Heading to the Emerald Isle for your next staycation? If so, then be sure to spend at least one of your days by the sea at one of the best beaches in Ireland!
From the Wicklow Mountains in the east to the Wild Atlantic coast in the west, Ireland is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Western Europe. Drawing in thousands of international visitors every year, it’s not hard to see why so many stop off at the best beaches in Ireland listed here during their holidays.
What are you waiting for? Keep scrolling to uncover all the best beaches in Ireland…
Skip Ahead to:
• The Best Beaches in County Wicklow
• The Best Beaches in County Waterford
• The Best Beaches in County Cork
• The Best Beaches in County Galway
• The Best Beaches in County Sligo
• Map of the Best Beaches in Ireland
The Best Beaches in County Wicklow
1. Greystones South Beach, Greystones
Situated just an hour’s drive of Dublin on the East Coast of Ireland, Greystones South Beach is a scenic and easily accessible beach that stretches around a kilometre in length, featuring both sandy and pebbly areas.
Found right next to the town’s DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) station and with nearby parking at €1 per hour, getting to this wonderful beach in Ireland is both easy and cost-effective.
Boasting Blue Flag status with lifeguards on duty during peak seasons, it’s a place where visitors can enjoy a safe swimming experience if that’s what you’re into! It’s also worth noting that because of this beach’s Blue Flag status, dogs are prohibited on the designated Blue Flag area from the 1st of June until the 15th of September.
Water sports enthusiasts can also enjoy activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, with equipment and instruction available from nearby suppliers. It’s also conveniently close to the town centre, where you’ll find loads of great places to stop off for a bite to eat after an afternoon on Greystones South Beach!
Type of Beach: Sand & Pebbles
Parking: South Beach Car Park
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Dog-Friendly: Partially (Restrictions in place across the Blue Flag area from 1st June – 15th September)
2. Brittas Bay Beach, Brittas Bay
Brittas Bay Beach in County Wicklow is a picturesque 5-kilometre stretch of white sand, backed by ecologically-significant dunes that make for a great place to go for a walk.
Easily reachable from both the North and South car parks, which are just a short walk to the shore, this Irish beach also offers lifeguard-patrolled swimming during the spring and summer months.
Due to its Blue Flag Award status, it’s also worth noting that dogs are restricted on Blue Flag areas between the 1st of June and the 15th of September. Not only that, but for those of you who enjoy a spot of surfing, you’ll be glad to hear that this tricky watersport is also popular here, with local surf schools providing lessons and equipment hire.
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Brittas Bay North/South Beach Car Parks
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Dog-Friendly: Partially (Restrictions in place across the Blue Flag area from 1st June – 15th September)
3. Ennereilly Beach, Arklow
Another one of the best beaches in Ireland that can be found in the beautiful County Wicklow is Ennereilly Beach, a tranquil coastal retreat featuring a mix of pebbles and sand.
Complemented by fascinating shells and rocks, there’s also a small and free car park that provides quick and easy access, though it’s worth keeping in mind that spaces may be limited during peak times!
Throughout the year, this beach also welcomes leashed dogs, making it a great spot for those of you hoping to bring your pooch along for the adventure. This Irish beach is particularly popular with shore anglers and sea-kayak fishers, so be sure to pack your bait ahead of your next visit!
Type of Beach: Sand & Pebble
Parking: Car park next to the beach
Parking Charge: Free
Dog-Friendly: No
The Best Beaches in County Waterford
4. Ardmore Beach, Ardmore
Next up on our list of the best beaches in Ireland is Ardmore Beach in County Waterford; this Irish beach is a great place to consider flocking to for an afternoon of lounging around in the sunshine.
Known for its pristine sands and its Blue Flag status, this beach also offers lifeguard services during the spring and summer months, making it an excellent place to go swimming, surfing, kayaking, or whatever else takes your fancy!
With plenty of space to park and an easy walk down to the beach, it’s a place that’s well worth a visit if you happen to be staying in County Waterford for your next break. For dog owners, it’s worth knowing that seasonal dog restrictions apply to lifeguard-patrolled areas between 11am and 7pm during peak seasons; however, outside of that, your dog can roam freely across the golden sands.
The beach is also a popular hotspot for various watersports, with a host of local providers offering equipment rental and lessons for surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking, making it a brilliant location for both beachgoers and adventure-seekers!
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Car park next to the beach
Parking Charge: Free/Pay & Display
Dog-Friendly: Partially (Restrictions in place from June until August, from 11am – 7pm)
5. Tramore Beach, Tramore
Tramore Beach, found tucked away on Ireland’s southern coastline, offers a picturesque 5-kilometre stretch of golden sands, as well as offering visitors great parking that only operates “pay and display” during peak months.
Lifeguard services are also available during the spring and summer, providing a safe environment for swimmers and watersports enthusiasts. With a name roughly translating to big beach, it’s unsurprising that there is lots of room on this Irish beach for you to unwind and explore. The beach is also particularly famous for its spectacular sunsets thanks to its west-facing position, so whether you visit during the day or at night, there’s lots to look forward to.
