Ireland has one of the most spectacular and pristine coastlines in the world, especially around Dublin. From long golden beaches to ancient reef landforms, every coast shows the wonders of nature. These beaches are not only suitable for summer cooling, but also a favorite destination for photographers, hikers and local residents all year round.
1. Howth Coastline: The wild beauty of cliffs and sea breeze
Geographic location and transportation
Howth is located about 15 kilometers northeast of Dublin. It is a historic fishing village surrounded by the sea. It takes about 30 minutes to get there from the center of Dublin by DART light rail train. It has convenient transportation and is suitable for day trips or weekend short trips.
Coastal features
Howth’s charm lies not only in its fishing port and seafood restaurants, but also in the spectacular coastal trail-Howth Cliff Walk. The beaches here are mostly a mixture of stone and fine sand. Unlike flat coasts, they are famous for cliffs, rocks and tidal caves. The hiking trails around Howth Head lead to many hidden beaches and viewpoints, which are great places to observe seagulls, seals and seasonal whale migrations.
Balscadden Bay Beach is especially recommended. This small bay is hidden under the cliffs, with waves gently hitting the pebbles. The clear water is suitable for short swimming and sunbathing, away from the crowds, and suitable for tourists who want to avoid the hustle and bustle.
Recommended crowd
Suitable for photography enthusiasts, hikers, couples and nature observers. Due to the complex terrain, special attention should be paid to those with young children or mobility difficulties.
Booking platform
Supports booking of Howth Coast One-Day Tours through GetYourGuide, Klook, Viator and other platforms. Some platforms also provide guided walking explanations and pick-up services.
2. Portmarnock Beach: A leisure paradise on the Gold Coast
Geographical location and transportation methods
Portmarnock Beach is located about 13 kilometers north of Dublin city. It can be reached by taking the DART light rail to Portmarnock Station and walking for about 15 minutes. You can also drive there by yourself, along the R106 road, with plenty of parking.
Beach Features
Portmarnock Beach is nicknamed “The Velvet Strand”, which means “Velvet Coast”. This beach is famous for its wide, long, fine and soft sand, and is one of the most popular bathing beaches on the east coast of Ireland. The beach is wide at low tide, suitable for running, cycling and kite activities.
The north end of the beach has a wide view, with Lambay Island in the distance. At sunset, the golden light falls on the sand, which is intoxicating. The south side is close to the famous Portmarnock Golf Club, with an elegant environment and fresh air.
Recommended groups
Family tourists, couples, jogging enthusiasts, water sports experiencers (such as sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, etc.). There are cafes, public toilets and children’s play areas around it, which is a very suitable beach for parents and children.
Booking platform
You can book a one-day trip with transportation through TripAdvisor Experiences, Viator, Tiqets and other platforms, or combine it with golf experience and parent-child activities.
3. Killiney Beach: The coastal curve of aristocratic holiday style
Geographic location and transportation
Killiney Beach is located in Killiney, a wealthy area in southern Dublin. It takes about 35 minutes to take the DART light rail from the city center, and it is a 5-minute walk from Killiney Station.
Beach features
This beach has an open terrain, stretching about 800 meters from north to south, and is mainly composed of gray fine sand and small pebbles. The most special thing about Killiney Beach is that it is backed by hills. Standing on the beach, you can see Bray Head, forming a unique landscape where the mountains and the sea meet.
There are many villas nearby, including celebrity mansions, such as U2 lead singer Bono and Enya, who have lived here. The beach itself is relatively quiet, and it is a good place for walking, meditation and looking into the distance. Every summer, the grass on the shore is covered with wild flowers, which contrasts with the blue sea.
Recommended crowd
Middle-aged and elderly tourists, high-end vacationers, and photographers who like a quiet atmosphere. It is also suitable for couples to stroll at sunset and feel the quiet and romantic atmosphere.
Booking Platform
You can book a Killiney coastal walk or a tour combined with the Dalkey Heritage Tour through Airbnb Experiences, Viator or GetYourGuide. Some platforms also offer helicopter aerial photography experiences.
4. Sandymount Strand: Beach walk in an urban oasis
Geographic location and transportation
Sandymount Strand is located southeast of Dublin city center. It can be reached in a few minutes by taking DART to Sandymount Station or taking a city bus. It is one of the most accessible beaches in the city.
Beach Features
Sandymount is a beach with a huge tidal range. After low tide, you can walk to the sandy land 100 meters away from the shore. The entire beach is open and flat, surrounded by vast mudflats and shallows, suitable for walking, picking shells, taking pictures and quietly watching the scenery.
It is close to the Dublin Bay Conservation Area and is a paradise for birdwatchers. Various water birds such as terns, red-shanks, and grey geese can be seen all year round. There are promenades, parks and cafes around the beach. It is a popular place for residents to jog in the morning, walk their dogs and have leisure activities.
Recommended groups
Recommended for tourists who want to relax in the city, families with children, bird-watching enthusiasts and slow travelers. The beach is an open public area, which is convenient for temporary visits.
Booking platform
Book a city walking tour in Dublin combined with Sandymount through Klook or GetYourGuide. Some cultural tours also include explanations of Irish literature and the changes in the city’s seaside.
5. Velvet Strand at Malahide: Harmonious coexistence of fine sand and royal parks
Geographic location and transportation
Malahide is located in the north of Dublin, about 35 minutes by DART light rail, and the beach is only a 10-minute walk from Malahide Railway Station. It is also convenient to drive by car, with direct access to the M1 highway.
Beach features
Velvet Strand Beach is adjacent to Malahide Castle & Gardens, a place that perfectly combines nature, history and vacation. The beach itself is wide and clean, stretching to the direction of Donabate. The sea surface sparkles at dawn, and the sand is golden and fine, which is extremely visually beautiful.
Behind the beach is a large lawn and woodland, which is an ideal place for picnics, kite flying, and lawn games. It is especially suitable for family outings, where you can visit the castle gardens and enjoy the beach sunshine.
Recommended groups
Family tourists, history and culture enthusiasts, beach walkers. Suitable for arranging a half-day trip, combining the dual experience of the castle and the beach.
Booking platform
Supports booking of package tours including Malahide Castle tickets and Velvet Strand sightseeing through Tiqets, Viator, and Klook, some of which include pick-up and explanation services.
6. Practical advice: What do you need to prepare for going to Dublin Beach?
When traveling to the beach, even in summer, you should bring the following items to ensure a comfortable experience:
Windproof jacket: The Irish sea breeze is strong and the temperature changes quickly. It is recommended to wear a warm coat
Sun protection products: The high latitudes have long exposure to sunlight, so pay attention to sunscreen and sun hats
Walking shoes or beach shoes: Some beaches are gravel or wetlands, so it is recommended to prepare shoes suitable for wading and non-slip
Food and drinking water: Except for towns near large beaches, most small beaches have no shops and facilities, so it is recommended to bring your own
Camera and binoculars: Prepare to capture wildlife or take pictures of scenery
The beaches around Dublin are not only a representative of natural beauty, but also an extension of the city’s history, culture and residents’ lifestyle. From cliffs to flat beaches, from urban oases to hidden bays, each coastline tells a different story.
Choose a sunny day, take a train or drive along the coast, and talk to nature in the ebb and flow of the tide. The sea in Ireland is not only worth watching, but also worth savoring quietly.
