1| Portsalon Beach

Incredible Portsalon Beach in Donegal, also known as Ballymastocker Strand, is one of the country’s most breathtaking beaches. Stop at the lookout on the road down to gaze at the golden strand and out to the Inishowen Peninsula. Once voted the second most beautiful beach in the world, it's easy to understand why Portsalon draws visitors from far and wide.

If you can, plan your journey for evening time and catch an amazing sunset before spending the night in a cosy hillside yurt at Portsalon Luxury Camping. The next morning, wake up to the sound of peaceful Lough Swilly.

2| Trá na Carraige Finne (Carrickfinn Beach)

The landing into Donegal Airport was once voted one of the most scenic in the world and it’s no surprise thanks to the stunning views of Trá na Carraige Finne (Carrickfinn Beach) and Gweedore Bay. With its crystal clear waters and soft white sand, a day here is a day well-spent. Go for a stroll to see the gorgeous displays of wildflowers that bloom along the grasslands during spring and summer. 

If you fancy exploring more from the water, why not book a kayaking tour with Carrickfinn Watersports nearby. After, satisfy your appetite with a delicious meal in Danny Minnie’s Restaurant, a family-run business in the Gaeltacht village of Annagry. 

3| Rossnowlagh Beach

If you’re into water sports, make your way to Rossnowlagh Beach. Experience the thrill of kitesurfing or book in with the local surf school to learn how to stand up on a surfboard. Then, dry off on the powdery white sand and soak up great views of Donegal Bay and the Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) sea cliffs in the distance. 

Later in the evening, spin into nearby Donegal town for a bite to eat in one of the excellent restaurants.

4| Strandhill Beach

With its dramatic swells and clean breaks, Strandhill Beach is one of the best spots in the country for surfing. Stop by the National Surf Centre Strandhill in Sligo, the first of its kind in the country, and get a hands-on surf demonstration from one of three top surf schools in the area. Or head to the Strandhill Surf School and choose from beginners or intermediate classes, or bring your friends and try a group lesson. For something a little different, book a day retreat with Rebelle Surf and not only enjoy time on the waves, but also a spot of yoga, wild foraging and food tasting. 

After all that activity, you’re sure to be hungry so drop into Shells Café, right on the seafront. Treat yourself to their tasty calamari bites, paired with their organic Prosecco and freshly baked bread.

5| Streedagh Beach

While Strandhill is a must for surfing, Streedagh Beach is pure paradise for avid swimmers.  Make a break for the clear, blue waters and soak up the salty sea air. The calm conditions here are also ideal for stand-up paddle boarding, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore Sligo’s stunning coastline.

Take an evening stroll at low tide and you might catch a glimpse of the remains of three Spanish Armada ships that came aground in 1588.

6| Keem Beach

Neatly tucked into a horseshoe-shaped bay on Acaill (Achill Island), Keem Beach's turquoise waters make it a popular place for sea swimming, snorkelling and abseiling. 

Go swimming in the Atlantic, ramble the soft sand and discover the Keem Bay Loop. The 4.8km walk brings you along a route dotted with local landmarks and incredible views, so pack your walking boots and don’t forget your camera.

7| Silver Strand

Travel to Louisburgh in Mayo and stumble upon a little slice of heaven at Silver Strand. The sheltered beach is ideal for swimming so take a dip and marvel at the gorgeous views of Inishturk and Inishbofin Island.

With its rocky headlands and rolling waves that stretch for miles, locals say that the sunrise and sunset views from Silver Strand are some of the best in Ireland. Stop by and see for yourself.

8 & 9| Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Beach

Near the pretty village of Roundstone in Galway, discover Dog’s Bay and Gurteen Beach. Separated by a sand spit, the sparkling turquoise waters captivate all who visit. Drive up to Dog’s Bay and admire the expansive stretch of white sand made from crushed seashells. Take a stroll along the golden strand or simply sit and relax in this beautiful setting.

10|  Kilmurvey Beach

Find Kilmurvey Beach on Inis Mór (Inishmore), the largest of the three Árainn (Aran Islands). This beach is a popular spot for swimming, with a lifeguard on watch during the summer months. Several rare birds call the beach home and close by, you’ll find the Kilmurvey Seal Colony. Stop for a while and watch the friendly mammals relax in the shallow waters. Bring your bike or hire one from Aran Bike Hire and see all the sights as you tour the island.

11| Trá an Dóilín

Take a drive to Connemara and experience its unrivalled scenery. When in the area, make a pitstop at Trá an Dóilín, just outside the village of Carraroe in Galway.

Marvel at the fine white coral sand, take a dive into the clear blue waters, or bring your snorkelling gear and discover the underwater sea life. Visit early in the morning or late in the evening and you might just get the beach all to yourself.

12| Spanish Point

On a sunny day, Spanish Point Beach is one of the best places in the world. Five minutes outside the pretty town of Miltown Malbay in Clare, you’ll find this gorgeous golden beach. Build sandcastles with the kids, walk along the soft sand and if time allows, stay overnight at the Spanish Armada Hotel and have dinner looking out at the majestic Atlantic waves.

If you love sea swimming, plan your holiday around one of Snamhai Sasta’s group swims. Seasoned sea swimmers get together to brave the waves and after, enjoy a spot of music with a warm cup of coffee. The craic is ninety and the tribe lives up to their name of ‘happy swimmers’.

13| Rossbeigh Beach

Visit Kerry and find Rossbeigh Beach, just 4km from the small village of Glenbeigh. A Special Protection Area, it's home to rare flora and fauna, making it a lovely spot for scenic seaside stroll.  

