If you visit the west coast of Ireland, most likely you will want to know the best beaches to enjoy while you’re there. Here are some of the best, including the dramatic scenery, soft sandy stretches and remote places:

Kinnagoe Bay

Sitting on the north coast of County Donegal, this beach is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. The beach is located at the foot of a steep hill: think of fine white sand and emerald water – and before you go to the sand, stop and marvel at the incredible views across the Atlantic to the islands of Islay and Jura in Scotland hovering on the horizon. There is also a great history as a ship belonging to the Spanish Armada called La Trinidad Valencera stranded in the bay because of a storm in 1588.

Barleycove

Welcome to the end of the world! A magnificent beach at Barleycove on the Mizen peninsula is located near the southernmost tip of Ireland – and a very long trip from Cork, the nearest town. In the summer the weather is good, the area is really beautiful, and it retains its beauty even in spring and autumn. Barleycove itself is a marvel, with high sand dunes and safe swimming conditions. Don’t forget your Irish experience once you go home and treat yourself to Aran Sweaters from a site like https://www.shamrockgift.com/aran-sweaters

Ballymastocker Bay

White sandy Ballymastocker Bay, better known to the locals as Portsalon after the small port here, stretches several kilometres along the eastern shores of Lough Swilly. Pure, clean and winner of a Blue Flag of excellence, this is a surprising place of natural beauty. In the north, the Lough extends into the open Atlantic.