It’s also worth mentioning that there are seasonal restrictions for dog walkers, albeit minimal; these prevent owners and their pets from using the beach’s lifeguard-covered areas between 11am and 7pm from June until August.
As mentioned, Tramore Beach is a popular destination for watersports, with a host of local surf schools and activity providers that can cater to surfers, kayakers and paddleboarders.
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Promenade Car Park
Parking Charge: Free
Dog-Friendly: Partially (Restrictions in place from June until August, from 11am – 7pm)
6. Kilfarrasy Beach near Annestown
Kilfarrasy Beach, situated along County Waterford’s famous Copper Coast, is another one of the best beaches in Ireland that’s celebrated for its pristine golden sands and impressive geological features.
For those of you planning on getting here by car, parking is available directly adjacent to the beach, providing you with quick and convenient access.
Backed by ancient cliffs that are believed to be around 460 million years old, this popular beach forms part of the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, making it a unique and interesting hotspot for keen geologists as well as beachgoers. A well as offering a glimpse into the past, this Irish beach also offers truly spectacular views across the sea!
Type of Beach: Rocky and Sandy
Parking: Small car park next to the beachfront
Parking Charge: Free
Dog-Friendly: Yes
The Best Beaches in County Cork
7. Myrtleville Beach, Myrtleville
Found just a short drive south of the city of Cork, Myrtleville Beach is a fantastic Irish beach that’s popular with both locals and holidaymakers. Sitting next to a small seaside village of the same name, here you’ll find a beautiful stretch of sand that leads right up to the pebbly shoreline.
Similar to many of the best beaches in Ireland listed here, it’s also a hotspot for a variety of different watersports, such as surfing, kayaking, windsurfing and paddleboarding.
In fact, the beach is frequented by swimmers year-round, with local groups organising fundraising swims and events. However, we’d highly recommend checking local guidelines regarding water quality and safety notices before planning your visit, especially during the warmer months of the year.
Although Myrtleville Beach doesn’t have an official car park for visitors, the approach road is wide and allows parking on either side. Nearby, you’ll find a restaurant and a coffee dock, offering refreshments and meals with views of the beach.
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Free car park next to the beach
Parking Charge: Free
Dog-Friendly: Yes, although dogs must be kept on leads at all times
8. Garylucas Beach, Kinsale
Garrylucas Beach, also known as White Strand, is a picturesque Blue Flag beach located near the Old Head of Kinsale in County Cork. It is particularly popular with water sports fans due to its location on the south-west coast of Ireland; keen swimmers and surfers must visit this Irish beach!
Situated just a 20-minute drive from Kinsale, Garrylucas Beach is easily reachable via the R604 road, making it a convenient location to consider visiting for the day if you happen to be staying nearby.
Not only that, but at the beach you’ll also find plenty of space to park, as well as a block of public toilets and lifeguards on duty during the summer, so you can indulge in a variety of thrilling watersports safely.
Partially backed by sand dunes and is flanked by rocky cliffs, it also makes for a lovely place to go on long walks and to experience mesmirising sunsets.
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Spaces available along the beachfront
Parking Charge: Free
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must be kept on leads at all times
9. Barley Cove Beach, Barleycove
Found on the far southwestern tip of Ireland, Barley Cove Beach is a picturesque location that sits between two coastal cliffs, sheltering its visitors from the wild Atlantic winds.
Due to its shape and size, this beach is more than suitable for a range of different types of watersports, particularly surfing. However, it’s worth noting that this beach is rather remote, but the pay-off after committing to getting here will be more than worth it!
On top of all that, there are also plenty of beautiful Irish walking trails leading off from the beach. These trails will take keen hikers around rocky headlands and coastal cliffs, offering impeccable views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Barley Cove Beach Car Park
Parking Charge: Free
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must be kept on leads at all times
The Best Beaches in County Galway
10. Traught Beach, Kinvarra
Traught Beach, also known as Tracht Beach, is a serene coastal spot near Kinvarra in County Galway, which is predominantly sandy with shingle shores.
Offering unforgettable views over Galway Bay and, on clear days, the distant Aran Islands, it’s a favoured destination for both locals and visitors who flock here for a peaceful seaside experience.
With a free and spacious car park found right on the beachfront, you won’t have to worry about trekking long distances with your gear when visiting Traught Beach. What’s best is that it’s also just a short drive away from Kinvarra, where you can stop off for a drink and a bite to eat in one of its fantastic restaurants.
Type of Beach: Sand & Shingle
Parking: Spaces available along the beachfront
Parking Charge: Free
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must be kept on leads at all times
11. Salthill Beach, Galway
Also overlooking Galway Bay and easily one of the best beaches in Ireland is Salthill Beach, found just a short distance from the heart of the city of Galway.
Boasting stretches of both sand and pebbles, this beach is actually a combination of two smaller beaches, Ladies Beach and Grattan Beach, that link together when the tide is out.