Go surfing with a group of friends and master the magnificent swells or take a sunset horseback ride with Burkes Beach Riding and watch as pink and red hues fill the sky. With a colourful playground nearby and heaps of golden sand for the kids to get creative with sandcastles, it’s the perfect beach for some family fun.

14| Banna Strand

Discover Banna Strand, a short spin from the vibrant holiday town of Tralee. Banna is a popular swimming spot with lifeguards on duty during high season as hardy sea swimmers take to the roaring Atlantic Ocean. Make time for a leisurely walk along the 6km stretch of sand and gaze up at Mount Brandon, looming majestically in the distance.

15| Inch Strand

Inch Strand in Kerry holds beloved memories for many holidaymakers and as soon as you spot its gorgeous golden strand, you’ll feel instantly at ease. With 5km of sweeping sands, Inch Strand has unrivalled views of Dingle Bay and the Macgillycuddy Reeks.

If you plan your trip for bathing season, drop into Sammy’s Restaurant for a coffee and watch the bustling activity on the beach. Extend your break with an overnight stay at one of the charming holiday cottages at Gleann Dearg and wake up to the sound of the ocean.

16| Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane Beach)

Close to the village of Caherdaniel on the Ring of Kerry, Doire Fhíonáin (Derrynane Beach) is one of Ireland’s most breathtaking beaches. It’s the perfect place for a secluded swim, set against a backdrop of rolling green hills and sheltered sand dunes.

See the ruins of 6th-century Derrynane Abbey from the beach and spend some time at Derrynane House, the birthplace of famous Irish political leader, Daniel O’Connell.

17| Inchydoney Beach

Bring the kids to Inchydoney for a fun-filled day at the beach. Book into Inchydoney Surf School to learn a new skill or watch advanced surfers take on challenging crests. If you want some down time, visit Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa with its stunning sea views and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in their spa.

One of Cork’s most famous towns, Clonakilty is just a short spin away and it’s a treat for foodies. Order the seafood pie in An Súgán or the poached monkfish in The Whale’s Tail and after, head to De Barra's Folk Club to watch a lively trad session.

18| Barley Cove Beach

For a peaceful dip in clear blue waters, plan a trip to Barley Cove in glorious West Cork. With incredible views of the Mizen Peninsula, this secluded beach is a special find. It’s a great place for swimming and and has stunning scenery of green hills and rolling waves, so, be sure to make time for a walk along the beach.

Afterwards, make your way to Mizen Head and across the arched bridge for the chance to spot dolphins, seals and humpback whales in the deep waters below.

19| Garrylucas Beach

The town of Kinsale alone is a bucket list experience, so it's an added bonus that Garrylucas Beach is only a short drive away. Feel rejuvenated after a dip in the brisk ocean, or bring your sun lounger and settle in for a day of relaxing on the sand.

If time permits, park at the beach and take on the 6km walk to the Old Head of Kinsale, where a 17th-century lighthouse stands guard over the spectacular Cork coastline.

20| Tramore Beach

Whether you're looking to go swimming, sea kayaking or sailing, Waterford's Tramore Beach ticks all the boxes. If you'd rather stay on dry land, pack your fishing rod and join keen anglers along the 5km length of the beach in the hopes of reeling in bass, pollock or whiting. 

For surfing newbies, Tramore Surf School offer public surf lessons right on the strand, perfect for learning a new skill and making friends for the day. 

21| Bunmahon Beach

Continue your visit to the Copper Coast with a trip to Bunmahon Beach. This gorgeous strand is sheltered by sand dunes and soaring sea cliffs, making it the ideal spot for those chasing the sun and avoiding strong coastal winds.

Treat yourself to a rejuvenating sea swim while the kids play in the outdoor park. The, finish off your day with a visit to the Copper Coast UNESCO Global Geopark, where you can learn about the history of Waterford’s coastline.

22| Curracloe Beach

Did you know that the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan were filmed on the shores of Curracloe in Wexford? Walk in the footsteps of some of Hollywood's most notable actors and listen as the waves lap softly against the sand. 

With a shop and surf school beside the beach, Curracloe is a great beach for family fun. Book in for a lesson at The Surf Shack and if you’re visiting during the summer months, check out the weekly surf camps.

23| Duncannon Beach

When in Wexford, plan a beach day at Duncannon Beach. The sheltered strand makes for perfect swimming conditions and there’s a lifeguard on duty during the summer months.

Relax with a book as the kids play in the sea and after, take a stroll to nearby Duncannon Fort. Here, you can explore the maritime museum, stop into the art gallery and have a coffee in the café overlooking the beach.

24| Portmarnock Beach

Aptly named the 'Velvet Strand', Portmarnock Beach boasts a carpet of soft golden sand that goes on for 5km. Walk barefoot along the strand and admire Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye in the distance.

The beautiful strand is popular with families and dog walkers all year round and it’s a truly special spot to enjoy a sunrise or sunset over Howth Head. Plan a trip to the pretty coastal town of Portmarnock next time you’re in the capital.

25| Killiney Beach

Venture to Dublin’s southside and head to Killiney Beach. Take the DART out to the coastal village of Killiney, where you can sit back and enjoy the glorious views of towering sea cliffs and colourful houses dotted among green hills.

Whether you opt for a swim or saunter along the sand, there are great views of Bray Head and Dalkey Island to be found. Even more so on a clear day, when you might see the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain in the distance. After your trip to the beach, head up Killiney Hill where the views from the summit are well-worth the trek.