A Guide To Killiney Beach In Dublin (The Car Park, Coffee + Swim Info)

Stony it may be, but Killiney Beach is still a cracking spot to hit at the weekend when the sun’s out.

With some stunning views toward the Wicklow Mountains, it’s a fine place for a paddle or for a ramble with a coffee (there’s a coffee truck here now!). 

It’s also a stone’s throw from the Killiney Hill walk, so you can combine a swim with a short hike that’ll treat you to glorious views.

Below, you’ll find info on everything from which Killiney Beach car park is the handiest to what to do when you arrive.

Some quick need-to-knows about Killiney Beach

Although a visit to this beach is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Lying around 16 km south of Dublin city centre, you’ll find Killiney Beach a short hop south of Dún Laoghaire spreading out beneath Killiney Hill near Dalkey. It’s easy to get to by DART.

2. Parking

The Killiney Beach car park situation is a pain – there’s this one here that fits around 14 cars and then this one that fits around 50. As this is one of the more popular beaches in Dublin, it gets busy – so arrive early on sunny days/at the weekend.

3. Swimming + safety

This is a popular spot for a swim and lifeguards are on hand throughout the summer months. However, understanding water safety is absolutely crucial when visiting beaches in Ireland. Please take a minute to read these water safety tips!

4. Recent Blue Flag winner

Killiney’s clean reputation was given an official boost recently by winning back its Blue Flag status. Promoting sound economic management of beaches, marinas and inland bathing waters, Killiney Beach once again has received a Blue Flag in 2023, and the recent wins shows that it’s definitely one of Dublin’s finest spots to come for a swim.

About Killiney Beach

With its gentle inward curve and the dramatic peaks of both the Little and the Great Sugarloaf before the mass of Bray Head rising to the south, Killiney Bay is sometimes likened to the Bay of Naples (albeit with slightly less sunshine!).

How true that comparison is is in the eye of the beholder, but it’s certainly one of Dublin’s prettiest coastlines. So it’s unsurprising that Killiney Beach has been a popular seaside destination for Dubliners for at least a couple of centuries now.

Once a desirable summer retreat for the wealthy, modern rail developments during the 19th century put it on the map as a viable suburb. 

So the beach may be stone but with all its charm and those views to boot, you can see why it’s such a great spot to relax!

Things to do at Killiney Beach

There’s plenty of things to do in and around the beach here which is why it’s one of the more popular day trips from Dublin City.

Below, you’ll find where to grab coffee (and ice cream, if you fancy!) to what else to do when you arrive.

1. Grab something tasty at Fred and Nancy’s

I wish every beach had a Fred and Nancy’s! Located on the northside of the beach, their gleaming metallic food truck offers generously-filled sandwiches, a clam chowder soup and a selection of pastries and sweet treats.

Opened in 2021, they’re perfect for a coffee and a bite to eat but they’re also pretty popular so you may need to queue before getting your order in. They’re well worth it, however. 

2. Then flick off the shoes and head for a stroll

Once you’ve got your fill from Fred and Nancy’s, turn south and head for a nice stroll down the beach. The beach itself runs for about 2.5 km but if you’re up for a walk then you can actually make it all the way to Bray if you fancy stretching your legs. 

The beach features great views of the Wicklow Mountains on a clear day and dogs are allowed if they’re kept on a lead. 

3. Or brave the cool water and head for a dip

If you’re feeling courageous, then strip down and head into the chilly waters of the Irish Sea for a reviving dip! And as we talked about earlier, Killiney is a Blue Flag beach so you’ll be swimming in some of Dublin’s cleanest waters. 

There’s a lifeguard service in the summer months and it also has facilities for disabled users. There are no changing facilities but you’ll find the public toilets right next to the main car park. 

Places to visit near Killiney Beach in Dublin

Killiney is a short spin from many of the best things to do in Dublin, from walks and hikes to castles, coves and more.

Below, you’ll find info on where to eat near Killiney Beach to where to soak up a bit of local history.

1. Killiney Hill Walk

For some gorgeous coastal views after an easy little ramble, walks don’t come much better than the Killiney Hill Walk just up from the beach. See our easy-to-follow guide to the walk here.

2. Sorrento Park

Another quietly great spot for views is Sorrento Park, just north of Killiney Beach. It’s less of a park and more of a small hill, but you won’t really be thinking about trivial details like that when you sit on one of the benches and take in the gorgeous views out to Dalkey Island and the Wicklow Mountains. 

3. The Vico Baths

Secluded and only accessible through a small gap in a wall, the Vico Baths are one of Dublin’s hidden gems (apologies for using such a clichéd phrase, but it’s true!). Follow the signs and handrails down to a dreamy little perch where you can jump and plunge into the swirling pools below.

4. Dalkey Island

Lying around 300 metres off the coastline just north of Killiney Beach, Dalkey Island is uninhabited but accessible by boat all year round. The trip only takes five minutes and is a charming spot for walking and fishing. There are also a few archaeological curiosities lying around such as the ruins of St. Begnets Church and a 19th-century Martello Tower.

FAQs about Killiney Beach

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from how do I get to Killiney Beach to where is the car park.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is Killiney beach safe to swim?

Yes. However, from time to time, some Dublin beaches have no-swim notices. For the latest info, Google ‘Killiney Beach news’ or check locally.

Where is the Killiney Beach car park?

There’s a bit of parking around the beach here. If you flick to the top of this guide, you’ll find links to their location on Google Maps.