If you’re in search of the best beaches in Wicklow, you’ve landed in the right place.
While Ireland’s ‘Garden County’ might be better known for Wicklow Mountains National Park, the county’s coastline offers some incredible beaches worth exploring.
With many a short drive south of Dublin, Wicklow’s beaches are a great place to head to when the sun is shining (but get there early… as they can get insanely busy!).
The best beaches in Wicklow
Photo by Conall Hart (Shutterstock)
The first section of our guide to the best beaches in Wicklow is filled with our favourite sandy stretches in the county.
Below, you’ll find everywhere from the magnificent Magheramore Beach and Silver Strand to Brittas Bay and more.
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!
1. Silver Strand
Photo via @harryfarrellsons on Instagram
Silver Strand in Wicklow may not be the biggest of the many Wicklow Beaches, but it’s certainly one of the most beautiful.
The small beach is just 4.5km south of Wicklow town and has perfect golden, smooth sand and is surrounded by rocky cliffs on either side.
The cliffs provide a unique protection making the calm waters perfect for swimming when the weather is warm. It’s not as widely known as some of the other beaches in Wicklow which is why it’s one of our favourites.
The biggest drawback of this beach is access – parking nearby can be tricky (as you’ll discover in this guide) and access to the beach is only via private campsites.
This is one of the more unique Wicklow beaches and it’s widely regarded (and rightly so!) as one of the best beaches in Ireland.
2. Brittas Bay Beach
Photo by Conall Hart (Shutterstock)
Arguably the most popular of the many beaches Wicklow has to offer, Brittas Bay Beach features a long 5km stretch of sand dunes and clear water just 12km south of Wicklow town.
It’s both a Special Area of Conservation and a Blue Flag beach, making it a beautiful place to spend a summer day.
The beach’s sand dunes are considered ecologically important with grassland and coastal ferns growing back from the beach. It can get extremely busy in peak season and during holidays with plenty of day trippers from Dublin.
However, you’ll find a couple of car park areas to cater for the crowds and the beach has a lifeguard service in summer.
3. Magheramore Beach
Photo by Nataliia Pushkareva (Shutterstock)
The next of our favourite Wicklow beaches is the mighty Magheramore Beach, just south of Wicklow Town, tucked beneath steep cliffs that give it a surprisingly secluded feel for somewhere so close to civilisation.
The broad sweep of sand is exposed and raw, with the sea setting the mood rather than softening it. Access is via a short walk down from the clifftop, and while conditions can change quickly, the setting is consistently dramatic.
It’s a place shaped by weather, light, and tide, rather than facilities or fuss. When access is open, Magheramore rewards those who make the effort with one of Wicklow’s most striking coastal backdrops.
4. Greystones Beach
Photo by Colin O’Mahony (Shutterstock)
Almost as popular as Brittas Bay Beach, Greystones Beach is a busy family summer destination due to its Blue Flag status. It’s also easily accessible by public transport with the DART train travelling to Greystones from Dublin throughout the day.
The south beach in Greystones is the most picturesque part of the coastline here, with about half a mile of sand and pebbles.
You can find lifeguard services during the bathing season, as well as facilities throughout the year including parking, toilets and a kid’s playground.
A visit here is the perfect way to round off the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk. There are also plenty of things to do in Greystones while you’re there.
5. Bray Beach
Photo by Algirdas Gelazius (Shutterstock)
Another handy beach to head to in Wicklow is Bray Beach stretching along the coast in the town of Bray.
At less than 20km south of Dublin and easily reached by public transport this long promenade and sandy beach is a very popular destination when the weather begins to get balmy.
The long beach stretches from Bray Head to Bray Harbour, with a designated Blue Flag area in the southern half. You’ll find parking, public toilets and a playground right at the beachside.
If you’re can peel yourself away from the sand, there’s plenty of things to do in Bray while you’re there, too!
6. Ennereilly Beach
Located in Ballinaskea just north of Arklow, this quiet local beach suits a range of low-key activities.
The shoreline is made up mainly of stones and coarse sand, and it’s particularly popular with anglers targeting species such as codling, whiting and flounder.
The beach is generally much quieter than others along this stretch of coast, making it a good option for a peaceful walk or some time by the sea without the crowds.
There’s a small parking area just off the road, but facilities are limited, so it’s best to come prepared.
7. Kilcoole Beach
If Greystones Beach feels too busy, Kilcoole Beach is a quieter alternative just a few minutes further south.
This long stretch of stone and shingle sits away from the town centre and is easily reached on foot from Kilcoole train station, with parking available nearby.
It’s well suited for a ramble, and you’ll often see dog walkers along the shore. Parts of the beach are also important nesting areas for seabirds at certain times of year, making it a worthwhile stop for birdwatchers.
For those looking to stretch the legs, a coastal walking route links Kilcoole Beach with Greystones Beach, following the shoreline for roughly 5km.
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.
Clare Martin
Thursday 14th of July 2022
Neither of the Silver Strands was open to day visitors in 2021. Is it possible to pay for parking and visit either Silver Strand in Summer 2022? I’m now in my 70’s but have visited these beautiful strands since I was a child. My father’s family were Wicklow people, born and bred there for generations. I was very saddened to find that I couldn’t visit last year, as it has been a part of my family’s life for so long. What about Magheramore Strand. The property overlooking the stand was purchased for development last Summer. Is it still open to the public?
Keith O'Hara
Saturday 16th of July 2022
Hey Clare - I've spent the last while looking into this and I can't for the life of me figure out whether the car parks are open for non-residents of the campsites (they used to offer paid parking previously). If I find out more I'll let you know!