8 Best Beaches in Dublin to Visit This Year!
Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about escaping the bustling city life for a few hours of seaside serenity? If you’re in Dublin, you’re lucky, as the city is blessed with a stunning coastline that has some of the best beaches in Ireland.
While Ireland may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of beach destinations, Dublin’s beaches are not just naturally beautiful but also rich in history.
Here are the top 8 best beaches in Dublin that should be on your must-visit list this year. From family-friendly beaches to romantic sunset locales, we’ll explore what makes each of these beaches special and why they deserve a place on your 2025 bucket list.
8 Best Beaches in Dublin for a Refreshing Dip in the Sea
1. Portmarnock Beach
At number 1, on our best Dublin beaches list, we have Portmarnock Beach. It’s not just any normal beach – it’s got several awards to prove how great it is. Not only it’s one of the three Blue Flag beaches in Dublin but it also got the Green Coast award for being clean and eco-friendly.
When you get there, you’ll walk over some sandy hills called dunes. Then, boom! You’re on the beach. The water here is calm and not too deep, so it’s perfect if you’ve got kids who want to splash around. Moreover, the beach is also ideal for kite-surfing and trail-walking.
But here’s the really fun part. At the north end of the beach, there’s an old fire truck. It’s not fighting fires anymore, though. Now it serves up yummy ice cream sundaes and warm chocolate brownies. How cool is that? It’s called Fireman Sands, and you definitely need to try it.
2. Balscadden Bay Beach
If you are near Howth then you must visit Balscadden Bay Beach. The water there is so clear that you can see right through it. It’s the kind of beach you’d see on a postcard.
What’s amazing about this beach is that it’s sheltered. That means it’s a bit protected from strong winds, making it a great spot for a swim. And if you’re into hiking, Balscadden Bay is probably one of the best beaches in Dublin to do it. The famous Howth cliff walk starts just a few steps away. So, you can go for a nice hike and then cool off with a dip in the sea.
After you are done swimming, you don’t have to go far for food. Howth village is right there. You can grab fish and chips at King Sitric if you’re really hungry. Or, if you’re there on a weekend, check out Howth Market. They’ve got food trucks selling coffee and crêpes – perfect for a quick snack.
3. Portrane Beach
If you are searching for the best sandy beaches in Dublin, you must go to Portrane Beach. It’s actually two beaches in one. The small, cozy Tower Bay and the sprawling 2 km stretch of Portrane Beach.
What sets Portrane Beach apart is its peaceful vibe. Even on hot days when other Dublin beaches are packed, Portrane stays relatively quiet. The main beach is sandy and shallow, perfect for wading or playing in the surf. Tower Bay, on the other hand, is pebbly and drops off quickly, offering a different experience.
One of the best things about Portrane is that you can always find a spot to spread your towel, even on busy days. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to some of Dublin’s more crowded beaches. If you’re looking for a relaxed day by the sea without the crowds, Portrane is the place to be.
4. Killiney Beach
Killiney Beach is often called Ireland’s Bay of Naples, and it’s easy to see why. This stunning beach curves gracefully, with green hills rising behind it, creating a picture-perfect scene.
While most of Killiney Beach is pebbly, the north end hides a special place, the White Rock. This sandy cove, dotted with boulders and surrounded by colorful wildflowers, is a piece of paradise. Just a short walk further north, you’ll find Vico Bathing Place. This spot has been popular with swimmers for ages and is one of the few nude beaches in Dublin.
Killiney Beach offers a mix of natural beauty, secluded spots, and a touch of the Mediterranean vibe in Dublin. Whether you’re after a scenic walk, a swim, or just want to soak in the views, Killiney has something for everyone.
Also Read: Best Hikes in Ireland
5. Seapoint Beach
For the number 5th spot, on our best beaches in Dublin list, we’re picking Seapoint Beach which is located between Blackrock and Monkstown in the Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown area. It’s a favorite spot for Dubliners for a quick dip in the sea after work, being just a 20-minute drive from the city center.
The most amazing thing about this beach is the old Martello Tower at its northern end which will add a touch of history to your fun beach experience. What makes Seapoint Beach one of the nicest beaches in Dublin are the steps that lead right into the water at high tide – no need to wade through shallows here!
Just be careful at low tide, as there are some hidden rocks under the surface. Seapoint is easy to get to by car or DART, making it a popular choice for city dwellers wanting a quick escape to the sea. It’s no wonder it’s considered one of Dublin’s best swimming beaches!
6. Dollymount Strand
Dollymount Strand, fondly called ‘Dollyer’ by locals, is one of the ideal picnic spots in Dublin. It’s a great beach for a fun day out. You can walk on the wooden bridge to Bull Island, where you’ll see a red lighthouse. Moreover, you can have a swim in the sea.
If you are on the quest for the best swimming beaches in Dublin, Dollymount Strand is undoubtedly one of them. The water is clean and safe. It’s also a fantastic place to take your dog for a walk, making it one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Dublin.
The beach is perfect for walking or trying out kite surfing. If you’re new to water sports, this is a good spot to learn. The water is shallow near the shore, which makes it safer for beginners. There’s even a special area for launching kites.
7. Donabate Beach
Donabate Beach is a long, sandy beach in North County Dublin. It’s close to Portrane Beach and runs for about 2.5 kilometers. This beach is one of the best family-friendly beaches in Dublin because it’s clean and has good facilities.
You’ll find free parking nearby, which is always a plus. There are also toilets close to the beach, making it convenient for a day out. During the warmer months, lifeguards keep an eye on swimmers, so it’s safer for everyone.
The water at Donabate is great for paddling. It stays shallow for quite a way out, so it’s good for a dip. But if you’re looking for a deep swim, you’ll need to go quite far out.
Getting to Donabate Beach is easy. You can take the DART and then walk for about 25 minutes to reach the beach.
8. Sandycove Beach
Sandycove Beach is a small but captivating beach spot in South Dublin. It’s near the James Joyce Tower and Museum, which is interesting if you like literature. The beach is also home to the Forty Foot. It’s a popular place where Irish people swim all year round, even in winter!
The water at Sandycove is very clean and the area is sheltered which makes it safe for swimming. In summer, there are lifeguards on duty to keep an eye on everything. It’s usually less crowded than the nearby Forty Foot, but the beach can get busy, especially with families.
One fun thing about Sandycove is its famous ice cream. Many people say the best ’99’ cone (a type of ice cream) in Ireland is sold at Teddy’s in nearby Dun Laoghaire. So, after a swim, you can treat yourself to some yummy ice cream.
Just remember, Sandycove is a small beach. When the tide comes in, there might not be much sand left. But it’s still a great place for a quick dip and sunbathing!
