An escape to the beach is one of the most blissful things one can enjoy in life. Whether it’s a fully-fledged beach holiday, a dip in the water or just a walk along sandy shores, the beach makes for the perfect place to unwind and escape the hectic nature of life. If you’re looking for the best beach in Dublin to ramble on, then check out our suggestions below.
Velvet Strand – Portmarnock Beach
First up on our list of the best beaches in Dublin is Portmarnock Beach, also known as “Velvet Strand” for its smooth, sandy surface. Perfect for games, getting your tan on or swimming in the sea, Portmarnock Beach is ideally suited for all needs. And if you’re feeling peckish then bring a picnic and enjoy views of Howth harbour and the Dublin Mountains!
The beach is about 5 kilometres in length and toilets are available on site. Lifeguards and refreshments are also available during the summer months. It is adjacent to the Portmarnock Golf Club and a coastal path links the beach with Malahide Beach, providing exercise for walkers, runners and cyclists.
Malahide Beach
Let’s take a trip along the aforementioned coastal route to Malahide Beach. Given its close proximity to Portmarnock Beach, it should come as no surprise that Malahide Beach also offers up some beautifully soft sands though becomes rockier the further up you go.
The beach measures up to about 2 kilometres in length and toilets are available. Lifeguards are also available on duty during the summer months. The beach is only a kilometre from the train station allowing for easy access and is also near to Malahide Castle and Gardens and the Casino Model Railway Museum. There’s plenty to do for all the family on a day out in Malahide.
Howth Beach
Howth is incredible. It’s a simple fact of life. Fresh seafood, beautiful surroundings and fantastic coastal walks. And if you’re looking for a beach then Howth has three on offer. (There are actually four but in the interest of safety we do not suggest attempting to go to the “hidden” beach.)
Our top two beaches in Howth are Balscadden Beach and Claremont Beach with the latter being particularly accessible as it is adjacent to the Howth train station. Howth never fails to give a great day out.
Burrow Beach
Burrow Beach is located in Sutton and links the mainland with Howth Head. The beach is about 1.2 kilometres in length and has a large area of sandy dunes for walking and exploring. Like many of the beaches on this list, the lifeguard station is operational only in summer months.
The Burrow Beach is near the Sutton Cross Dart Station and the 31 and 31B buses operated by Dublin Bus stop in the nearby Sutton town.
Dollymount Beach
Dollymount Beach, also known as Dollymount Strand or “Dolliers” by the locals, is a pretty cool place to go. Located on Bull Island about 10 kilometres from the city centre, the beach covers about 5 kilometres in distance. The island has a wildlife reserve status meaning that it is highly protected and all dogs must be kept on leads.
The beach is beside two golf courses, St. Anne’s and the Royal Dublin Golf Club and offers a blissful escape from the mainland. It also has a nice coffee spot called Happy Out, if ever you’re in the mood for some toasties and hot coffee.
Read more: Coffee Spots in Dublin
Killiney Beach
Killiney Beach is another long stretch of beach, this time in South Dublin. A rocky beach, it is ideal for ramblers and walkers looking to enjoy the fantastic views of Killiney Bay, Bray and the Wicklow Mountains.
A popular swimming spot, the area is also called home by a number of celebrities, chief among them U2’s Bono. The Killiney train station is beside the beach.
Portrane Beach
Located beside the village of Portrane, Portrane Beach is an exquisite 2 kilometre stretch of sandy shore in North Dublin. The north side of the beach is a National Heritage Area, home to a large colony of migrating birds.
There is also a beautiful 12.5 kilometre looped walk that leads out to Donabate and back for walkers to enjoy.
Donabate Beach
Speaking of Donabate, next up is Donabate beach, also known as Balcarrick beach. It has beautiful views of Lambay Island, Howth and Malahide Estuary. It also has toilet facilities with lifeguards on duty during the summer months. The beach is easily accessible off the M50 and M1 motorways and is over 3 kilometres in length.
The beach is close to a number of different golf clubs, including Donabate, Balcarrick, Corballis Links and the Island Golf Club.
Skerries Beach
Located in the picturesque seaside town of Skerries, the Skerries North Beach is 1.2 kilometres in length and ideal for some chill out time. Close to the beach is a playground, public toilets and a lifeguard station that is operational during the summer months.
The Skerries train station is only a twenty minutes’ walk from the beach and there is also a coastal walkway for walkers to enjoy.
Go beach hopping with ease
And that’s the list of our best beaches in Dublin! We hope you enjoyed it and that it gave you some ideas on where to spend your next beach outing.
If you are coming to Dublin on holiday, then why not check out our hotels? Maldron Hotel Merrion Road in particular is ideally located close to the Booterstown DART station meaning you can get the train up and down the coast at your leisure.
