Our glorious summer has finally arrived, and what better place to make some wonderful family memories than at the beach.
Often a surprise for visitors, Dublin has many beautiful beaches dotted along the coastline.
Not many capitals can boast the sandy stretches Dublin enjoys - from walking the dogs, to taking a dip or a picnic with the kids - there's a beach to suit everyone’s taste.
Silver Strand, Co Wicklow
Nestled in the scenic Garden County, a mere hour’s drive from the city will bring you to Silver Strand’s striking shoreline. This is a private beach, which you pay €8 per car to access through Wolohan’s Camping & Caravan Park on the R750 south of Wicklow town. In a claim to fame that speaks volumes of its beauty, Silver Strand's vibrant green waters and creamy-coloured sands doubled as the Cote d'Azur in the 2002 movie Count of Monte Cristo.
Killiney Beach, Dublin
This Blue Flag beach in Bono’s back yard has been compared to the stunning Bay of Naples in Italy. A must-see gem is White Rock, hidden away at the northern end of the Bay. At high tide, this sandy nook becomes its own little retreat for beach goers, a world apart from the hectic bustle of the city. Limited parking is available along Vico Road, but a 20 minute DART ride will bring you straight to the shoreline.
Velvet Strand, Portmarnock
Velvet Strand’s long stretches of smooth sand make it the perfect play surface for the kids, while you relax with stunning views of Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye at your feet. Parking at the busy North Beach can be challenge on a hot day, but there is more parking available at the South Beach car park. From here, the sand is a five-minute walk on a designated pathway through the dunes, or take the 32B or the 42 bus from Dublin City Centre to North Beach.
Ladies’ Cove, Greystones
A spectacular sunrise over Ladies’ Cove will transport you to the stunning shorelines of California. Greystones is a charming seaside town home to two sweeping Blue Flag beaches, and this little gem of a cove sits pretty right in the middle. If you left your picnic at home, Greystones is famous for its culinary appeal, with an array of restaurants to choose from.
North and South Beach, Skerries
Amusements, promenade walks and striking views - Skerries is a seaside paradise that has it all. With less than a 40 minute drive from O’Connell Street, Skerries really does capture every part of Irish beach life. On a hot day, the more sheltered North Beach provides tamer swimming conditions in almost all wind conditions. Follow this by some sunset spotting over the harbour, that will take your breath away.
Image via Pinterest.
