If you’re looking for a beach holiday with scenic views, crystal clear waters and soft sand, it’s time to visit one of Ireland’s beaches. Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, Ireland is an easy-to-reach destination for relaxing to the sound of rolling waves.
From picturesque Donegal beaches to Cork’s glorious coastal views, we’ve got a rundown of the best beaches in Ireland, nearby places to visit and plenty of fun activities to enjoy along the way. If you’re inspired to set sail for the Irish coast, our two ferry routes to Ireland are a convenient and comfortable way to travel.
Trá Mór beach in County Donegal
Our first pick is found in the county of Donegal, which stretches along the Atlantic coast of Northern Ireland. “Trá Mór” translates to ‘big beach’ and is known locally to be one of the best beaches in Donegal. This spot definitely lives up to its name as it stretches over two miles.
County Donegal destinations such as Trá Mór are surrounded by wildlife so be sure to explore all they have to offer. You can drive to Donegal from Dublin in just under three hours and enjoy views of jagged limestone cliffs along your route.
This beach is a great spot for anyone looking for spectacular views, so enjoy some long walks here and you may even spot horses roaming on your stroll. If you’re taking a family holiday, there’s also a water park next to Trá Mór beach making it perfect for a kid’s day out!
Kinnagoe Bay in Donegal
Our next pick in County Donegal is the pristine Irish beach, Kinnagoe Bay. This stunning beach is encircled by lush cliff greenery and tucked away behind steep hillside roads making it one of Ireland’s hidden gems.
If you’re up for an adventure, the area is surrounded by plenty of things to do from wild walks to discovering unique attractions like Maghera Strand and Arranmore. One of Kinnagoe Bay’s main charms is the iconic shipwreck, La Trinidad Valencera which dates back 400 years.
You’ll get to Kinnagoe Bay in a breathtaking drive of around three and a half hours from Dublin and this corner of paradise is a great choice if you fancy swimming during the day and camping peacefully at night.
Inchydoney Beach in County Cork
If you’re looking for an Irish beach holiday with magnificent views and tons of fun activities, Inchydoney Beach is definitely worth a visit. The crisp blue waters and pale soft sand on the small island make it a perfect family-friendly destination as it’s brimming with water sports activities like swimming, surfacing and rock pooling.
At just two and a half hours’ drive from Dublin, this attractive location is surrounded by lovely places to visit. Located a stone’s throw away from the beach is Clonakilty Town, known for its lively atmosphere and music which have made it the music capital of Ireland!
Barleycove Beach in County Cork
Barleycove Beach is another iconic West Cork beach spot, located around two hours drive from Cork and surrounded by verdant views. The clear waters are loved by surfers that want to ride its vast waves and these make it a perfect destination for water sports. Barleycove Beach is also a popular spot for swimming so be sure to make your way to County Cork to cool off in its waters on a hot summer’s day!
Banna Strand in County Kerry
For a beach enriched with Irish history and scenic views, Banna Strand is worth a visit. This discovery point beach is located in County Kerry and part of a west coast tourism trail known as the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’.
For anyone curious about the historical significance of the beach, it was the landing point for Sir Rodger Casement, an Irish revolutionary leader who arrived on a German U-Boat on Banna Beach during the 1916 Easter Rising.
With lifeguards on the beach all day long, this is a great location for family swimming, so be sure to explore the unique history here around the Wild Atlantic Way.
Rossbeigh in County Kerry
Rossbeigh Beach is another of Ireland’s best beaches, perfect for long trekking and water sports. A wide range of nearby places to eat and a secure playground on the beach makes it a great option for a family-friendly day out!
Strandhill in County Sligo
Another stunning stop on the Wild Atlantic Way touring route is Strandhill Beach. Located in County Sligo, approximately 3 hours from our Larne Ferry route, this beautiful Irish beach holiday destination is surrounded by adventurous nearby activities, from cruises to horse riding, for the whole family to participate in!
Streedagh Strand in County Sligo
Another impressive beach in County Sligo is the Steedagh Strand, known for its 3km long sandy coastline, this beach is surrounded by magnificent sites to visit.
From the breathtaking Glencar waterfalls, the historic Classiebawn Castle and three iconic shipwrecks, Steedgah Strand is the perfect beach holiday destination with a great blend of site seeing and relaxation.
Murlough Beach in County Down
Murlough Beach in County Down is a hub of natural scenic beauty and just an hour’s drive from Larne and two hours from Dublin!
To get to this beach, you’ll wander through Murlough Nature Reserve surrounded by lush greenery and all kinds of species, from exotic butterflies and rare birds to badgers and moles. Be sure to enjoy the natural paradise of Murlough Beach and take a dip at this stunning sandy spot!
Dog’s Bay in County Galway
If you’re keen to bring your furry friends on holiday, Dog’s Bay in County Galway is the perfect place to get their paws sandy! This beach lets you bring your pets along for a day of fun in the sun. Just around the corner from Dogs Bay, you can find enjoy the vibrant feel of Roundstone Town which is full of colourful houses that bank a flowing river. Why not enjoy a Guinness or two here in this great destination, just two and a half hours from Dublin?
From blissful hidden beaches like Kinogae Bay to cheerful sandy getaways like Inchydoney Beach, you’re bound to have a great time exploring the nicest beaches in Ireland. Holidays to Ireland by ferry have never been easier, so get exploring the locations that have inspired you to begin your adventure now!
Ready to plan your Irish beach holiday? Book your P&O Ferry from our two routes to Ireland today!
