Ireland is world-renowned for being home to incredible natural beauty in many forms. From breathtaking mountains to mesmerising waterfalls and pristine beaches to gargantuan forest parks, Ireland has it all when it comes to natural beauty.
When it comes to Irish beaches, there is no shortage of incredible strips of sand and sea to admire and explore.
From the most northerly point to the southerly tip, Irish coasts are a haven for nature lovers to spot different wildlife on both land and sea and to walk the sandy stretches in bliss.
The weather in Ireland doesn’t always allow you to soak in the scenes in the driest of conditions, no pun intended, but each day sheds new light on Ireland’s stunning coastal stretches.
I’ve visited the top beaches in Ireland, and in my opinion, this is the best one.
Murlough Bay, Co. Down – the top beach in Ireland
I’ve been to Murder Hole Beach in County Donegal, Curracloe Beach in Wexford, Dog’s Bay in Galway, and many more. However, the beach that takes the cake for me is Murlough Bay in County Down.
Set amidst the Murlough National Nature Reserve with the backdrop of the glorious Mountains of Mourne, Murlough Bay is a uniquely stunning Irish beach that should definitely be on your Irish Bucket List.
Beaches in the north are criminally overlooked when it comes to the best Irish beaches, and if you have been to Murlough Bay, I hope you will agree with me that it’s one of the most naturally beautiful places in the country.
Why I love Murlough Bay – the view, the dunes, and more
For starters, Murlough Beach is set just near the coastal town of Newcastle in County Down. A Blue Flag beach for good reason, the imposing Mourne Mountains watch over the entire landscape behind you as you explore the area.
The beach acts like a mirror during the golden hours of a sunny day, as the mountains reflect in the water, making you feel like you are walking on the flat surface of another planet.
It’s a wonderful place to go for a swim and engage in different watersports. One of the best things about Murlough Bay that makes it so unique is the sand dunes you must traverse through to actually reach the beach.
The sand dunes are said to be more than 6,000 years old and are home to an abundance of wildlife in the area. The boardwalk brings you through the dunes on your way to the beach, and it’s just such a pleasant walk on any given day.
The beach is dog-friendly, as long as you keep your furry friends on a lead, and is a super popular spot for this activity all throughout the year.
A haven for nature lovers – exquisite natural beauty
Murlough Bay is a nature lover’s paradise. It’s a popular spot for birdwatchers to seek out coastal birds and farmland birds fleeting throughout the area.
The area is internationally important for wintering wildfowl and waders, as well as being a haul-out site for common and grey seals.
When the weather is good, walking along Murlough Bay until you reach Newcastle is a fun day out for families and groups of friends basking in the rare sunshine.
There is just something magical, cosy, and welcoming about this place, which is why I think it’s the best beach in Ireland.
Address: Dundrum, Newcastle BT33 0NQ
The top beaches in Ireland – a few favourites and those yet to be explored
Murlough Bay takes the top spot when it comes to the top beaches in Ireland, but there are several others that deserve recognition, too.
Aside from the beaches I already mentioned at the beginning of the article, Portsalon Beach in County Donegal is another favourite. On a sunny day, Portsalon Beach is an idyllic spot to spend the day.
Next up is White Park Bay in Portrush. Another stunning Blue Flag beach, the journey down and back up from this beach is no joke, but it’s certainly worth it.
Beaches that I have yet to visit that could give my top spot a run for its money include Keem Bay on Achill Island, Trá Bán on Great Blasket Island, and Inch Beach in County Kerry.
