A land full of striking scenes, hidden gems and must-see sights, some of the most beautiful places are seaside towns on the Irish coast. From crystal clear waters to wave-battered cliffs, each coastal town offers a different adventure, and there’s no limit to the plethora of places to explore.
To help you plan your own Irish exploit, we’ve picked some of the most exciting coastal settings that Ireland has to offer. A voyage of discovery awaits.
Captivating Kinsale
There’s something for everyone in Kinsale, County Cork. One of the most picturesque places the south-west coast of Ireland has to offer, its harbour is a buzzing metropolis of shops, gourmet restaurants and arts and crafts shops. The calmer tides here provide the perfect climate for yachting and sea angling, and you can catch a glimpse of the local marine life with dolphin and whale watching tours.
Aside from its charming, colourful cottages, family-friendly beaches and lush golf grounds, this coastal town has plenty of historical attractions. Perhaps one of the best-known is Charles Fort, located just beyond the small town of Summercove and one of the few surviving examples of a 17th-century star fort. Open all year, the guided tours are a must, where you can see much of its original construction, along with panoramic sea views.
Discovering Dunfanaghy
An hour’s drive from Donegal’s popular Rossnowlagh beach is Dunfanaghy, a small fishing town along the Wild Atlantic Way. Full of Blue Flag beaches, this is one of the most beautiful seaside towns on the Irist coast, with white sandy shores on one side and the lofty Derryveagh Mountains on the other. Within the village, there’s much to be enjoyed too, from the Workhouse Museum to its numerous art galleries.
The 18-hole golf course was built in 1905 by six-time British Open winner Harry Vardon, and offers spectacular views of the idyllic Sheephaven Bay. A great way to explore the town’s rugged terrain and isolated beaches is on horseback – the nearby stables offer regular trail riding excursions for all abilities. Finally, the magnificent Horn Head Loop is not to be missed. This colossal rock face is almost 200 metres tall, and showcases the unspoilt appeal of this Irish coastal town.
Beautiful Ballybunion
Found along a wonderful stretch of the west coast of County Kerry, Ballybunion is a great example of scenic seaside towns on the Irish coast with an internationally renowned golf club. Set against the craggy coastline, the spectacular Cashen Course is full of undulating greens and steep sand dunes while the illustrious Old Course has some of the most formidable inclines in Ireland.
With its warm Atlantic waters and hidden tidal caves, the town’s beaches are a must-visit. The shore is split up into two sites – the ‘Men’s Beach’ and the ‘Ladies Beach’ – so called because men used to bathe separately from women and children, though this practice is not observed today. A popular surf site, the Ballybunion Surf School offers training for all ages and abilities, while the beachside bars and restaurants offer sumptuous, freshly-caught seafood.
If you’ve been inspired to see more of this wonderful country, and these seaside towns on the Irish coast, book your Liverpool to Dublin crossing today.
