Yes, the best beaches in Ireland are just as magnificent as any in Thailand.
To some, Ireland might not seem like a place that’s home to some of the world’s best beaches. After all, it’s places like Thailand that are known for dreamy palm trees, golden sandy beaches and secluded coves.
However, there’s no end to the number of stunning beaches that are dotted around Ireland’s coastline, many of which are just as mighty as any in Southeast Asia.
The best beaches in Ireland
From well-trodden Blue Flag beaches to secluded coves tucked away on beautiful peninsulas, there’s plenty of coastal areas to satisfy your desire for a seaside paradise in Ireland.
Below, you’ll find a handful of the best beaches in Ireland that we believe are just as incredible as any that you’d find anywhere else in the world.
1. Keem Bay, Achill Island

Standing on the golden sand beach of Keem Bay and looking towards the crystal-clear blue water, you could easily mistake it for a beach in Thailand.
However, the green cliffs hugging this every-so-slightly off-the-beaten-path cove will remind you that you’re definitely still in Ireland.
Out of Achill Island’s five Blue Flag beaches, Keem Bay is a secluded paradise. It’s tucked inside the western end of the island, not far from Dooagh town.
If you head for a ramble along the sand at Keem (especially around sunset), you’ll be under no illusions as to why this is one of the best beaches in Ireland!
2. Murder Hole Beach, Donegal

Although the name of this Donegal beach sounds pretty sinister, it’s definitely worth a visit. Murder Hole is the nickname for this spectacular hidden beach of wind-swept rock formations and golden sand at the northern end of Rosguill Peninsula.
It’s said that the name ‘Murder Hole’ comes from the incredibly wild and untamed North Atlantic sea and wind sculptured hollows in the rocky coastline.
You have to walk across a field to reach the beach, but the stunning sight is worth the effort. It’s best to visit during low tide when you can access more of the sand.
Plan on visiting? Read this: Up until a few years back, Murder Hole was one of the lesser-known beaches in Ireland.
However, in recent years, it has been attracting a lot of footfall. If you visit, please be respectful of where you park and the land you cross to reach the beach.
3. Coumeenoole Strand, Kerry

Coumeenoole Strand is a popular slice of coast at the western end of the Dingle Peninsula. The golden strip of sand lies beneath towering jagged cliffs and green fields with beautiful views across the sea to the Blasket Islands.
The beach changes in size depending on the tide level, but there’s a road that winds down to the edge of the western side which is accessible at all times.
There’s parking at the top of the cliffs above and a few nearby cafes in Coumeenoole Village.
4. Dogs Bay, Galway

Dogs Bay’s spectacular white sand and crystal-clear azure water could easily be somewhere in Thailand, or perhaps even Australia. It’s certainly one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland.
The impressive horseshoe-shaped bay is tucked inside a sheltered part of a peninsula on the coast of County Galway.
It has a stretch of white sand extending for nearly 2km and backs onto another beautiful beach on the opposite side of the peninsula, Gurteen Bay.
Traveller tip: Dog’s Bay Beach is just a short drive from Roundstone village, which is a handy spot to drop into if you fancy a bite to eat.
5. Five Finger Strand, Donegal

Towards the very northern tip of Ireland, the golden beach of Five Finger Strand sits right at the edge of towering sand dunes.
The secluded shore stretches across the northern entrance of Trawbreaga Bay, south of Malin Head.
Go for a wander along the beach and enjoy the spectacular sand dunes that are considered some of the highest in Europe or take a dip in the peaceful waters at sunset. It’s surprisingly quieter than you might expect.
Traveller tip: To get the view above, type ‘Wild Alpaca Way’ into Google Maps. You’ll be taken to a little car park where you can soak up aerial views of one of the best beaches in Ireland.
6. Barleycove, Cork

At the other end of the country, this long stretch of beach sits in the curve of a bay near the mighty Mizen Head in County Cork.
It’s a popular place to visit during summer vacations with calm waters and plenty of sandy space to enjoy with kids.
There are various coastal walks in the area to take in the sea views and nearby restaurants just a short drive away.
7. Portsalon Beach, Donegal

Portsalon Beach on the western side of Lough Swilly is considered one of the most beautiful in Ireland.
The golden sand stretches far into the distance along the entire bay. It’s backed by rolling green hills and coastal towns at either end of the beach.
It’s a certified Blue Flag beach and it’s claimed that it was once runner up in the world’s most beautiful beaches listed in Observer Magazine.
8. Portstewart Strand, Derry

Between the coastal town of Portstewart and the mouth of the River Bann, this long beach has dramatic sand dunes as it’s backdrop on the northern coastline.
It’s a naturally striking place with its Blue Flag beach and calm waters lapping at the dunes. It’s also one of a handful of beaches in Ireland that still allow vehicle access onto the sand.
So, you can park up and have a picnic right by the water. There’s plenty of great places to eat and stay a stone’s throw from the water.
9. Trá Bán, Kerry

You’ll find Tra Ban beach on the Great Blasket Island in Kerry, the largest island off the westernmost point of Europe.
The beach here, as you can see above, is out of this world. It’s made all the more special by the fact that it’s well and truly off-the-beaten-path (you’ll need to hop on a ferry from Dun Chaoin Pier to reach the island).
You can spend time relaxing on the sand or swimming in the clear calm waters. It’s also a great spot to enjoy the marine life of the area with Grey Seals often sharing the sand with you.
10. Annagh Bay, Mayo

One of the most remote beaches in Ireland, Annagh Bay on Achill Island is worth the adventure to reach.
You can only get to this beach on foot or by boat on the north side of the island. It may not have the prettiest golden sand, but this secluded spot makes up for it with dramatic green landscape and a freshwater lake sitting just behind the coastline.
The hike can take up to two hours to reach the bay, but the incredible scenery of this remote coastal region is worth every step.
11. Whiterocks Beach, Antrim

