Ireland’s Blue Flag Beaches: 5 Scenic Spots Worth a Detour
Ireland’s coastline stretches for over 7,500km, so it’s no surprise the island is home to some truly stunning beaches.
Whether you’re into brisk seaside walks, cold-water dips, or just want a peaceful place to breathe in some fresh Atlantic air, Ireland delivers.
This year, 89 beaches across the country earned Blue Flag status, an international recognition for clean water, strong environmental management, and beach safety. Add in 10 Blue Flag marinas and it’s Ireland’s highest total yet.
Here are five standouts that are beautiful, accessible, and well worth adding to your trip:
Keem Strand, County Mayo
Keem feels like it belongs on a postcard – or a movie set. (Actually, it was one. You’ll recognize the beach from The Banshees of Inisherin.) This curved stretch of soft white sand sits in a tucked-away bay on Achill Island, backed by steep green hills and fronted by clear Atlantic water.
It’s peaceful most of the year, especially in the off-season when you might have it almost to yourself. Summer draws swimmers and kayakers, but even then it never loses its wild charm.
Curracloe Beach, County Wexford
Curracloe is one of those “just right” beaches: wide, clean, and quiet, with gentle waves and soft golden sand. It stretches for 11km, which means plenty of space for walking or just finding your own peaceful patch of shore.
It backs onto tall dunes and a nature trail that leads into Raven Nature Reserve – 600 acres of woodland home to red squirrels and birdlife. If it feels a little cinematic, that’s because it is: Saving Private Ryan and Brooklyn both filmed here.
Dunmore East Beach – County Waterford
Locally known as Councillors’ Strand, this is a small, sheltered beach just 15 minutes from Waterford City. It’s a favorite with locals for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling. The clear water also draws divers, and it’s a popular launch point for kayakers and paddleboarders.
Perched above the beach are whitewashed cottages, and the Dunmore East Cliff Walk gives you a bird’s-eye view over the coast, the harbor, and even Hook Lighthouse in the distance.
Inch Strand – County Kerry
Kerry’s got no shortage of jaw-dropping scenery, and Inch Strand is one of its crown jewels. Located on the Dingle Peninsula and backed by the Kerry Mountains, this 5km beach is great for walking, swimming, and surfing.
It’s also a Special Area of Conservation, meaning it’s protected for its native wildlife – so keep your eyes open for birds and sea life. And yes, it’s had its turn on the big screen too: Ryan’s Daughter, Excalibur, and Far and Away all filmed here.
Killiney Beach – County Dublin
You don’t need to head far from Dublin to get a dose of sea air. Just hop on the DART (commuter train) and you’ll be in Killiney in no time. This long, stony beach has sweeping views over the bay, out toward Dalkey Island and Bray Head.
It’s a great place for a walk – just wear proper shoes – and a favorite spot for locals who like a quick dip in the sea. Afterward, warm up with coffee and cake at Fred & Nancy’s by the beach or go all in with afternoon tea at Fitzpatrick Castle nearby.
This content was provided by Tourism Ireland.
It has been rewritten & edited for the readers of Ireland Family Vacations. Images are my own unless noted.
