From Connemara to the Giant's Causeway: 9 of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland
Editor’s note: The team at The Points Guy loves to travel, but now is not the time for unnecessary trips. We are publishing travel deals and destination content because we should all use this time to think about and plan our next adventures.
The coast of Ireland is something spectacular to behold -- rugged, treacherous, dramatic but beautiful. Irish beaches may not be for the faint of heart when it comes to swimming — it's very cold — and you may become quite wind-swept. But there are some seriously stunning beaches to be found around the Emerald Isle, both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
While we navigate the restrictions on travel that coronavirus has created, we can plan our next trip, and perhaps think about a future trip to Ireland to experience all this magical country has to offer -- including, of course, its beaches.
1. Inch beach, Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry
Inch Strand is three miles of glorious sand and dunes that juts into the sea on the Dingle Peninsula in Kerry, on the southwest coast of Ireland. It's popular with surfers, swimmers and anglers and was the location for the 1970 film Ryan's Daughter. It's also safe for numerous water sports including kayaking, windsurfing and kitesurfing due to its low gradient. There are some lovely B&Bs dotted around the area and plenty to explore.
How to get there: The nearest airport is Kerry Airport (KIR) and then it's roughly a 30-minute drive. Cork Airport (ORK), which is bigger, is a two-hour drive. The best way to get around Ireland after flying there is by car. But as it's such a small country, attractions are never that far away.
2. Keem Bay, Achill Island, County Mayo
Achill is Ireland's biggest island and is off the coast of County Mayo. Keem Bay is a bit of a hidden gem, surrounded by cliffs and said to be one of the most "picturesque bays in Ireland." To get there, you have to traverse a twisty route on the side of the Croaghaun mountain. This spot is super remote, so also a wonderful retreat. Keem Bay was also a former shark fishing area in the fifties and sixties.
How to get there: The nearest airport is Knock Airport (NOC), that serves western Ireland, and Keem Bay is a one-hour and 45-minute drive and then a short boat ride.
3. Portstewart Strand, County Derry
This two-mile-long beach in Northern Ireland is one of its most popular attractions with 180,000 visitors a year. It's one of the few beaches in Ireland where cars have access, so it's ideal for families with loads of things to cart. The beach is located between Portstewart and the mouth of the River Bann. As well as swimming, you can enjoy scenic walks, horseriding and surfing. Nearby accommodation includes holiday parks offering caravans and tent pitches, traditional B&Bs and luxury self-catering accommodation, and there's also a nature reserve in nearby Barmouth.
How to get there: The nearest airport is Derry Aiport (LDY), then a half-hour drive.
4. Inchydoney, County Cork
Inchydoney is a small island off the coast of West Cork, connected to the mainland by two causeways. It has two stunning and popular beaches, on either side of the Virgin Mary headland. The tide goes very far out during low tide, making it even more expansive, and there's plenty of room for kitesurfing, as well as a surf school. You may not associate Ireland with surfing, but you certainly can -- it's just extremely cold, so a decent wet suit is mandatory. To stay, there's the luxurious Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, which offers seaweed therapies as well as delectable seafood and lovely rooms.
How to get there: The nearest airport is Cork, and then it's a 45-minute drive.
5. Streedagh Strand, County Sligo
Streedagh Strand has amazing views of the mountains of Donegal and big, big skies. It's also close to the flat-topped rock formation called Benbulben where the famous Irish poet W.B. Yeats is buried. It's great in the winter for hearty, blustery walks and is very quiet, remote and peaceful. The strand is an exposed beach with reef breaks, which create ideal surfing conditions all year round (remember your wet suit!).
How to get there: The nearest airport is Knock, then about a one-hour drive.
6. Dog's Bay, Roundstone, County Galway
Dog's Bay has been described as one of the "finest beaches in Ireland" and is situated close to the village of Roundstone in the Connemara region of Galway. It is a spectacular horseshoe shape with more than a mile-long stretch of white sandy beach. The area has international importance for its rare and interesting ecological, geological and archaeological features, according to Discover Ireland. Connemara is also part of the Gaeltacht area of the country, where Gaelic is the native language and where's there's a strong focus on Irish culture and heritage. After a day at the beach, head to the nearby Roundstone House Hotel for a pint and a slice of its famous banoffi pie.
How to get there: Shannon Airport (SNN) is the closest, then it's a fairly long two-hour and 20-minute drive.
7. Curracloe, County Wexford
Not only is Curracloe Strand a long, sandy haven with dunes and a rich shellfish life (think delicious oysters, mussels, cockles and scallops to be gobbled at nearby eateries), it's also famous for being the location for the harrowing D-Day scene in Saving Private Ryan, as it's similar in appearance to Omaha beach in Normandy. The strand is also a top spot for bird watching and tourists always cite its good facilities for families.
How to get there: The nearest airport is Dublin Airport (DUB), then a one-hour, 40-minute drive by car.
8. Barleycove, County Cork
Access to this picture-perfect beach is via a floating bridge from the car park and on really sunny days (yes, these do occur in Ireland sometimes!), the turquoise waters could rival the Caribbean -- the water temperature will certainly not though. It's situated close to Mizen Head on the Mizen Peninsula and the big waves are perfect for surfing. There are also large shallow areas ideal for children and the beach is backed by sand dunes, which were thrown up in the tidal wave that swept Europe after the earthquake in Lisbon in 1755. A selection of quaint Airbnb rentals are also nearby.
How to get there: Cork or Kerry Airport then about a two-hour drive from each.
9. Portballintrae, County Antrim
This small seaside village is just two miles from the famous Giant's Causeway and only has a tiny population of around 734, according to the last Census, and the village has been described as like "stepping back in time." The beach is made of sand and shingle and surrounded by grassy cliffs with incredible views of the Atlantic. Portballintrae also has a rich history. In 1967 a team of Belgian divers discovered the wreck of the ship La Girona and brought up the biggest collection of shipwrecked treasure from the 1558 Spanish Armada, ever. The Girona's recovered gold jewelry is on show in the Ulster Museum, Belfast. We recommend staying at the Bay View Hotel, a four-star haven on the Causeway Coast. Stylish rooms, great food and stellar views.
How to get there: The nearest airport is Belfast Airport (BFS) then a one-hour drive.
Bottom line
Ireland is known for its Guinness, music, poetry, friendly folk and of course, being green. But as an island, it has miles of coastline that is perhaps overlooked. Its beaches may not offer the calm, warm seas of the Mediterranean or the white sands and palm trees of the Caribbean, but they are magnificent in their own right. When the time comes when we can travel again, be sure to add them to your bucket list. Slainte!
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.