Dublin’s five best beaches rated – where to park, what the water’s like and the top places to eat

Date:


With the mercury set to soar nicely into subsequent week, Dublin’s seashores will probably be thronged with sunseekers and swimmers profiting from the recent climate.

he metropolis’s shoreline, stretching from Balbriggan within the north to its boundary with Bray within the south, boasts an enviable variety of high quality seashores for a capital metropolis.

However earlier than you pack the picnic basket and apply the solar cream, right here’s why we predict these 5 seashores are Dublin’s greatest.

Shut

South Seaside in Rush, north county Dublin. Pic: Arthur Carron/Collins

5. South Seaside, Rush

This ignored gem in north county Dublin doesn’t get the credit score it deserves. Whereas there are two gorgeous seashores within the city, Rush South Seaside pips its shut neighbour on the publish for a number of causes, not least the very fact it was awarded a Blue Flag this yr.

Providing spectacular views throughout the Irish Sea to Lambay Island, Howth and as far south because the Wicklow Mountains, Rush South Seaside is significantly underrated. Water high quality has been confirmed as glorious this summer season and swimming is mostly secure, so long as you keep inside the lifeguard patrolled space.

Entry – For those who’re travelling by automobile, Rush is round a 40-minute drive from Dublin metropolis centre, through the M1 (take the Donabate exit and observe the indicators to Lusk and Rush). There’s a giant automobile park on the entrance to the seaside, though it will probably refill shortly when the solar comes out.

Alternatively, there’s loads of pay and show parking on Essential Avenue (Monday to Saturday). Rush is served by the 33 bus, leaving you lower than a five-minute stroll away from South Seaside.

Amenities – Public bathrooms, automobile park, litter bins and a lifeguard/first help hut throughout the summer season bathing season.

Meals – For those who work up an urge for food from all that sea air, there are many meals choices inside a 10-minute stroll. Attempt the Village Takeaway for fish and chips, the Responsible Goat for espresso or the award-winning Harbour Bar for one thing extra substantial.

Shut

Sandycove is widespread with younger households. Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins Photographs

4. Sandycove

Other than its small however completely shaped sandy seaside, Sandycove can also be dwelling to the well-known Forty Foot swimming space and the long-lasting James Joyce Tower and Museum.

This intimate seaside is very widespread with households with younger youngsters as a consequence of its shallow waters, though you will have to get there additional early throughout the good climate to assert your spot on the sand. Most up-to-date testing has revealed glorious water high quality at Sandycove.

Entry – The seaside is just some minutes’ stroll from Sandycove and Glasthule Dart station. There’s restricted parking within the space so public transport is your greatest guess.

Amenities – Lifeguard patrol, public bathrooms, incapacity parking bay and first help services.

Meals – Order from the espresso van or deal with your self to high quality seafood at Cavistons in Glasthule, with loads of different eating choices accessible within the village.

Shut

Folks out strolling on Dollyer, with the Poolbeg Towers within the background. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins

3. Dollymount Strand

It will be a sin to exclude Dollymount Strand, affectionately often known as Dollyer, from any checklist of nice Dublin seashores.

Set towards the backdrop of Dublin Bay and the long-lasting Poolbeg towers, there are numerous explanation why Dollymount continues to carry a particular place in our hearts. Stretching from the North Bull Wall to the northern tip of Bull Island – an internationally recognised nature reserve – the seaside is widespread with year-round sea swimmers and kite surfers.

Entry – Dollymount is usually a sufferer of its personal reputation, significantly when the climate is sweet, with tales of lengthy tailbacks and cranky children caught in scorching vehicles. However you’ll be able to keep away from the visitors chaos by availing of a variety of public transport choices.

Dollymount is the closest giant seaside to the town centre, that means it’s nicely served by bus (routes 130 and N4). It’s additionally situated close to the Clontarf to Sutton cycleway in the event you really feel like combining your day on the seaside with a motorcycle journey.

For those who should take the automobile, there’s parking on the finish of the Bull Island Causeway, from the place you may also entry the seaside. If attainable, keep away from taking the wood bridge route on busy summer season days as there’s restricted parking at this finish of the seaside and the world tends to be a flashpoint for visitors congestion.

Amenities – Lifeguard patrol, first help, incapacity entry, seaside wheelchair (pre-booking required), bathrooms and altering areas.

Meals – Is there something extra inviting than the intoxicating aroma of fish and chips? After a day at Dollyer, you’ll be able to’t go mistaken with Beshoff’s on Vernon Avenue, Clontarf. For excellent espresso and toasties, strive Completely satisfied Out, a café situated in a delivery container on the finish of Bull Wall.

Shut

Folks having fun with the sunshine at Seapoint. Pic: Frank McGrath

2. Seapoint

Seapoint is certainly one of two Blue Flag seashores in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and is rightly thought-about the most effective bathing spots in south Dublin. With superb views throughout Dublin Bay to Howth, this gently sloping, sandy seaside is extraordinarily widespread with households and is mostly thought-about a secure place to swim.

A phrase of warning, although: swimmers must be conscious there could also be sudden giant waves attributable to automobile ferries arriving at close by Dún Laoghaire Harbour. Additionally, there isn’t a diving allowed from the outdated platforms.

Water high quality at Seapoint has been formally described as glorious to date this summer season

Entry – Like all seashores in south Dublin, Seapoint advantages from its proximity to a Dart station (proper on its doorstep). You can too select from a variety of bus routes serving Dún Laoghaire or Blackrock. For those who’re taking the automobile, there’s paid parking at Hyperlink Highway, beside Salthill and Monkstown Dart station, round a five-minute stroll away.

Amenities – Bogs, lifeguard patrolled space, first help, disabled entry and seaside exercise zones for strolling and working.

Meals – With Blackrock and Dún Laoghaire only a brief stroll away, the choices are limitless. The Purty Kitchen is ideal for a post-beach meal or drink. Additionally strive an ice-cream from the legendary Teddy’s in Dún Laoghaire.

Shut

Portmarnock’s Velvet Strand all the time attracts the crowds. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins

1. Velvet Strand, Portmarnock

Arguably the jewel within the crown of Dublin’s seashores, Portmarnock’s Velvet Strand has all the time been a well-liked vacation spot for day-trippers. Stretching for 5 kilometres from Portmarnock to Baldoyle Estuary, this lengthy, sandy seaside has magnificent views of Lambay Island, Eire’s Eye and Howth and is known for its sand dunes.

Provided that Velvet Strand has retained its Blue Flag standing for 2022, you might be assured of respectable water high quality when getting in for a dip.

Entry – Whereas there’s on-street parking within the space, Portmarnock is nicely served by a number of bus routes, together with the 32x, 42D and H2, taking you on to the seaside. Watch out if selecting the practice possibility, as it will go away you with not less than a 40-minute stroll from Portmarnock station.

Amenities – Bogs, lifeguard patrol and seaside wheelchair rent (you have to e book prematurely).

Meals – Get pleasure from a 99 from the ice-cream hut or seize a takeaway espresso and a sandwich from the native Spar. For those who really feel like a post-beach meal, strive Lali’s Italian restaurant on Strand Highway, instantly reverse the seaside.

Share post:

Popular

More like this
Related

The Evolution of Entertainment: A Journey Through Time

The world of entertainment has undergone a transformative journey,...

Breaking News 2024: Navigating Through the Maze of Information

In today's rapidly evolving world, staying informed about the...

Embracing the Magic: A Journey into the World of Entertainment

Entertainment, in all its forms, has the remarkable ability...

Exploring the Dynamic Realm of World News

In an era where the world is more interconnected...