
Best Summer Beach Destinations in Dublin, Ireland
1. Bray Beach
A vibrant beach destination with a picturesque promenade and stunning views of the Irish Sea.
- Variety of Activities: Offers swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding opportunities for all ages
- Proximity to Dublin: Just a short 30-minute DART train ride from the city center.
- Food and Drink: Boasts numerous cafes, restaurants, and ice cream parlors along the promenade
2. Mullagh Beach
A peaceful and secluded beach, perfect for sunbathing and picnics.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful sand dunes and wildlife sanctuaries.
- Quieter Environment: Ideal for those seeking a more tranquil beach experience.
- Accessibility: Easily reached by car or bus from Dublin, with ample parking available.
3. Portmarnock Beach
A golden sandy beach with excellent swimming conditions and stunning coastal walks.
- Swimming Conditions: Consistently awarded Blue Flag status for water quality.
- Scenic Walks: Offers beautiful walks along the Irish Sea, taking in the sights of Dublin Bay.
- Facilities and Services: Equipped with lifeguards, showers, toilets, and cafes.
4. Cliff Beach
A hidden gem tucked away beneath sandstone cliffs, perfect for snorkeling and exploring rock pools.
- Natural Wonders: Features stunning rock formations and diverse marine life.
- Off-the-beaten-path: Less crowded than other Dublin beaches, offering a more secluded experience.
- Accessibility: Requires a short walk from nearby Killiney Dart Station but offers ample parking nearby.
5. Velvet Strand
A long stretch of golden sand with fantastic views of Dublin Bay and Howth Head.
- Views: Provides breathtaking panoramas of the city, coastline, and surrounding countryside.
- Walking Opportunities: Ideal for walking or jogging along its expansive shoreline.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a calming and peaceful environment, perfect for relaxation.
6. Sandy Cove
A charming beach with crystal-clear waters, popular among swimmers and sailors.
- Swimming Conditions: Known for its clean and safe swimming environment.
- Accessible Facilities: Equipped with showers, toilets, changing rooms, and a café.
- Close to Howth Village: Located just steps away from the picturesque village of Howth.
7. Rat Dock Beach
A small pebble beach perfect for soaking up the sun and taking in stunning views of Dublin Bay.
- Scenic Beauty: Offers stunning vistas of Dublin Bay, Howth Head, and Ireland's Eye.
- Tranquil Environment: A quieter and more secluded beach option, great for relaxation.
- Accessibility: Easily reached by bus or car from Dublin city center.
8. Dollymount Strand
A vast sandy beach perfect for walking, kite-flying, and windsurfing.
- Activities: Offers a wide range of recreational activities, such as windsurfing and kite-flying.
- Scenic Beauty: Boasts beautiful views of Dublin Bay, Howth Head, and the Irish Sea.
- Accessibility: Reachable by bus, DART train, or car from Dublin city center.
9. Gracepark Beach
A charming beach with a unique boathouse and views of Dalkey Island.
- Natural Beauty: Features stunning coastal scenery, including Dalkey Island.
- Unique Features: Home to a beautiful boathouse that adds character and charm.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by bus or car from Dublin city center.
10. Loughshinny Beach
A secluded and picturesque beach with excellent swimming conditions.
- Swimming Conditions: Offers crystal-clear waters for safe and enjoyable swimming.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery, including a stunning harbor.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by car or bus from Dublin city center.
11. Golden Strand
A beautiful and secluded beach with golden sand, perfect for sunbathing and picnics.
- Natural Beauty: Featuring stunning coastal scenery and a picturesque dune landscape.
- Seclusion: A quieter, more secluded beach option that's great for relaxation.
- Accessibility: Reachable by car or bus from Dublin city center, with some parking available nearby.
12. Portmarnock Point
A quiet and peaceful beach with stunning views of the Irish Sea.
- Scenic Beauty: Boasts breathtaking vistas of the Irish Sea, Howth Head, and Dublin Bay.
- Seclusion: A quieter beach option that offers a more peaceful experience.
- Accessibility: Easily reached by car or bus from Dublin city center, with limited parking available.
13. Little Strand
A picturesque beach surrounded by sand dunes and boasting excellent swimming conditions.
- Swimming Conditions: Known for its clean, safe, and enjoyable swimming environment.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by beautiful sand dunes, offering a tranquil setting.
- Accessibility: Easily accessible by car or bus from Dublin city center.
14. Lisadell Beach
A secluded and peaceful beach with stunning views of the Irish Sea.
- Scenic Beauty: Boasts breathtaking vistas of the Irish Sea, Howth Head, and Dublin Bay.
- Seclusion: A quieter beach option that offers a more peaceful experience.
- Accessibility: Reachable by car or bus from Dublin city center, with limited parking available.
15. Dublin's Forty Foot
A historic bathing spot perfect for swimming and taking a dip in the Irish Sea.
- Historical Significance: One of Dublin's oldest bathing spots, dating back to the early 19th century.
- Swimming Conditions: Offers a unique and invigorating swimming experience in the Irish Sea.
- Accessibility: Located near Sandycove Dart Station and easily accessible by car or bus from Dublin city center.