{"id":5540,"date":"2021-07-08T12:36:56","date_gmt":"2021-07-08T11:36:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.aerlingus.com\/?p=5540"},"modified":"2024-10-17T13:58:38","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T13:58:38","slug":"7-of-the-best-beaches-in-ireland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aerlingus.com\/hub\/7-of-the-best-beaches-in-ireland\/","title":{"rendered":"7 of the best beaches in Ireland"},"content":{"rendered":"
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With over 3,000 km of coastline, Ireland is home to some of the most stunning beaches. <\/strong><\/h3>\n

From secluded bathers\u2019 coves to stretches of exposed shoreline, there\u2019s something here for every beach-goer. <\/strong><\/h4>\n

Here are our seven favourite beaches on the Emerald Isle.<\/h4>\n

1. Bundoran, Co. Donegal<\/h4>\n

This is one for the surfers. It\u2019s the preferred destination for international and Irish surfers alike and it was the location for the European Championship in 2011. The Peak, one of Ireland\u2019s most well-known waves, breaks over an offshore reef, enticing expert surfers from all over the world.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the main beach area accommodates the less experienced surfer. But Bundoran isn\u2019t just for surfers \u2013 swimmers and sun worshipers are equally welcome, and it also hosts Sea Sessions music festival<\/a> each June. Tickets are on sale for 2022!<\/p>\n

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2. Keem Beach, Co. Mayo<\/h4>\n

This beach is only accessible by a small road that winds over the mountain, keeping this beach hidden from view until you’re right over it.<\/p>\n

Formerly a basking shark fishery, the sheltered strand on the scenic Wild Atlantic Way has more to offer than just the amazing view<\/a>. It also boasts crystal clear waters, ideal for scuba divers and snorkelling enthusiasts making it one of the best beaches in the country.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t

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3. Whiterocks Beach, Portrush, Co. Antrim<\/h4>\n

Honey-coloured dunes, vast stretches of sand and views of County Antrim’s 13th century Dunluce Castle make Whiterocks spectacular. This scenic spot has a crowning glory: chalky-white limestone cliffs that have been carved by the North Atlantic into something remarkable. This huge beach offers endless opportunities to walk, stroll and explore the little coves (only at low-tide).<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re after something more active, then give surfing or stand-up paddleboarding a try. Whiterocks could be considered one of the best beaches in Ireland for exactly that! If you are thinking of planning a visit, there are lots of other places to include in your itinerary that’ll help you get off the beaten track in Ireland<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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4. Inchydoney Beach, Co. Cork<\/h4>\n

Serene and vast, this spectacular beach outside Clonakilty in West Cork has been ranked at the top of the \u2018best beaches in Ireland<\/a>\u2019 list by TripAdvisor users three times in their coveted Travellers\u2019 Choice Awards. Expect smooth golden sands, pristine waters and perfect surfing conditions.<\/p>\n

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5. Killiney Beach, Co. Dublin<\/h4>\n

What Killiney Beach lacks in sandiness (it’s normally quite pebbly), it more than makes up for in proximity to the capital city. This south Dublin strand is just a short train journey from the city centre but you\u2019ll feel like you\u2019re a world away.<\/p>\n

You can swim in the bay, but I think the best way to spend a day here is to walk up Killiney Hill<\/a> and soak up the views. At its peak, you can take in Bray Head in the distance as well as the Wicklow Mountains. It\u2019s even possible to see as far as Wales on a clear day.<\/p>\n

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6. Glanleam Beach, Valentia Island, Co. Kerry<\/h4>\n

While Glanleam Beach may well be on the Wild Atlantic Way, it\u2019s more subtropical shoreline than wild and rugged. Situated along the Gulf Stream and at the foot of a sheltered valley, Glanleam is one of the warmest beaches on the west coast and a top spot for sunbathing during the warmer summer months.<\/p>\n

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7. Dog\u2019s Bay and Gurteen Bay, Connemara, Co. Galway<\/h4>\n

With a little imagination, and if you wrap up warm, a sunny day in Dog\u2019s Bay and Gurteen Bay could be confused with the Caribbean. These two white-sand crescents look like a mirror image of each other when viewed from above, with just a few hundred metres of flat green headland keeping them apart.<\/p>\n

The beaches are some of the safest in the area, protected from waves and without any major currents to be cautious about. These were always going to make it on to our list of Ireland’s best beaches.<\/p>\n

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Ready to explore Ireland’s coast?<\/h3>\n

Find great value flight deals!<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Book Now<\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":5548,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2274,1469,1430],"class_list":["post-5540","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-beach","category-destinations","category-routes"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n7 of the best beaches in Ireland - Aer Lingus Hub<\/title>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n