers, Ireland has it all and more.

Check out our list of the best beaches in Ireland that you must visit this year…

Inchydoney Beach in Clonakilty, Co Cork

First, on our guide to the best beaches in Ireland is the Blue Flag awarded Inchdoney Beach in Cork. After all, it has been voted by TripAdvisor users as the best beach in Ireland in 2019. We can understand why this was rated as the top beach in Ireland with its captivating rolling green fields that connect to the island of Inchydoney.

The beach offers miles and miles of gorgeous sand, with unspoilt beauty around you. It’s also known as a haven for water lovers, providing the perfect environment for surfing.

“A gem of a beach, golden sands on the Wild Atlantic Way, a surfers paradise”  – (TripAdvisor)

There is also the nearby Inchydoney Surf School, the longest-running surf school in Cork. So, if you fancy yourself wanting to learn to surf, nowhere does it better; even great surfers will enjoy the experience they provide.

Check out the Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa if you want to stay in the area; it has twice been awarded as ‘Ireland’s Leading Spa Resort’. The spa will provide the best relaxing environment for your time on the west coast of Cork.

Clonakilty is an award-winning seaside town in Cork; its beautiful beaches have a lot to offer those visiting, from water sports and adventure to golf and a place filled with a proud heritage.

Tullan Strand, Bundoran, Donegal

Next up on our guide to the best beaches in Ireland is found in the family-friendly seaside resort of Bundoran. Bundoran is home to two great beaches, and we are surprised that neither of them made it to TripAdvisor’s Top Beaches list in Ireland. But we think these beaches are well- worth mentioning.

Firstly, the speculator beach known as Tullan Stand offers the most awe-inspiring views over Donegal Bay. It’s one of Ireland’s best-renowned beaches for its surfing conditions. Even considered one of the best surfing beaches in Europe. Any keen surfers will want to experience the brilliant Atlantic ocean waves here.

People come from all around the world to surf at this great Donegal beach. The beach is linked to a network of dunes and is captivated by a lovely backdrop of the Sligo – Leitrim Mountains.

Tullan Strand stretches over 2km long, offering a relaxing environment to walk along and take in the scenery. It is also within walking distance of Bundoran Town, where you will find a variety of activities, attractions, and great places to eat and drink.

Bundoran’s Fairy Bridges

You could also visit the nearby Wishing Chair and Fairy Bridges on the Roguey Walk Experience. The Fairy Bridges were formed from sea stacks hundreds of years ago and are one of Bundoran’s original tourist attractions.

It would help if you also took a seat in the Wishing Chair, which is believed that many famous visitors to the town sit here, such as poet William Allingham and golfer Christy O’Connor.

Bundoran’s Main Beach

The second beach is Bundoran, simply known as the Main Beach, which offers many memories to those regular visitors to the town. It’s also one of Donegal’s 13 Blue Flag-awarded beaches. It’s located in the centre of the town and is excellent for families staying in the area.

From June to September, the beach is lifeguarded, and there is even a music festival during the summer. The ever-growing and popular Sea Sessions festival sees artists worldwide perform in the seaside town.  Making it one of the best places to visit in June, the atmosphere is fantastic, and the beaches are stunning.

Portstewart Strand, County Derry

Head to the north of Ireland, where you’ll find another one of the best beaches in the country. Portstewart Beach is recognised for its cleanliness and water quality and is one of the few beaches in Ireland where you can still drive your car onto the beach. This makes it an excellent beach for families; bring all you need in your car and enjoy the golden shores.

In 2014, Portstewart Stand was awarded the Seaside Award, recognising it as a great family-friendly beach. Portstewart Strand was also used as one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones in Northern Ireland.

The beach has often been a popular spot with tourists and locals as it offers a variety of activities. You can enjoy surfing, swimming, scenic walks and even horse riding along the strand. The beach also has incredible north coast views along the nature trails.

Portstewart Strand is also home to some of the tallest dunes in Ireland and is considered an Area of Special Scientific Interest. It is also a haven for wildflowers and butterflies, perfect for nature lovers.

It was once ranked 99^th on CNN’s World’s 100 Best Beaches. But we think it is one of the top 10 beaches in Ireland that you must visit on your next trip.

Dogs Bay and Gurteen Bay, Connemara

Not only do we think this next beach is one of the best beaches in Ireland, but it’s one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. On a summer’s day, you could mistake this beach for somewhere in the Caribbean.

The unique horseshoe shape of Dogs Bay makes it memorable, along with its beautiful white sandy beach. Dogs Bay goes back onto Gurteen Bay and creates a mound that looks out over the Atlantic Ocean.

Both beaches are made entirely of fragments of seashells that help to give their stunning white colour. It is one of the finest beaches in Galway and Ireland. One of those needs to experience in real life – to soak up all that’s wonderful about it.

It’s also worthwhile to spend a few days in Connemara, where the beaches are found. The place has often been considered the destination for those wanting to experience authentic Ireland. One of the great Irish poets, Oscar Wilde, said the place was of ‘Savage Beauty’, and we agree.

Murder Hole Beach, Donegal

Don’t let the name of this beach put you off; this is one of the best beaches in Ireland for photographs. Murder Hole has often been considered one of Ireland’s most mysterious beaches, possibly due to its adventure to reach it.

There is no straight road or signs that lead you to this beach, but many locals are always happy to help you get there. The effort it takes to get here makes it extra unique. Once you arrive at Murder Hole, you’ll know why it’s so unique, as small caves and splendid cliff tops surround you.

 “I’ve been seeing hundreds of beaches around Ireland but this one is the most beautiful and spectacular places.” – (TripAdvisor)

It is a beautiful, untouched beach, one of our favourite beaches in Ireland. It’s a little piece of heaven found in Ireland that you must experience. Check out the incredible drone footage below that captures all the beauty of Murder Hole!

Keem Beach, Mayo

Next up on our guide to the best beaches in Ireland is located in the lovely County Mayo along the Wild Atlantic West. Keem Beach is an impressive rural and sheltered beach between Benmore and Croaghaun Mountain cliffs on Achill Island.

Keem Beach has become very popular for water sports, such as scuba diving and snorkelling. Its bay is one of the most picturesque bays in the country and is perfect for fantastic photo opportunities.

Achill Island, where the beach is found, also offers a stunningly beautiful clifftop walk that inspires you. It’s also one of the largest islands found in the west of Ireland and not far from popular attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher.

“A place of tranquillity to savour and enjoy” – (TripAdvisor)

Undoubtedly, the Irish coastlines are some of the most impressive in the world, and this place is home to some of them. Achill Island is a spectacular spot in Ireland worth exploring.

Tyrella Beach, County Down

Back to the north of Ireland, where you’ll find one of the best beaches in Ireland for families and children. The beach has won many awards, from the prestigious Blue Flag to the Seaside and Green Coast awards.

It offers miles and miles of gorgeous sandy beach and sparkling blue waters that are backed by mature dunes.

“A fine expanse of sandy beach, with safe bathing and a superb backdrop.”  – (TripAdvisor)

We can see why it’s such a favourite with holidaymakers in County Down. Children can play freely on the beach and happily splash around in one of Ireland’s safest and cleanest beaches. At the same time, adults can sit back and take in the natural views offered by the impressive Mourne Mountains.

That’s the end of our guide to the best beaches in Ireland, north and south. I hope these Irish beaches will help to inspire a holiday to the beautiful emerald island. If you’re searching for more reasons to visit Ireland, check out the most famous landmarks and fun things to do in Northern Ireland.

If one of your favourite Irish beaches isn’t on our list, let us know; we all love to discover new places!