#BeachThursday: Ireland’s Top 5 Beaches

Ireland and beach vacations are usually not found in the same sentence. But, since it’s an island, we figured it had to have some killer beaches. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day and Beach Thursday (the twitter hashtag phenom), we discovered some of Ireland’s most stunningly beautiful beaches along its 5000km of coastline. Sure enough, contrary to Ireland’s stereotypical gray, stormy weather, here are Robin Graham’s recommends of Matador Network for top 5 beaches in Ireland:

Rossnowlagh Beach

What to do here: surfing, wind-surfing, kite-surfing, driving (slowly) on the sand, drinking at nearby bar at Sandhouse Hotel

Getting there: Leave Bundoran on the N15 northbound, and after approx. 5km take the R231 at Ballyshannon. The beach is signed after another 9km or so.

Bundoran Beach

Things to do here: Surfing or just relaxing

Getting there: Leave the N15 at Bundoran and drive through town following the coast road to the signposted beach.

Murvagh Beach

Things to do: enjoy the warm water, family-friendly beach with shallow water

Getting there: Rejoin the N15 at Ballintra. Head north. After about 3km, turn left at the sign for Donegal Golf Club. Continue to the next T-junction and turn left, and then after approx. 1km you’ll see a sign for Murvagh Forest Park. Turn right into the park to reach the beach car park.

Fintragh Beach, Ireland

Things to do: romantic sunset watching, meditate, sunbathe, enjoy the peace and quiet

Getting there: Leave Killybegs heading west on the Fintragh Road. After approx. 2km, turn left where the beach is signposted.

Silver Strand, Donegal

 

What to do: sunbathing, swimming, sheep watching

Getting there: Follow the coast road around the southwest Donegal peninsula. Take a left where Malin Bheg is signposted and keep going for about 10 minutes. You’ll see signs for The Silver Strand.

Hot tip: Look for Blue Flag beaches in Ireland. Blue Flag status is awarded for their cleanliness, water quality, safety and level of environmental protection.The Blue Flag Organisation is an international body aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainable development of areas of natural beauty.

 Been to Ireland or from Ireland? What are your top 5 Beaches in Ireland? Would love to hear them.