With Ireland’s long and varied coastline, there certainly are amazing beaches that will surprise even the most experienced traveller.
It won’t be long till the first hot day of the year. That’s the perfect excuse to plan which beach to hit first. If Ireland isn’t on your radar for beaches yet, it definitely should be.
Turquoise waters, a gentle ocean breeze, and jaw-dropping views are waiting to be explored this summer. Read on and discover some hidden beach gems that are perfect for a sunny day.
Ballymastocker Bay, Co. Donegal – turquoise waters and golden sand
This beach gem in Co. Donegal is often overlooked in favour of other stops on the Wild Atlantic Way, but don’t make that mistake. Popular with locals and domestic visitors, it’s a sure sign you’ve found somewhere special.
Ballymastocker Bay dazzles with perfectly coloured water on a sunny day. The moment your toes sink into that soft sand, you’ll lose track of time.
Trá Bán, Co. Kerry – the quiet, remote choice
Can it get more remote than a beach on an island? Probably not. Trá Bán on Great Blasket Island in County Kerry sits on the eastern side of the island, with views across to the Dingle Peninsula.
A beach day here is a perfect mix of relaxing and exploring. The beach is very close to the small harbour where you arrive on the ferry, so you can dive in right away or explore the island first before unwinding to the sound of the waves.
Inch Beach, Co. Kerry – surfers’ paradise
While Inch Beach is not exactly a secret any more, it’s still well worth a stop when you’re in Dingle. Here, you’re rewarded with stunning views of the Slieve Mish Mountains and rolling waves that are perfect for surfing.
The beach famously featured as a movie location in Ryan’s Daughter, making it easy to combine a sunny beach day with a movie night and good food afterwards.
Benone Beach, Co. Derry – 11 kilometres of golden sand
Benone Beach opens up to sweeping views across to Donegal and a magnificent mountain backdrop.
Its dunes are a haven for nature lovers, so you can definitely get your botany fix here. You can even spot the marvellous Mussenden Temple in the distance.
Part of a Nature Reserve, Benone Strand is fully inclusive, with accessible toilets and disabled parking, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a perfect beach day here.
Fanore Beach, Co. Clare – close to a UNESCO site
Fanore Beach is located at the edge of The Burren, the karst landscape in County Clare that is part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. The striking dunes and crystal-clear waters are a perfect contrast to the Burren landscape.
The golden sand, together with the impressive rocky landscape, is a dream for any photographer. It’s like you can have it all – beach, incredible views, photo-worthy locations.
Bonus: Murder Hole Beach, Co. Donegal
While the name doesn’t sound very inviting, it’s worth the trip. Murder Hole Beach is a secluded destination for adventurers seeking a perfect spot for photos and exploring. Just follow the marked trail and respect the private land surrounding it.
The wild Atlantic created cuts and caves into the cliffs here that face the bay. When the tide is in, there are two beaches. However, when the tide is out, they’re merged into one beach. Be careful here with the currents and enjoy this stunning scenery.
With all these perfect beaches to choose from, which one will you hit first? You can easily plan an entire road trip around them. Now that sounds like the perfect plan for summer, doesn’t it?
