The Best Coastal Destinations in Ireland

Tramore is one of many stunning coastal spots in Ireland | © George Munday / Alamy Stock Photo

24 August 2020

The island of Ireland is surrounded by over 1,450km (901mi) of coastline. Counties all across Ireland and Northern Ireland are home to breathtaking views. Whether you’re looking for a city break, a country escape or a combination of both, Here are the best coastal destinations on the island.

Fortunately, there are also many wonderful places to stay in Ireland’s most beautiful coastal destinations. When you’ve settled on your perfect seaside spot, we’re sure you’ll find something in our top picks of Airbnbs and Holiday Rentals across the country.

Curracloe Strand Beach, County Wexford

Natural Feature

Map View

Curracloe Strand is the longest beach in Ireland. Complete with golden sand, it lies just northeast of the town of Wexford, Ireland. Curracloe Strand and nearby Ballinesker Beach were used in the filming of Saving Private Ryan, due to their similarities to the sandy beaches of Normandy, France. Curracloe Strand is an ideal family getaway, with the perfect landscape for sandcastle building and walks along the shore.

Open In Google Maps

Coolrainey, Curracloe, County Wexford, Ireland

Give us feedback

Bray, County Wicklow

Natural Feature

Map View

Located in the north of County Wicklow, Bray is a busy seaside town with something to do for people of all ages. The coastal town is easy to access via the DART commuter train running from Dublin city. The town of Bray is filled with cafés and seafood restaurants and is home to National Sea Life Bray, an adorable aquarium containing sharks and tropical and native fish. For those feeling more adventurous, the cliff walk leading to Bray Head is pleasant on a nice sunny day.

Open In Google Maps

Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland

Visit Website

Give us feedback

Inch Beach, County Kerry

Natural Feature

Map View

Perhaps the most famous beach in Ireland, Inch Beach stretches along 5km (3mi) of coastline in the West of Ireland. Accessible by public transport via the 276 bus from Bus Eirreann, Inch Beach is a quiet coastal getaway located near popular tourist destination the Ring of Kerry. On clear warm days, surfers enjoy the swells, while dolphins and sea otters bask in the bay. Sammy’s Café, right at the beach, is the ideal place to finish the day with a sweet treat.

Open In Google Maps

Ardroe, Inch Beach, County Kerry, Ireland

Give us feedback

Cliffs of Moher, County Galway

Natural Feature

Map View

Ireland, County Clare, Cliffs of Moher, 200 meter high cliffs, dusk

The famed Cliffs of Moher are perhaps the most photographed coastal region of Ireland. With beautiful vistas overlooking the sea and rugged cliffs, the Cliffs of Moher are a hotspot for anyone visiting Ireland. Easily accessible from Dublin and Galway, the Cliffs of Moher provide the ultimate solo or family destination.

Open In Google Maps

Lislorkan North, County Clare, Ireland

Give us feedback

Rosses Point, County Sligo

Natural Feature

Map View

Journey up north to Sligo, Ireland, and you’ll find the charming village of Rosses Point and its surrounding peninsula. Rosses Point has a lovely walk along the cliffs that is easily accessible and a flat hike appropriate for walkers of all ages. Sligo was home to author William Butler Yeats, who spent his summers at Rosses Point and whose gravestone is a close drive from the pleasant beaches. Rosses Point is also home to the Sligo Yacht Club and the County Sligo Golf Club, which hosts the annual West of Ireland championship.

Open In Google Maps

Rosses Upper, Rosses Point, County Sligo, Ireland

Give us feedback

Inishmore, County Galway

Natural Feature

Map View

The largest of the Aran Islands, Inishmore is a perfect getaway from the bustle of Dublin or Galway, with beaches and charming B&Bs. The island itself is a Gaeltacht area, meaning the residents are loyal to speaking the Irish language. Popular tourist destinations include the ruins of the Seven Churches and the Aran Sweater Market, for those looking to do some shopping for traditional Irish wools. The island is serviced by Aran Ferries from Rossaveal and Doolin, near Galway city, and from Inishmore Aerodome to Connemara Airport.

Open In Google Maps

Oghil, Inishmore, County Galway, Ireland

Give us feedback

Galway City, County Galway

Natural Feature

Map View

Situated directly on Galway Bay, Galway city is a quaint Irish getaway with all the excitement of a small city. Walk along the beautiful coastline out to Galway Harbour Lighthouse, and get a lovely view of the ocean and the coastline on a sunny day. Galway also has excellent pubs in the city centre, such as the King’s Head Pub that serves up some delicious fish and chips. Walk even further along the coast and you’ll find Salthill, home to Leisureland, an amusement centre open all year round.

Open In Google Maps

Galway, County Galway, Ireland

Visit Website

Give us feedback

Giant's Causeway, Bushmills, Northern Ireland

Bridge

Map View

© Joaquin Ossorio-Castillo / Getty Images

Book Now

Drive up the east coast to enter the separate nation of Northern Ireland, and you’ll find the majestic Giant’s Causeway. The causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage site, as its hexagonal columns and rocks originated from a booming volcanic eruption. Legend states that giant Finn MacCool built the causeway in order to connect the North Channel, to defeat another giant who challenged Gaelic territory.

Open In Google Maps

Bushmills, Northern Ireland, BT57 8SU, United Kingdom

+442820731855

Visit Website

Give us feedback

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Northern Ireland

Bridge

Map View

Located just a short drive from the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is located in County Antrim near Ballantoy. Aside from the stunning cliffs and ocean views, the main attraction is the 20m-long (66ft) rope bridge over the clear blue waters and rocks 30m (98ft) below. Travellers can get a certificate of their crossing at the conclusion of their stay.

Open In Google Maps

119a Whitepark Road, Antrim, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland, BT54 6LS, United Kingdom

+442820769839

Visit Website

Give us feedback

Ring of Kerry

Park

Map View

The Ring of Kerry is a major circular tourist route in County Kerry, boasting a large number of popular destinations along the southwestern Irish coast, such as Killarney National Park, the Gap of Dunloe and Torc Waterfall. There’s also Skellig Michael, where the final scene of Star Wars: The Force Awakens was filmed. Access to the Ring of Kerry is provided by Bus Eireann via route 280.

Open In Google Maps

Ring of Kerry, Inchinaleega East, Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland

Give us feedback

Tramore, County Waterford

Natural Feature

Map View

A seaside town in County Waterford, Tramore is located only 13km (8mi) away from Waterford city. Tramore is situated on the northwest corner of Tramore Bay, and has fairgrounds, ice cream shops and a popular promenade along the sand. Tramore also has well-known sand dunes that stretch for 5km (3mi) and overlook the Atlantic Ocean. Tramore is also renowned for being a prime surfing location in Ireland.

Open In Google Maps

Tramore, County Waterford, Ireland

Give us feedback

Dingle, County Kerry

Natural Feature

Map View

Located in magnificent County Kerry, the town of Dingle is the quintessential Irish seaside town. Dingle is the perfect romantic getaway or family vacation, with activities and sights for people of all ages. Families and couples alike will love the ferry out to Dingle Bay to see Fungie the dolphin. Fungie is the bay’s only inhabiting bottlenose dolphin, and he enjoys swimming alongside the boats. Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium also has an impressive assortment of sharks, penguins, reptiles and more.

Open In Google Maps

Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland

Give us feedback

These recommendations were updated on August 24, 2020 to keep your travel plans fresh.