Ireland - 10 Great Beaches

Ireland is a relatively small island off the West coast of mainland Britain, with around 3 million inhabitants. The beauty of Ireland is that as an island we have a varied coastline; North, South, East and West which offers any visitor the chance to experience some of the most beautiful beaches in Western Europe. Here is a list of my top ten beaches from around the island of Ireland. Whether you want to walk the dog, have a snooze after your picnic lunch or try your hand at surfing, Irish beaches can offer you everything you want (plus more!) to make your holiday a memorable one!

1 Benone Strand, County (London) Derry

A lovely stretch of golden sands in Limavady on the North East coast. There is also a complex nearby which has been designated as a nature reserve. Experience a walk through the dunelands.

2 Portstewart Strand County (London) Derry

Between the popular seaside resort of Portstewart and the mouth of the River Bann lies this lovely beach and with its' extensive dunes. The Strand is two miles long and is also an important nature conservation area.

3 Tyrella Beach, County Down

In the North East area of Downpatrick, Co. Down, Tyrella Beach offers a wide and beautiful flat sandy beach with important natural dunes.

4 Helen's Bay, County Down

From the coastal town of Bangor in the North East, you can walk to this beautiful area with its' remote and unspoilt beaches and country park. An area of historic significance in both World Wars.

5 Rossnowlagh Beach, Donegal.
The "Heavenly cove" is regarded by many as the most scenic and dramatic beach in the whole northwest facing the Atlantic Ocean. Miles of golden sand it is popular for all kinds of water sports; board sailing, surfing and water skiing.
6 Bundoran, Donegal
From the car park, you walk down a steep path to a glorious stretch of a sandy beach facing Donegal Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Walk this beach and stop to watch the surfers.

7 Dugort, Achill Co. Mayo.

County Mayo on the North West coast has many lovely clean beaches which are ideal for swimming, sailing, surfing and other water sports. This is just one of them.

8 Duncannon Beach, Wexford
Near the lovely city of Wexford, this is considered one of the best beaches in the South East, with over a mile of golden sands.

9 Balbriggan Beach, Dublin

The capital of Southern Ireland is Dublin. Within 2 minutes of the city centre is Balbriggan which not only offers lovely coastal walks but is also home to a large colony of seals which can regularly be seen around the harbour area.

10 Lahinch, County Clare.

Formerly known as Leath Inse (peninsula), Lahinch is a water-bound location on the South West coast. This beach offers excellent surfing with a promenade opening unto the Atlantic Ocean. The area also offers a championship links golf course.