Ireland: The best beaches for your holidays!

The wild and romantic Irish coast remains an absolute dream destination for many travelers. The wind-swept beaches are perfect for wonderful walks and daydreaming. Malin Head is particularly well-known: the headland is Ireland's northernmost point and features a rugged rocky coastline that was used as a backdrop for Star Wars.

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Ireland - 8 special beaches

Ireland - 8 special beaches

Ireland - Holiday homes & apartments

Keem Beach

Surrounded by majestic cliffs, Keem Beach is located on Achill Island. From here, a roughly 1.5-kilometer hiking trail leads to the western tip of the island, Achill Head. Wild sheep graze in the surrounding hills. Explore the scenic idyll by canoe or boat. Keem Beach was once known for its abundance of fish. Numerous curraghs, the traditional Irish fishing boats, are said to have populated the bay back then. The local artist Paul Henry is said to have been inspired by the wild romantic beach for his painting "Launching the Curragh," which is exhibited in the Irish National Gallery.

Whiterocks Beach

Whiterocks Beach is located near the small coastal town of Portrush in County Antrim in the northeast of Ireland. The wild coast here is shaped by tides that have created bizarre rock formations. The white chalk cliffs rise majestically and give the beach and the nearby bay their names. The mighty limestone cliffs are accompanied by the honey-colored sandy beach and the green landscape up to the edge of the cliffs, creating a unique panorama. Not far from the coast, dolphins and even whales can often be observed frolicking or passing by within sight.

Inch Beach

You can reach the picturesque, approximately 5.5 km long sandy beach by taking a long walk or by car. Once you arrive at the dune-like coastal section, you can look forward to peace and seclusion. Let your soul unwind while strolling in the fresh sea air or marvel at the local flora and fauna. On the warmest summer days, the Celtic Sea invites you to swim and cool off. If the winds are too strong for swimming, you can sail or try other water sports. Wind and kite surfing are particularly popular, while the calm waters in Castlemain Harbour are ideal for stand-up paddling.

Downhill Beach

He is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland and has been awarded the Blue Flag. Downhill Beach offers a wealth of water sports, athletic activities, and sand as far as the eye can see. Here you can take great walks along the picturesque coast, fly kites, or simply enjoy the Irish sun. Along the beach, there are sand dunes, nature reserves, and high cliffs from which a waterfall occasionally cascades. You might recognize the Mussenden Temple, which sits atop one of the cliffs. Both the temple and the beach served as filming locations for the series Game of Thrones.

Curracloe Beach

Surrounded by dune hills, the dream beach appears in its own unique colors in every season. As a filming location for legendary movies, it became world-famous. In the summer months, the fine sand and deep blue water invite you to sunbathe, swim, and relax. Far from the nearest cities, you can let your soul dangle here. The transitional seasons, with their winds, are perfect for some water sports and also for long walks on the beach. Discover the untouched landscapes and enjoy the view over the coast. Colorful butterflies and other animal species can be admired in the nearby Raven Wood nature reserve.

Coumeenoole Beach

The dreamy sandy beach is surrounded by the turquoise Atlantic, steep cliffs, and lush green meadows, creating a spectacular photo opportunity. On the most beautiful summer days, you can cool off with a swim in the clear water. Otherwise, the region is considered a hiking paradise for locals and tourists at all times of the year. From the coast, you can look out at the offshore Blasket Islands, which offer a picturesque view, especially at sunset. Drive along the coastal landscape of the Dingle Peninsula and check out cultural attractions like Strand Street in the town of Dingle.

Dog’s Bay Ervallagh Beach

This dream beach is located in County Galway on the west coast south of the coastal village of Roundstone. Upon arriving at Dog's Bay, you feel like you're in the Caribbean. The sand is incredibly fine and white, and the sea is turquoise blue and shallow. The horseshoe-shaped beach consists of shell fragments that give it its bright white color. Behind Dog's Bay lies Gurteen Beach. Both beaches were formed by a tombolo. A lush green strip separates the two bays from each other. The beach is a very popular destination for a family day trip. There are hardly any currents here, so you can swim or surf well.

Derrynane Beach

The tides at Derrynane Beach are particularly pronounced. During high tide and in the summer months, you have ideal conditions for swimming in the Atlantic. At low tide, however, the ocean recedes so far that you can reach the offshore island, which has a historic cemetery. The hilly landscapes of dunes and meadows are ideal for long walks in a fresh sea breeze. Here, you spend valuable moments in untouched nature and relax completely. On your excursions, you repeatedly encounter some millennia-old ruins that offer impressive photo opportunities.

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