Travel writer and content creator Tara Povey—who divides her time between international trips and life in Rosslare—has picked ten Irish beaches she returns to again and again. Her selections mix well-known bays and secluded coves, with practical notes on access, facilities and what makes each shore worth a visit.
Povey’s top 10 Irish beaches
Rosslare Strand, Wexford
Povey names this as one of her favourites and notes she lives locally. The long, sandy shore holds a blue flag and offers on-site facilities, yet if you keep walking you can often find stretches that feel entirely private, even during busy summer weekends.
Six floral and garden festivals to include in your holiday itinerary
Marriott opens Aloft hotel in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter
Silver Strand, Mayo
A remote beach at the mouth of Killary Fjord, Silver Strand is framed by hills and sand dunes. The approach involves a rough road and there are no facilities, but the solitude is the reward—Povey recalls seeing only two people on a recent visit.
Glen Strand, Wicklow
Shingly rather than sandy, Glen Strand is sheltered and well suited to swimming. It’s also the start point for the Glen Turn cliff walk; Povey recommends the 3.7km loop. Keep an eye out for seals, and plan a cool dip at the beach after the walk.
Ardmore Beach, Waterford
Povey, who visited Ardmore this summer, highlights its notably clear water. On some days a Hot Pod sauna is set up on the sand, so you can combine a sea swim with a warm-up. Nearby Shipmates does simple takeaways, and the cliff walk offers pleasant views afterwards.
Ballymoney, Wexford
This tidy, family-friendly strand benefits from strong local stewardship. The community’s work shows in the beach’s awards, including both Green Coast and Blue Flag recognition.
Tiny Hidden Beach, Dublin
Found from the Howth cliff trail, this small cove requires a steep descent that isn’t suitable for everyone. The effort pays off: Povey says the setting can feel astonishingly remote, a surprising hush so close to the capital.
Keem Bay, Mayo
Keem is often described as postcard-perfect, and Povey includes it for that reason. The bay has a history of sightings of large marine life; visitors should be aware that local fishermen once hunted basking sharks, a practice that ceased long ago.
Murder Hole, Donegal
Donegal’s coastline is known for dramatic, hard-to-reach shores, and Murder Hole fits that description. A sea-cave waterfall near the beach became popular online, but Povey warns that tides and conditions can make access risky—research the route and timing first.
Ballybunion, Kerry
A personal favourite from childhood, Ballybunion combines a wide sandy sweep with castle ruins, caves to explore and cliff walks. It’s the sort of beach that suits long family days or a reflective solo stroll.
Kilkee, Clare
Kilkee is a reliable choice for a summer outing. Lifeguards are on duty during peak season, and the town has visitor-friendly spots such as the Diamond Rocks Café, famous for its oversized ice cream sandwiches. There is also a scenic cliff walk nearby.
Povey says she hopes the list inspires people to make the most of sunny days along Ireland’s coast. Her picks aim to show that the country’s beaches range from bustling family strands to near-deserted coves, each with its own character.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ.
