My Fave Beaches in Dublin

When people think of Dublin, bustling city streets and historic pubs often come to mind first. But just a short DART ride from the city centre, you'll find a stunning coastline filled with sandy shores, rocky coves, and fresh sea air. Whether you're up for a sunrise swim or a cliffside walk, Dublin's beaches offer the perfect seaside escape. These are my favourite spots for a beach day in Dublin!

Portmarnock Beach

Without a doubt, my favourite beach in Dublin is Portmarnock's famous Velvet Strand. True to its name, the sand here is incredibly soft and fine, stretching on for kilometres—which means even on a rare sunny, warm day, you can easily find a peaceful spot away from the crowds. Getting there is straightforward enough: hop on a train and either walk the rest of the way or catch a bus (though be prepared for plenty of stops). The small village nearby has a handful of shops and cafes perfect for grabbing a coffee before or after your beach stroll. For the more adventurous, just north of the beach lies High Rock—a fantastic dipping spot with a sturdy rock that's ideal for jumping off into the refreshing sea.

Sandycove Beach

Sandycove Beach is wonderfully easy to reach by train, making it a popular choice for a spontaneous seaside trip. Nestled right next to the infamous Forty Foot bathing spot, this beach offers more than just a pretty view—it's perfectly positioned close to Dún Laoghaire, where you'll find a fantastic selection of cafes, restaurants, and shops. For a truly unique experience, head to Store and Yard, a great cafe right near the beach that also offers a sea sauna—the perfect place to grab a coffee before or after a brisk dip in the Irish Sea.

Killiney Beach

Killiney Beach is my go-to when I want to escape the crowds on a sunny day—being further south than Dublin's other popular beaches, it somehow always feels a little quieter and more relaxed. Yes, it's a pebble beach, and I won't pretend those stones are kind to bare feet when you're wading into the sea (swimming shoes make all the difference for an enjoyable dip). But once you lay down a towel and get comfortable, the views are absolutely unbeatable—Bray Head to one side, Dalkey to the other, with the sparkling bay stretched out before you.

A Tiny Hidden Beach in Howth

Tucked discreetly along the famous Howth Cliff Walk, this beach is tiny but not so much hidden anymore. Although, many walkers don't make the trip down as you have to scramble your way down some very steep dirt paths and then steps and large rocks. This small shingle and pebble cove feels like your own private escape, perfect for a quiet paddle with nothing but the sound of waves and seabirds. Make sure you have the right level of fitness to go down, but especially to come back up!

Donabate Beach

Donabate Beach is a sprawling stretch of golden sand that feels wonderfully wild and spacious, making it ideal for long walks, kite surfing, or simply finding your own quiet patch to unwind. Backed by dramatic cliffs and the nearby Newbridge Demesne, the beach offers plenty of room even on busy days. Easily reachable by train (and then a brisk walk) from Dublin city centre, Donabate is a fantastic choice for a proper seaside adventure without venturing too far from the capital.

Balscadden Bay

Tucked away in the charming fishing village of Howth, Balscadden Bay Beach is a lovely little cove that proves you don't need sand for a perfect seaside escape. The shoreline here is rocky rather than sandy, but that only adds to its rugged charm—and it's still a fantastic spot for a refreshing dip. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and with the picturesque Howth Harbour just a short stroll away, this spot offers a quieter, more intimate swimming experience away from the larger crowds.