Ripe with sandy stretches, secret coves, isolated inlets, and beautiful beaches, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to where to dip your toe in the water on the Emerald Isle. Adventurers, read on: these are just ten of the stunning beaches for wild swimming in Ireland.
Surrounded by 4,235 kilometers of coastline with endless open water just waiting to be discovered, Ireland is a paradise island for those who love wild swimming.
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or are more of a novice, there are heaps of beaches ready to welcome you year-round. After more than a year of being cooped up, it’s safe to say we’re ready to #ExploreIrelandAgain, and these are ten stunning beaches for wild swimming in Ireland to add to your bucket list.
1. Kinnagoe Bay, County Donegal
Located on the secluded peninsula of Inishowen in the northern tip of County Donegal is Kinnagoe Bay, a paradise stretch for wild swimming in Ireland.
Locals and historians may know this beach as the site of the Armada shipwreck, La Trinidad Valencera, which sunk near shore in 1588. However, it also makes for a great place to enjoy a splash.
2. Brittas Bay, County Wicklow
For those who seek a place to enjoy a soak in the ‘garden of Ireland’ (aka County Wicklow), look no further than Brittas Bay. This scenic spot is a holidaymaker’s dream, with holiday home parks and rentals lining the shore.
With towering dunes and crystal blue waters, this is truly a cinematic spot for wild swimming in Ireland.
3. Portsalon Beach, County Donegal
Situated between Rathmullan and Fanad Head in County Donegal is Portsalon Beach, a destination known for its pristine sand and sea.
Boasting a Blue Flag, this award-winning stretch is favoured for those who like to take the plunge surrounded by the majesty of the Irish countryside.
4. Dunmoran, County Sligo
Dunmoran in County Sligo is one of the lesser sung heroes on our list of places to wild swim in Ireland – not to mention that the location itself is surrounded by amazing places to enjoy on a small group tour.
With sheltered waters, this spot is ideal for all ages. Just keep clear of the surfers who patrol these shores year-round.
5. White Strand, Great Blasket Island, County Kerry
If you’re looking for your own little slice of paradise, we recommend you check out White Strand (or Tra Ban as it would be in Irish) which is located on Great Blasket Island off the coast of Kerry.
Secluded and serene, a day spent here in the sun promises to trump any other summer holiday destination.
6. Silver Strand, Sherkin Island, County Cork
Sherkin Island is one of the most charming rural islands off the coast of Cork.
Home to Silver Strand beach – a stretch characterized by its tranquil waters and rolling dunes – this spot surely deserves a shout-out on our list of places for wild swimming in Ireland.
7. Gurteen Bay, County Galway
Gurteen Bay (neighbour to Dog’s Bay) is another one of the top spots for wild swimming in Ireland.
Located in Connemara, this beach makes up one part of the tombolo which juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. Aside from swimming, this postcard-worthy setting is one for the books!
8. Velvet Strand (Portmarnock Beach), County Dublin
Located in County Dublin, only a short drive from the city is Velvet Strand, a beach whose name is inspired by its golden-hued soft sand which stretches five-kilometre along the coastline.
In the summer, this beach comes alive with tourists and locals who flock to the seaside. Still, this spot is a year-round gem for wild swimming.
9. Keem Beach, Achill Island, County Mayo
Another one of our top spots for taking a splash in Ireland is Keem Beach in County Mayo.
Located on Achill Island, this beach is as pretty as they come. And, if wild swimming in Ireland isn’t enough to keep you preoccupied on Keem Beach, make sure to try out snorkelling in the waters surrounding the shore.
10. Portrush Whiterocks Beach, County Antrim
Set in Northern Ireland, Portrush Whiterocks Beach is yet another banger of a beach and a great area for adventure tours.
Its Blue Flag award means the beach is top class for water quality and safety, and aside from wild swimming, visitors here enjoy kayaking, surfing, water skiing, and windsurfing.
If you are interested in an Irish adventure this summer, get in touch today at info@irishexperiencetours.com.
