Brittas Bay Beach is arugably one of the most popular beaches in Wicklow.
Located a stone’s throw from both Arklow and Wicklow Town, Brittas Bay is broken up into Brittas Bay North and Brittas Bay South.
These are two of Wicklow’s Blue Flag beaches and below you’ll find info on everything from parking to swimming.
Some quick need-to-knows about Brittas Bay Beach
Although a visit to Brittas Bay Beach is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
Brittas Bay is located in County Wicklow, a 15-minute drive from Wicklow Town, a 20-minute drive from Arklow and a 35-minute drive from Aughrim.
2. North and south beach
Brittas Bay Beach is actually two beaches, Brittas Bay North and Brittas Bay South. There is nothing dividing the two sections of the beach other than the name, and you can walk from the North beach to the South beach without any obstruction.
3. Parking
There are two different car parks for the each section of the beach. You’ll find the two car parks for Brittas Bay North here on Google Maps and the two for Brittas Bay South here on Google Maps. Parking at both car parks costs €4 a day in the summer.
4. Lifeguards
Lifeguards are stationed on both the North and the South beach during the summer months. Make sure to check the notice boards at the beach for the times. Water safety warning: Understanding water safety is absolutely crucial when visiting beaches in Ireland. Please take a minute to read these water safety tips. Cheers!
About Brittas Bay’s Beaches
Photos courtesy Celtic Routes via Fáilte Ireland
Brittas Bay North and Brittas Bay South are both Blue Flag Beaches. The beaches are an incredibly popular swimming spot during the summer months when it seems like half of Dublin empties out onto the sandy strand.
The dunes above the beach have been designated as a proposed Special Area of Conservation due to the unique wildlife that makes its home there.
The lush grassy dunes are great to explore and cover a massive area, almost 100 hectares.
The beach has excellent facilities with bins and toilets located in the car parks. As always, make sure to clean up any rubbish you bring with you or happen to find on the beach.
Things to do around Brittas Bay Beach
There’s a handful of things to do in and around Brittas Bay Beach, regardless of when you visit.
Just keep in mind that this place gets packed out on fine summer days.
Grab a coffee from Bay Café
Bay Café is a lovely little coffee shop just a quick 5 minute drive from the beach. The café is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 to 15:30 (times may change).
Enjoy a great cup of coffee to go or sit down for breakfast or lunch. If you are in need a mid-day treat, make sure to check out their homemade pastries.
Then walk the length of the beach
From end to end, Brittas Bay Beach stretches 4km which we estimate would take you around an hour to walk across.
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the beach during the peak season but you are welcome to take your four legged friend for a leashed walk from October through May.
Or hit the water with Brittas Bay Surf School
Brittas Bay Surf School operates off the beach between the North and South car parks. The surf school offers surfing lessons to beginners and surfers looking to improve their skills as well as stand up paddleboard lessons.
Things to do near Brittas Bay Beach
One of the beauties of Brittas Bay is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Wicklow.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Brittas Bay!
1. Avondale Forest Park (25-minute drive)
Photos by Coillte via Failte Ireland
Avondale Forest Park was recently re-developed and has introduced a Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower. Walk to the top of the tower to take in spectacular views over the Wicklow Mountains, Avonmore river valley and the Vale of Avoca.
2. Wicklow Gaol (20-minute drive)
Photos by Brian Morrison via Ireland’s Content Pool
Wicklow Gaol, located in Wicklow Town, offers partially guided tours and Virtual Reality tours of this historic gaol that held prisoners from the 1798 Rebellion all the way up to prisoners during the Irish Civil War.
3. National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh (15-minute drive)
Photos courtesy Failte Ireland
The National Botanic Kilmacurragh Gardens, are located just outside of Wicklow Town and consist of 52 acres of gardens. The gardens are known in particular for their extensive rhododendron collection and conifer trees.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.