5 Beaches To Visit In Ireland This Summer
Visiting Ireland this summer? Ireland is renowned for its hospitality and beautiful countryside but is often overlooked for its stunning beaches and sea life. If you're travelling to Ireland this summer we'd strongly recommend checking out Ireland's seaside, with several coastal locations that provide scenic and breathtaking views. Here are our top 5 beaches to visit in Ireland this summer.
Bundoran, Co. Donegal
If you're into surfing, Bundoran in Country Donegal should be your first stop. This beach provides such excellent surfing conditions it was used for the popular European Championship in 2011 due to its ideal waves that break over the offshore reef. This attracts surfers from all over the world, and you'll often see lessons and experienced surfers catching some waves over the sea.
However, if surfing isn't your thing, there are still plenty of reasons to visit Donegal beach. The Sea Sessions Music Festival is hosted here every June, and the scenic views and relaxed atmosphere make the perfect party conditions.
Or if you just fancy some sunbathing and ice cream, the shoreline provides an excellent family day out.
Killiney Beach, Co. Dublin
A pebbly but still gorgeous beach, Killiney Beach is a short drive away from the city of Dublin. If you're vacationing in Dublin, this beach is a short train journey from the city centre and makes for a great day out.
People often take a dip in the gorgeous water in the bay or take a stroll up Killiney Hill to take in the breathtaking scenery. From the top of Killiney Hill, you get the incredible scenes of Bray Head, and if you squint hard enough you can even see Wales in the distance!
Dog’s Bay, Connemara, Co. Galway
This beach has been compared to the likes of the Caribbean, with bright white sand and beautiful blue water.
Dog's Bay is known as one of the safest places to swim as the sea is protected by the swells surrounding it, meaning there are no major currents. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, this beach is one of the most scenic in Ireland. While a little more rural and harder to get to from major cities, the views and calming atmosphere are definitely worth it.
Trá Mór, County Donegal
Trá Mór literally translates to the big beach in Gaelic, and a big beach it certainly is. Hidden away in County Donegal’s wind-bashed Horn Head peninsula, this beach is extremely remote and can be tricky to get to, but entirely worth the journey. This remoteness means you avoid crowds and tourists, and on occasional days you can even get the whole beach to yourself.
Streedagh Beach, County Sligo
Also popular with surfers, Streedagh Beach in County Sligo has risen in popularity recently due to its debut in BBC smash hit series, Normal People.
Streedagh Beach is a favourite for many, a beautiful mile and a-half-long, curving spit of land linking Streedagh Point with O’Connor’s Island with eye-catching views of the distinctive flat-topped Ben Bulben Mountain. This beach is a mix of sandy and pebbles, so it's perfect for sunbathing and BBQs.