Perfect for families, this Irish beach is home to a promenade boasting exisiting attractions including Curry’s Fun Park where you can delight intraditial fun fair rides including the Ferris Wheel and Bumper Cars and the Galway Atlantaquaria an aquarium with something for everyone to see and do.
Not only that, but with three spacious car parks all being within walking distance of the beach, it makes for an excellent place to spend the afternoon if you happen to be staying in Galway or the surrounding area.
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Large car park next to the Galway Atlantaquaria
Parking Charge: Pay & Display
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must be on a lead between May – September (9am – 8pm)
12. Lettergesh Beach, Connemara
Nestled in the beautiful Connemara region of County Galway in West Ireland, Lettergesh Beach is a wonderful place to consider visiting, offering pristine conditions and plenty of natural beauty to marvel at!
Due to its remote location, you’re not likely to come across many people here, apart from those travelling along the Connemara Loop road that passes close by. Despite this, Lettergesh Beach still has a decent-sized car park that’s also free to use.
If you’re hoping to bring your four-legged friends along with you, it’s worth noting that during the peak season (May – September, between 9am and 8pm), dogs aren’t allowed onto Lettergesh Beach.
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Lettergesh Beach Car Park
Parking Charge: Free
Dog-Friendly: Yes
The Best Beaches in County Sligo
13. Enniscrone Beach, Inishcrone
Moving on to County Sligo, another one of the best beaches in Ireland that can be found here is the wonderful Enniscrone Beach. Stretching just over three kilometres in length, this golden sandy beach is a hotspot for both beachgoers, watersports enthusiasts and dog walkers alike.
Due to the shape and size of Enniscrone Beach and its location right on the Atlantic, the surfing conditions here are more than suitable for an afternoon of riding the waves. Don’t fret if you’ve never surfed as there a nearby surf school where visitors can book lessons or hire equipment for the day. So why not try to learn a new skill and perhaps pick up a new hobby?
Likewise, this Irish beach also doesn’t enforce any restrictions for dogs, so you can bring your beloved pooch on your trip to the seaside. It is, however, highly advisable to keep them on a lead and under control, particularly on busy days.
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Enniscrone Beach Car Park
Parking Charge: Free
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a lead between 1st June – 15th September
14. Strandhill Beach, Strandhill
Popular with holidaymakers staying in nearby parks, Strandhill Beach has long been one of Ireland’s best beaches due to its vibrant surfing culture and the bustling village right next to it.
Situated just a 15-minute drive from Sligo, the county town, visitors will find ample free parking available near the beachfront, providing easy access to the shore. During peak times, especially in the summer months, the area can become quite busy, so arriving early is advisable to secure a spot.
As mentioned, Strandhill Beach is a hotspot for surfing enthusiasts, attracting surfers of all levels throughout the year. Several surf schools operate in the area, offering lessons and equipment hire for those keen to ride the waves.
Whilst swimming in the sea is generally not recommended, the beach is perfect for leisurely walks, allowing visitors to take in the breathtaking coastal scenery.
It’s also worth mentioning that this beach also sits just a short distance away from Sligo Airport, so you might even spot a plane or two taking off or coming in to land during your trip here!
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Shore Road Car Park
Parking Charge: Free
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must be kept on a lead after 10am (year-round)
15. Streedagh Beach, Bundoran
Boasting a unique and interesting history, Streedagh Beach is a wonderful stretch of golden sands found on the Atlantic Coast, just a short drive north of the city of Sligo.
Here, three shipwrecks were discovered in the 1980s, all of which date back to the late 1588 when the Spanish Armada encroached on the then British Empire. Whilst much of the ship’s remains were recovered and stored away, here you’ll find the wreck of another interesting ship, the Greyhound of Whitby that ran aground here in 1770.
As well as its interesting history, Streedagh Beach is also a popular hotspot for surfers, who flock here to enjoy the wild Atlantic winds that offer highly favourable conditions. For dogs, it’s important to note that they must be kept on leads at all times, but apart from that, your four-legged friends are welcome on this beach all year round!
Type of Beach: Sandy
Parking: Car park next to the beach
Parking Charge: Free
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but must be on a lead between 1st June – 15th September
Map of the Best Beaches in Ireland
Find plenty more things to see and do during your next break by checking out our wonderful Ireland Travel Guide! Whether you’re looking for the county’s top hidden gems or trying to plan the ultimate Irish road trip, there’s no shortage of exciting ideas to explore here on your next holiday! If you’d rather cross the border or explore the other side of the Irish Sea, there are plenty of beautiful beaches in the UK.
Image Credits: Michael Dibb – CC BY-SA 2.0; Paul O’Farrell – CC BY-SA 2.0; Jonathan Thacker – CC BY-SA 2.0; Ian Capper – CC BY-SA 2.0; Espresso Addict – CC BY-SA 2.0; Robin Mais – CC BY-SA 2.0; Alan Reid – CC BY-SA 2.0