Summer is coming so it is the perfect time to visit a beach in Ireland to enjoy the beauty of the coastline and take a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Beaches and vistas along the Wild Atlantic Way are as varied as they are beautiful.
Starting in Co. Donegal the Way goes south through counties Leitrim, Sligo, Mayo, Galway, Clare, Limerick and Kerry, ending up in County Cork. Along 2,500km of coastline, you’ll find a stunning array of beaches that can be enjoyed all year round. Scalloped-shaped beaches lapped by crystal clear waters, endless strands pounded by the crash of frothy Atlantic waves, and pebbly shorelines with majestic views – there is something for everyone.
The water temperatures in Ireland in June reach approximately 10° Celsius or 50° degrees and in July and August, the water reaches its highest temperature of 15° Celsius or 60° degrees. A little more brisk than many of us may be used to but with so many beautiful options it is worth the chill.
Silver Strand, County Donegal
If it’s privacy you’re after, then you can’t get much more secluded than Silver Strand/Malin Beg, located just past Glencolmcille at the very tip of the Slieve League Peninsula in County Donegal. Arguably one of the most beautiful spots along the Wild Atlantic Way, it may be a bit remote, but the views across the ocean more than makeup for it, plus it’s a lovely spot for swimming. Note: Silver Strand is located at the base of one of the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe, it is reached by over 170 steps.
Kinnagoe Bay, County Donegal
Randomly pick any beach in Donegal and you won’t be disappointed – the county is famous for its stunning strands – but Kinnagoe Bay on the Inishowen Peninsula is particularly special. Sandy and secluded, it is surrounded by steeply sloping hills and boasts crystal blue waters that make it feel like a tropical paradise on sunny days.
There is history here too… Kinnagoe Bay is where the Armada ship La Trinidad Valencera was wrecked in 1588, and it’s a popular spot with divers today. The path down to the beach is steep, and it’s a favoured spot in summer so if you’re looking for the best Kinnagoe experience, then we recommend visiting in autumn, when you’re likely to have it all to yourself.
Tullaghan Strand, County Leitrim
The quiet village of Tullaghan is located where Leitrim meets the sea between Donegal and Sligo, on Leitrim’s 4 km (2.4 miles) coastline, which is the shortest coastline of any county in Ireland.
The village is also the site of the Tullaghan Cross, an ancient High Cross discovered on the shore after a
storm and erected in 1778 by the local landlord.
Whilst the exact origins of the Cross are unknown, local folklore tells the story that the Cross was discovered on the foreshore of Donegal Bay after being exposed by a storm. Whilst others believe that the Cross originally belonged to a monastic settlement near the seashore.
The Cross was erected as a market cross by Major Thomas Dickson on a small hillock in Tullaghan village in 1778. Major Dickson’s reputed reason for erecting the cross was to attract attention to the market in Tullaghan which was at the time in competition with the more popular Ballyshannon market. Historically the right to hold a regular fair or market was granted by a monarch, bishop or baron going back to 7th century England where elaborate carved stones, crosses, spires or ornate wooden structures were erected in the market square.
Enniscrone, County Sligo
Enniscrone Beach in Sligo is not only accessible to all, but was the first beach in the county to provide a beach wheelchair, which can be booked, free of charge, through the Seventh Wave Surf School.
The flat, even sands, which stretch on for 5km, and glorious surrounding scenery, make it an ideal place for walks, but over recent years it’s become a popular place with surfers, too. For something a little more relaxing, there’s the Enniscrone Traditional Hot Seaweed Baths, which continues a tradition of therapeutic seafood bathing that dates back to 1912.
Keem Bay, County Mayo
Possibly one of the most photogenic beaches on the island of Ireland, Keem Bay is just as gorgeous in real life as it appears in pictures. With sparkling blue waters and white, powdery sand, the sheltered bay makes it a great place to swim, but kayaking and snorkelling are also popular with both Keem Adventures and Blackfield Surf School.
Further from shore, basking sharks are regular summer visitors and anyone wanting to get a closer look at these gentle giants can take a boat trip with Achill Seascape.
For those who prefer to stay dry, there is a 5.6km walking loop which offers spectacular views of both the bay and nearby Croaghaun Mountain.
Dogs Bay, County Galway
The picture-postcard village of Roundstone will appeal to anyone wanting an authentic Connemara experience – not least because of its stunning beaches. Dog’s Bay, a horseshoe-shaped strand just 3km from the village, is surrounded by a grassy bank where, during the summer, neighbourhood cattle often come to graze and gaze at people on the white sands below.
