Lonely PlanetJul 30, 2026
The 12 best beaches in Ireland for every season
From quiet coves to great stretches of golden sand that are a destination in their own right, Ireland’s coastline is a beach lover’s paradise.
21 things in this story
- Fred & Nancy'sCafésnack and coffee stop in Airstream caravan
- Elsewhere
- Stoop Your HeadRestaurantSkerries, Irelandseafood restaurant
- Blue BarRestaurantSkerries, Irelandfamily-friendly
- Raven Nature ReserveSightCurracloe, Irelandprotects pine forest and dune systems
- Inchydoney Surf SchoolPlaceInchydoney, Irelandhelps find your feet surfing
- West Cork Model Railway VillageAttractionClonakilty, IrelandFun family day out in Clonakilty.
- Inchydoney Island LodgeHotelInchydoney, Irelandplace for meals or drinks
- Keem BaySightAchill Island, Irelandsecluded crescent of golden sand
- Croaghaun CliffsSightAchill Island, Irelandhighest cliffs in Ireland
- KeelSightAchill Island, Irelandsweeping beach
- TrawmoreSightAchill Island, Irelandmix of sand and shingle
- Minaun CliffsSightAchill Island, Irelandrise to 466m at eastern end
- Inch StrandSightInch, Ireland5km-long sand spit in Dingle Bay
- Kingdom WavesPlaceInch, Irelandsurf school offering lessons
- Banna StrandSightBanna, Irelandhuge Blue Flag beach, local favorite
- Crag CaveSightCastleisland, Irelandcave opened to public in 1989
- Gurteen BaySightRoundstone, IrelandGurteen Caravan Park is situated 3.1km (on the R341) from Roundstone village.
- Move with NaturePlaceRoundstone, Irelandoffers guided kayak and paddleboard trips
- TramoreSightDunfanaghy, Irelandsecluded beach in shadow of Horn Head
- Killahoey BeachSightDunfanaghy, Irelandlooker beach
- Dog's BaySightRoundstone, Ireland