Whiterocks Beach is more easily accessible than Annagh Bay, but it doesn’t let up with its natural beauty.
You’ll find it at Portrush just off the Causeway Coastal Route. The stunning coastline here is dominated by limestone cliffs with hidden caves and bright turquoise waters.
The beach is popular for water sports from surfing to kayaking as well as other activities like horse riding and walking. The sand stretches right around the coastline, so there’s plenty of room to share with the summer crowds.
The most beautiful beaches in Ireland: where have we missed?
I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally missed out on many other incredible beaches in Ireland.
If you have a beach that you’d like to shout from the rooftops about, leave a comment in the comments section below!
Brittas bay wicklow and Banna strand Kerry
Two gorgeous beaches
Enniscrone Beach, Co. Sligo. 5 kilometers of pure beach heaven!!
Mannin Bay Beach in County Galway is out of this world!
Derrynane beach. A hidden gem.
Silver strand, at malin beg
Narin strand
Benone beach
claggan island
Enniscrone Co. Sligo the best in the country by far. Has to be on any list.
Fionn Tra Killybegs
Magheramore Wicklow
Curracloe Beach, Wexford. Inch, Kerry. Banna, kerry.
Carrickfin beach donegal and derrynane beach kerry
Bettystown beach. Meath east.
Portmarnknock beach. Dublin.
Donabate beach. Co Dublin.
Banna strand in County Kerry. Absolutely beautiful.
Kilmurvy beach, Inis Mór on the way to Dún Aonghasa
Fermoyle strand west of castlegregory. With an amazing view of mt Brandon in the background has to be number 1 , just Google it and you’ll see what i mean..
Kilkee beach in co clare
Mermaid’s Cove/Bunduff Strand, Co. Sligo
Streedagh Beach, Grange, Co. Sligo.
Ballynaclash beach Wexford. That whole stretch up past Curracloe and the Raven is stunning.
Castlegregory and the maharees 12 miles of sandy beaches with views of the seven hogs, islands.
Old head beach and white strand both close to louisburgh co mayo
Derryane beach in Kerry. Shallow water, shielded from wind. I took a dip there few weeks ago, water was 22 degrees.
Airport beachin donegal
Glassilaun beach in Connemara county
Galway.
Have to agree have been to a lot of beaches and glassiluain is the best by far
Derrynane
A wonderful beach.
Drumnatiney beach Falcarragh
Ross Beach Killala Co Mayo, and C. B.I strand (Ross). Lacken strand and Back strand, Co Mayo. Kilcummin Harbour and kilcummin head (1798) where French landed Co Mayo. Ballycastle beach Co Mayo.Downpatrick Head and sea stack, Dun Breiste Ballycastle Co Mayo, The Ceide Fields Ballycastle Co Mayo, Bartragh Island Killala Co Mayo (The island Nick Faldo the World famous Golfer wants to design a golf course on) in Killala Bay on low tide can be reached from shore on foot, or by Boat on the famous River Moy( Salmon fishing river and Sea trout Estuary). Belderrig Harbour,has a natural Rock swimming pool on low tide.
Marble Hill Strand/Sheephaven Bay at Port na Blagh Co Donegal……….my final resting place!!?
Where is Tramore beach on that list, it is definitely the best beach in Ireland. Karl O’Sullivan
100% correct Karl
No place like ballybunion
What about whitepark bay in co.antrim beautiful never crowded.
Dollar Bay, Wexford
Banna strand kerry definitely the best beach in the whole of Ireland ?
Fanore beach in Co Clare on the wild Atlantic way.
Beautiful views of the burren . Between the towns of Ennistymon and Ballyvaughan . Wonderful place to visit.
Narin Beach. Portnoo, Donegal
Rossnowlagh in Donegal
Maghery in Ardara Co Donegal
Fintra in Killybegs Co Donegal
Murvagh beach near Rossnowlagh but without the cars.Marvellous beach!
Leitir beach in lettermacaward, Co Donegal. Absolutely beautiful and miles of great beach for walking on and easily accessible.
The Warren Beach, Rosscarbery. West Cork.
Brilliant clean sandy beach, very vigilant lifeguard staff, fantastic facilities… ice cream, coffee truck and crepes during summer.
Cliff paths / walks.
Pier opposite, for the more adventurous, to dive off or jump off depending on tide.
Pitch and putt just behind the beach
Great Hotel nearby, great pubs up town serving hot food, the list goes on …
Kinnogoe Bay Donegal magic
Kinnego Bay, Co donegal is a cracker of a beach….
Woodstown Beach Co.Waterford. A lovely beach to walk
Nairn beach portnoo and derrynane Co. Kerry two magical beachs
Inch strand on the way from Castlemain to Dingle, it is one of the BEST.
Kells Beach Kells Co. Kerry Blue flag sheltered sandy, rocks for kids rock pooling!! A pier to jump off at high tide. Fabulous
Has to be Derrynane Beach in Kerry. Love this place to bits ?
Murlough, just outside ballycastle, Co. Antrim.. Pretty hairy to get to but once the hands down the best there is!!!!
Inver beach Co Donegal safe for kids water warm in summer
Tra Mor beach near Downings Donegal would beat most. What about Murlough beach County Down, where the mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea?
Culdaff Inishowen Co Donegal beautiful Blue flag Beach..
Magheraroarty beach, Gortahork, Co. Donegal…fabulous beach
I agree agree Keem Bay tops the list backed by all the beaches in Achill such as the Golden Stran
Beach Hotel, Downings is the best but not featured.