Trá an Dóilín, County Galway
With beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters, Trá an Dóilín or “Coral Strand” might look like your average idyllic County Galway beach, but it offers something a little bit different. The sand here is actually not sand at all and instead is made up of tiny, crunchy mineral deposits of algae, which give it the look of pinkish coral.
The gentle turquoise waters here make it a popular place for snorkelling and swimming, but most come to enjoy the views of the nearby islands, the rugged coastline, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Connemara Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area).
Fanore, County Clare
Backed by the stark limestone plateau of the Burren in County Clare, the soft, butter-coloured dunes of Fanore Beach give way to a beautiful stretch of sand that seems to stretch on for miles at low tide. Fanore Beach is located in Fanore, County Clare, on the Wild Atlantic Way, and is a fine blue-flag beach with an extensive sand dune system. It is popular for bathing and water activities.
Amazingly, archaeologists have found evidence of human life dating back over 6,000 among the dunes and coastal rocks at Fanore, and today the strand is still a popular spot for swimming, walking, and relaxing. Nearby, you’ll find a village of the same name with a shop, pub, and coffeeshop and the village of Ballyvaughan is around 15km away.
Inch Beach, County Kerry
Despite what the name might suggest, Inch beach is actually 5km long and stretches into Dingle Bay, offering incredible views across the Atlantic and of Macgillycuddy Reeks in the distance. The golden sands were immortalised in the film Ryan’s Daughter and are a magnet for swimmers, surfers, and walkers.
For those who want to watch the world go by over a coffee, Sammy’s Restaurant is conveniently located at the beach and anyone wishing to maximise their experience can book into Gleann Dearg cottages and fall asleep to the sound of the ocean.
Derrynane, County Kerry
Located on the Ring of Kerry, close to the small village of Caherdaniel, Derrynane beach is breathtakingly beautiful. Set across a backdrop of sheltered sand dunes, the ruins of Derrynane Abbey and rolling green hills, it is the perfect place to get away from it all – for a walk, picnic, or simply to while away an afternoon in meditative bliss.
While it’s not suitable for swimming, it is a mecca for scuba divers and is home to Ireland’s first scuba diving looped trail offering underwater adventurers an insight into a magical watery world.
History buffs may also enjoy the association with one of Ireland’s most famous political leaders, Daniel O’Connell who was born at nearby Derrynane House.
Shannon Estuary Way, County Limerick
The Shannon Estuary Way is a spectacular and unspoiled riverside destination just off the Wild Atlantic Way. An area of remarkable beauty, this is where Ireland’s longest river, the serene Shannon, flows into the wild waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
It connects the people of Clare to the north and Limerick and Kerry to the south. This 207km looped drive off the Wild Atlantic Way has so much to offer and is waiting to be explored. If you are based in any of the nearby gateway towns such as Limerick, Ennis, Bunratty, Listowel, Kilrush or Kilkee, it’s also a fantastic day trip.
Along the route, you will find yourself passing through a string of delightful towns and pretty villages – stop off in any one for a chance to meet the locals whose lives and places are shaped by the great river.
The Shannon Estuary Way is a place full of stories and storytellers and perhaps ones you won’t have heard of before – such as life living on and farming the Estuary Islands, how the reeds of the river are harvested to make thatch for houses, the tragic tale of Colleen Bawn, the punt guns along the Shannon and how St. Senan of Scattery Island defeated the serpent. That’s just to name a few!
The scenic coastal route winds its way through stunning and changing landscapes and river vistas, offering everything from medieval heritage to outdoor adventure along the way. The Estuary is home to dolphins that live there all year round, even giving birth to their calves there. You can even take a beautiful ferry ride between Killimer in County Clare and Tarbert in County Kerry – a great chance to spot a dolphin!
Barleycove, County Cork
Located on Mizen Head, with unrivalled views of the peninsula, Barleycove is one of the most southerly beaches on the island of Ireland. Blessed with white sands and clear waters, it is surrounded by rugged cliffs and grassy dunes, making it the perfect spot to relax on a warm summer’s day.
Derrynane is a Blue Flag beach and is very popular with swimmers, surfers, kayakers and families, so for those looking for a peaceful spot, it is best visited out of season. The surrounding grasslands have been designated a Special Area of Conservation, making it the perfect place to spot local wildlife.
The locations highlighted give you just an idea of the beauty that can be experienced along the Wild Atlantic Way. Enjoy your trip and share your favorite spots with us.
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