With the mercury set to soar nicely into subsequent week, Dublin’s seashores shall be thronged with sunseekers and swimmers profiting from the new climate.
he metropolis’s shoreline, stretching from Balbriggan within the north to its boundary with Bray within the south, boasts an enviable variety of high quality seashores for a capital metropolis.
However earlier than you pack the picnic basket and apply the solar cream, right here’s why we expect these 5 seashores are Dublin’s greatest.
South Seashore in Rush, north county Dublin. Pic: Arthur Carron/Collins
5. South Seashore, Rush
This ignored gem in north county Dublin doesn’t get the credit score it deserves. Whereas there are two gorgeous seashores within the city, Rush South Seashore pips its shut neighbour on the put up for a number of causes, not least the actual fact it was awarded a Blue Flag this yr.
Providing spectacular views throughout the Irish Sea to Lambay Island, Howth and as far south because the Wicklow Mountains, Rush South Seashore is critically underrated. Water high quality has been confirmed as glorious this summer season and swimming is usually protected, so long as you keep inside the lifeguard patrolled space.
Entry – In case you’re travelling by automotive, Rush is round a 40-minute drive from Dublin metropolis centre, by way of the M1 (take the Donabate exit and comply with the indicators to Lusk and Rush). There’s a massive automotive park on the entrance to the seashore, though it may well refill shortly when the solar comes out.
Alternatively, there’s loads of pay and show parking on Major Avenue (Monday to Saturday). Rush is served by the 33 bus, leaving you lower than a five-minute stroll away from South Seashore.
Services – Public bogs, automotive park, litter bins and a lifeguard/first assist hut through the summer season bathing season.
Meals – In case you work up an urge for food from all that sea air, there are many meals choices inside a 10-minute stroll. Strive the Village Takeaway for fish and chips, the Responsible Goat for espresso or the award-winning Harbour Bar for one thing extra substantial.
Sandycove is well-liked with younger households. Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins Photographs
4. Sandycove
Other than its small however completely shaped sandy seashore, Sandycove can also be residence to the well-known Forty Foot swimming space and the enduring James Joyce Tower and Museum.
This intimate seashore is very well-liked with households with younger kids resulting from its shallow waters, though you’ll need to get there additional early through the good climate to say your spot on the sand. Most up-to-date testing has revealed glorious water high quality at Sandycove.
Entry – The seashore is just some minutes’ stroll from Sandycove and Glasthule Dart station. There’s restricted parking within the space so public transport is your greatest guess.
Services – Lifeguard patrol, public bogs, incapacity parking bay and first assist amenities.
Meals – Order from the espresso van or deal with your self to high quality seafood at Cavistons in Glasthule, with loads of different eating choices obtainable within the village.
Folks out strolling on Dollyer, with the Poolbeg Towers within the background. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins
3. Dollymount Strand
It might be a sin to exclude Dollymount Strand, affectionately often known as Dollyer, from any listing of nice Dublin seashores.
Set towards the backdrop of Dublin Bay and the enduring Poolbeg towers, there are numerous explanation why Dollymount continues to carry a particular place in our hearts. Stretching from the North Bull Wall to the northern tip of Bull Island – an internationally recognised nature reserve – the seashore is well-liked with year-round sea swimmers and kite surfers.
Entry – Dollymount is typically a sufferer of its personal recognition, notably when the climate is nice, with tales of lengthy tailbacks and cranky children caught in scorching vehicles. However you possibly can keep away from the site visitors chaos by availing of a spread of public transport choices.
Dollymount is the closest massive seashore to town centre, that means it’s nicely served by bus (routes 130 and N4). It’s additionally positioned close to the Clontarf to Sutton cycleway when you really feel like combining your day on the seashore with a motorbike journey.
In case you should take the automotive, there’s parking on the finish of the Bull Island Causeway, from the place you may as well entry the seashore. If doable, keep away from taking the wood bridge route on busy summer season days as there’s restricted parking at this finish of the seashore and the realm tends to be a flashpoint for site visitors congestion.
Services – Lifeguard patrol, first assist, incapacity entry, seashore wheelchair (pre-booking required), bogs and altering areas.
Meals – Is there something extra inviting than the intoxicating aroma of fish and chips? After a day at Dollyer, you possibly can’t go improper with Beshoff’s on Vernon Avenue, Clontarf. For nice espresso and toasties, strive Joyful Out, a café positioned in a transport container on the finish of Bull Wall.
Folks having fun with the sunshine at Seapoint. Pic: Frank McGrath
2. Seapoint
Seapoint is one among two Blue Flag seashores in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and is rightly thought of top-of-the-line bathing spots in south Dublin. With superb views throughout Dublin Bay to Howth, this gently sloping, sandy seashore is extraordinarily well-liked with households and is usually thought of a protected place to swim.
A phrase of warning, although: swimmers ought to be conscious there could also be sudden massive waves brought on by automotive ferries arriving at close by Dún Laoghaire Harbour. Additionally, there is no such thing as a diving allowed from the previous platforms.
Water high quality at Seapoint has been formally described as glorious up to now this summer season
Entry – Like all seashores in south Dublin, Seapoint advantages from its proximity to a Dart station (proper on its doorstep). You too can select from a spread of bus routes serving Dún Laoghaire or Blackrock. In case you’re taking the automotive, there’s paid parking at Hyperlink Street, beside Salthill and Monkstown Dart station, round a five-minute stroll away.
Services – Bathrooms, lifeguard patrolled space, first assist, disabled entry and seashore exercise zones for strolling and operating.
Meals – With Blackrock and Dún Laoghaire only a quick stroll away, the choices are limitless. The Purty Kitchen is ideal for a post-beach meal or drink. Additionally strive an ice-cream from the legendary Teddy’s in Dún Laoghaire.
Portmarnock’s Velvet Strand at all times attracts the crowds. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins
1. Velvet Strand, Portmarnock
Arguably the jewel within the crown of Dublin’s seashores, Portmarnock’s Velvet Strand has at all times been a well-liked vacation spot for day-trippers. Stretching for 5 kilometres from Portmarnock to Baldoyle Estuary, this lengthy, sandy seashore has magnificent views of Lambay Island, Eire’s Eye and Howth and is known for its sand dunes.
Provided that Velvet Strand has retained its Blue Flag standing for 2022, you will be assured of respectable water high quality when getting in for a dip.
Entry – Whereas there’s on-street parking within the space, Portmarnock is nicely served by a number of bus routes, together with the 32x, 42D and H2, taking you on to the seashore. Watch out if selecting the prepare choice, as this may depart you with a minimum of a 40-minute stroll from Portmarnock station.
Services – Bathrooms, lifeguard patrol and seashore wheelchair rent (it’s essential to ebook upfront).
Meals – Take pleasure in a 99 from the ice-cream hut or seize a takeaway espresso and a sandwich from the native Spar. In case you really feel like a post-beach meal, strive Lali’s Italian restaurant on Strand Street, instantly reverse the seashore.
