Travel blogger and content creator Tara Povey has been travelling widely, but she still champions Ireland’s coastline. In a personal selection, she names her top 10 Irish beaches and explains what makes each spot worth visiting.
Tara Povey’s top 10 Irish beaches
Rosslare Strand, Wexford
Povey lists this as a favourite — and notes she lives locally. The long, sandy strand holds a Blue Flag and offers good on-site facilities. Walk far enough along the shore and you can often find stretches of sand almost to yourself, even in high summer.
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Silver Strand, Mayo
Tucked at the mouth of Killary Fjord, this small, sheltered bay is ringed by hills and sand dunes. The approach involves a rough road and there are no facilities, but Povey says the remoteness is part of the appeal — on her last visit she spotted only two other people.
Glen Strand, Wicklow
A pebbly beach, well protected from the elements, Glen Strand is a popular spot for swimming. It’s also the start point for the Glen Turn cliff walk — a 3.7km loop where seals can sometimes be seen — making it a good combo of walking and a refreshing dip.
Ardmore Beach, Waterford
Povey was struck by the water clarity when she visited. The beach sometimes hosts a “Hot Pod” sauna on certain days, so you can alternate between the sea and a warm-up. Nearby, Shipmates serves takeaway chips and a cliff walk runs along the headland.
Ballymoney, Wexford
This tidy sandy beach benefits from active local stewardship. The community’s efforts have helped Ballymoney secure both Green Coast and Blue Flag recognition, Povey notes, and the result is a well-maintained shoreline.
Tiny Hidden Beach, Dublin
Discovered by the author while doing the Howth cliff walk, this small cove requires a steep descent that isn’t for everyone. Reach the sand, though, and the atmosphere feels unexpectedly remote — a pocket of calm that can seem a world away from the city.
Keem, Mayo
Keem Bay is internationally admired and appears on many classic lists. Povey highlights its striking scenery and says the bay evokes a tropical feel. She also mentions local history: basking sharks were once hunted in these waters, a practice that has long since stopped.
Murder Hole, Donegal
Donegal’s wild, remote coastline includes this hard-to-reach beach. It gained attention on social media for a dramatic waterfall that flows into sea caves. Povey stresses the need to check tides and access conditions before attempting the route.
Ballybunion, Kerry
A childhood favourite for the author, Ballybunion combines a wide sandy shore with castle ruins, exploreable caves and cliff paths. Povey calls it a classic seaside experience and admits she’s overdue a return visit.
Kilkee, Clare
Kilkee is praised as a safe option on the west coast, with lifeguards on duty during peak season. The beach suits families and day-trippers; afterward, the Diamond Rocks Café is recommended for a notably large ice cream sandwich and the cliff walk offers great views.
Povey’s list is a reminder that Ireland’s coastline rewards exploration — from easily reached family beaches to remote coves that feel like discoveries. For readers planning shore visits, she encourages spreading the word that Irish beaches deserve more recognition.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ.
