Best Beaches Near Dublin

Dublin's coastline is closer than it looks on a map, and most of it is reachable without a car.

Sandymount Strand

The closest beach to the city centre — a long tidal flat you can walk out onto at low tide, with a promenade running alongside it. Reachable on foot from the city centre or via DART/bus to Sandymount.

Dollymount Strand (North Bull Island)

Part of the North Bull Island nature reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1981 (extended to cover all of Dublin Bay in 2015). A long, wide beach popular with kite-surfers and walkers, and one of the most ecologically significant sites this close to a capital city anywhere in Europe. Reachable by bus from the city centre.

Portmarnock

One of Dublin's Blue Flag beaches, with a Green Coast Award recognising its environmental quality. Further north than Dollymount, and reachable by DART (via Portmarnock station) or bus.

Killiney

A Blue Flag beach on the DART line south of the city, with views toward the Wicklow Mountains — a short walk downhill from Killiney station.

Practical notes

• Irish sea temperatures are cold year-round by most standards — a wetsuit is normal for anything more than a quick dip outside summer.
• None of these beaches have lifeguards outside specific patrolled periods (typically summer months) — check current local signage.
• DART trains run along this coastline regularly; check current timetables at irishrail.ie before travelling.

Related reading

• Best Parks and Walks in Dublin
• Howth Guide
• Best Day Trips from Dublin