Ireland’s Best Beaches

Donegal has over 100 beaches spread out over ​​1,235 km/ 767 miles of coastline, making it home to a plethora of gorgeous beaches. However, one of our favourites is Silver Strand Beach, situated on the Slieve League Peninsula. It’s located on the edge of the Slieve League cliffs, creating an impressive view of the Atlantic Ocean. You will step from the cliffs down to the beach via 174 steps. As you’re trodding down these stairs, the cliffs and the ocean scene improve with every stride. As you reach the sand and amble along the beach, the towering cliffs that encase the bay will embrace you. It is this unique coastal landscape that adds to the allure of Silver Strand, making it a popular destination not only for beachgoers but also for scuba divers who are drawn to its clear waters.

Beyond its breathtaking scenery, Silver Strand Beach also serves as a gateway to tour the surrounding wonders of Donegal. It’s near the village of Glencolmcille, a small Irish-speaking village on the peninsula. Many walks in Glencolmcille allow you to immerse yourself in the village’s stunning scenery. If you’re a history lover, you can visit a folk village to get an authentic view of how Irish people lived in the past. Glencolmcille Folk Village is a collection of thatched cottages that represent life in Ireland during the 18th – 20th century in Ireland. 

The region offers countless attractions, from dramatic cliffs and rugged landscapes to pleasant seaside villages and ancient ruins. 

Tucked away on the mesmerising coastline of Co. Clare, Fanore Beach offers a captivating blend of rugged charm and tranquillity. A hidden gem that only a few visitors know of. Fanore Beach is at the edge of the Burren, an impressive karst moon-like landscape home to unusual flora and geological formations. According to experts, over 75% of plant species in Ireland are found in the Burren, including 23 of Ireland’s 27 orchids.

Whether you seek a peaceful retreat, coastal hikes, or simply a chance to brace the cold water of the Atlantic, a visit to Fanore Beach promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more.

Located just a short distance from the iconic Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southerly point is Barleycove Beach—a large beach backed by dunes that are a European Special Area of Conservation. For flora lovers, the dunes are home to communities of plants that thrive in salty environments near coastlines, such as wild thyme, sea rocket, and sea holly, to name a few.

The beach’s remote location adds to its charm, allowing visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the serenity of the coastal landscape. After a day of wandering, the restaurant above the beach is an excellent refuelling spot.

Greystones is probably one of the most well-known places on our list so far, as it’s a trendy seaside town that has become a haven for people living in Dublin city due to it being easily accessible from the city centre by public transport and is home to several beautiful coastal hikes, delicious cafes and restaurants, a golf club, beaches, and a modern marina. 

After a long trek through the Wicklow mountains, exploring all there is to see of the Wicklow Way, there’s no better way to unwind than a dip in the ocean at Greystones Beach. With its expansive sandy shore, picturesque promenade, and stunning views of the Irish Sea, Greystones Beach provides an idyllic setting for a day of relaxation and enjoyment. 

Nestled along the majestic Causeway Coast is Ballycastle Beach. The beach is about 1.2 kilometres long and runs from the pier at Ballycastle Marina down to Pans Rock – a stunning beach that’s great for swimming and surfing and close to Rathlin Island, a haven for bird watchers. Part of Rathlin is an acknowledged RSPB bird sanctuary that protects many seabird species. The observation decks allow keen bird watchers to watch the puffins, guillemots and razorbills as they dive around the waves. 

Ballycastle Beach is in the town of Ballycastle. It’s a charming town boasting a vibrant promenade lined with shops, cafes, and seafood restaurants, where you can indulge in local delicacies and soak up the lively atmosphere. Ballycastle is also a popular starting point for taking in the mesmerising sights of the Causeway Coast, including the famous Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the enchanting Dark Hedges.