This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my site! See our privacy policy for more information.
I bet you didn’t expect a blog post about beaches in Ireland.
I can here it now: “you mean the country where it’s constantly raining? Who wants to go to the beach there?”
Me! I do. And honestly, some of the most breathtaking beaches I’ve ever seen are in Ireland. Sure, you won’t always find palm trees and tropical cocktails with umbrellas, but you will find wide stretches of soft sand framed by rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and that iconic Irish countryside that makes every view look like it belongs on a postcard.
Visiting an Irish beach isn’t just about swimming or sunbathing. It’s about the atmosphere. The way sea spray hits your face while sheep graze on the hills behind you. The drama of the Atlantic waves crashing into jagged rocks. The golden sand glowing against a backdrop of stormy gray skies. And when the sun does peek out, 65 and sunny feels downright tropical.
So whether you’re packing a picnic, stopping for photos, or just breathing in that wild coastal air, here are the Irish beaches that absolutely deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Rossbeigh Beach: County Kerry
Located along the famous Ring of Kerry, Rossbeigh is a long crescent of sand that feels like it goes on forever. It’s perfect for families because there’s a playground right by the sand and a coffee shop for warm drinks and snacks. Couples will love walking along the rocks at the edge of the beach, watching the Atlantic roll in.
Rossbeigh is also a popular spot for horseback riding and long walks. On a clear day, you’ll have incredible views of Dingle Bay, but even when the mist rolls in, the atmosphere is magical. The light shifts constantly, and you’ll quickly learn why Irish painters and poets have been so obsessed with the sea here.
Pro tip: Bring a picnic and plan to stay a while. It’s also a great stop if you’re road-tripping the Ring of Kerry and need a break from all the castles and stone forts.
Coumeenoole Beach: Dingle Peninsula
If I could only recommend one photogenic beach in Ireland, it might be this one. Coumeenoole Beach is tucked along the famous Slea Head Drive, which many say rivals the Ring of Kerry for scenery. Picture rolling green hills that dive straight into dramatic cliffs, all framing a perfect golden cove.
The beach has been featured in films, most famously Ryan’s Daughter, and you’ll quickly see why. The views are almost too cinematic to believe.
Be warned, though. The waves here are powerful and unpredictable. Locals will tell you it’s not a safe swimming spot. Treat it as a place to explore, take photos, and sit in awe rather than one to wade in for long swims.
If you time your visit in the late afternoon, the golden hour light turns this little cove into pure magic.
Ready to Explore? Book Here ↓
Clogher Strand: Dingle Peninsula
Not far from Coumeenoole, you’ll find Clogher Strand, another gem on the Slea Head Loop. This beach is smaller but surrounded by steep green hills that make it feel intimate and protected. On a clear day, you’ll have sweeping views out to the Blasket Islands, once home to a thriving fishing community and now an uninhabited nature reserve.
The water here is a striking turquoise, especially when the sun hits it, and the sand is soft enough for a barefoot walk. Add in cliffside trails nearby, and it’s easy to spend a couple of hours wandering, watching the seabirds, and feeling like you’ve stumbled upon your own private corner of Ireland.
Glassilaun Beach: County Galway
Way up in Connemara, surrounded by mountains and winding one-lane roads, lies Glassilaun Beach. It’s a bit of a trek to reach, but once you arrive you’ll understand why locals call it “the Waikiki of Ireland.”
This beach stuns with its wide stretch of white sand and brilliantly blue water. On a sunny day, you could almost fool yourself into thinking you were somewhere tropical, until you turn around and see the rugged Connemara mountains rising in the distance.
Parking here is limited, so be prepared to squeeze into a spot along the roadside. But the slight hassle is worth it. Glassilaun feels wild and untouched, and it’s one of those places where you’ll want to just sit and take it all in.
Murder Hole Beach: County Donegal
Yes, you read that right. Murder Hole Beach. Don’t worry, no grisly history to be found here. Just one of the most stunning stretches of sand in Ireland, hidden behind a massive dune and reached only by walking across fields (and often dodging curious cows).
The beach itself is pure drama: golden sand, bright blue water, and massive rock formations that create hidden coves and tide pools. On windy days, the waves pound the shore with incredible force, giving you that wild Atlantic experience.
Because it requires a bit of effort to reach, the beach feels secretive and special. After your visit, reward yourself with a pint at the nearby Singing Pub, a local favorite with traditional music and plenty of character.
This was hands-down one of the most beautiful places I visited in Ireland. I would go back in a heartbeat.
Ballymastocker (Portsalon) Beach: County Donegal
Not far from Murder Hole is another jaw-dropping beach: Ballymastocker Beach, also known as Portsalon Beach. To get the full effect, stop at the Ballymastocker Viewpoint before descending to the sand. From above, the beach stretches for miles in a perfect arc, framed by green hills on either side.
This beach is long enough that even on a sunny weekend, you can always find space to yourself. It’s ideal for a swim if the weather cooperates, or simply for walking along the surf.
County Donegal often flies under the radar compared to more famous destinations like Kerry or Galway, but it deserves just as much love. Fun fact: Taylor Swift once posted a photo from this very beach. If it’s good enough for Taylor, it’s good enough for me.
The Bottom Line
Ireland may not be the first place you think of for a beach holiday, but once you see these stretches of sand framed by cliffs and countryside, you’ll change your mind. Whether it’s the dramatic coves of the Dingle Peninsula, the tropical-feeling sands of Connemara, or the wild Atlantic drama of Donegal, Irish beaches are full of surprises.
The best part is that they’re rarely crowded, even in summer. You’ll often share the view with just a handful of people, a few seabirds, and maybe some sheep grazing in the distance.
So pack a picnic, throw on a sweater, and don’t forget your camera. Ireland’s beaches may not always be tropical, but they’re unforgettable.
And when you go, let me know which one stole your heart. For me, it’s impossible to choose just one.
