LOVE THE BEACH but hate having to carry all the buckets and spades and sunscreen and towels and wind breaker, and blankets, and beach balls and kitchen sinks etc.? Me too!
So to make being a beach bum less strenuous, here are seven beaches around Ireland and Northern Ireland where you can bring the car right down to the sand. No long walks, no carrying three rucksacks and a small child on each arm.
Just remember: when you get home, hose down the car – as salt water will corrode and rust it. Also, on beaches without marked parking areas, never bring your car below the high tide line. You know that right?
1. Benone Strand, Derry
Benone Beach is a Blue Flag and one of Northern Ireland’s longest beaches, stretching for more than 11.27km.
There is activity zone for watersports and swimming and a seasonal dog zone too. To top it off there are lovely views along the North Coast, to Inishowen in Donegal and to Scotland.
The golden sand is nice and firm and free from rocks, shingle or seaweed making it perfect (and legal) for driving on.
2. Bettystown/Laytown Beach, Meath
Vehicles have access to and park on the beach all year round in the area between River Nanny in Laytown to a point 150m north of the Seaview Terrace in Bettystown.
This beach is great for dogs, families, those with reduced mobility and treasure hunters. It was here, in 1850 that a lady claimed to have found the Tara Brooch. Who knows what else is buried under the sand?
3. Downhill Beach, Derry
AKA Dragonstone! Yup, that’s right, Downhill Beach is used in the filming of Game of Thrones and it is where the Seven Idols of Westeros were burned. So if you are a GOT fan this is the beach for you and your car.
Downhill Beach is also perfect for nature lovers as it is an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) – with nature walks and sightings of bird life and many species of insects and plants.
4. Downings Beach, Donegal
Ar mhaith leat dul go dtí an trá? Then Downings Beach is the beach for you as it is located in a Gaeltacht area on the Rosguill Peninsula.
This beach has something for everyone. There are plenty of activities for those who want to burn off some energy, soft golden sand and sand dunes for those who want to build sand sculptures, and, for those who don’t like to get sand between their toes, there’s a mix of high rock cliffs, offshore islands, salt marshes and a shingle beach.
5. Duncannon Beach, Wexford
Duncannon Beach is a wonderful bathing area that stretches for over 1.5km. It affords great views of Hook Head and when you need a break from getting sand everywhere you can stroll to Duncannon Fort.
The parking is right on the water’s edge and there is disabled parking too making this a great beach for those with limited mobility. You can also make use of a specially designed wheelchair that can be used on the sand.
6. Inch Beach, Kerry
The Blue Flag Inch Beach is located on the stunning Dingle Peninsula and spans 5km of coastline. The long beach is backed by loads of sand dunes and is quite popular with surfers. In fact this is a great beach for most watersports – especially as you can park so near the water and not have to lug heavy equipment from a faraway car park.
You can also capture pretty Instaworthy sunsets here, and it’s a lovely beach for romantic barefoot romantic strolls.
7. Rossnowlagh, Donegal
Love to surf? Then this is the beach for you as Rossnowlagh is one of Ireland’s most renowned surfing beaches. Another Blue Flag beach, it stretches for 2km and is very popular with locals and day-trippers.
After the surf, you can take the 16km Creevy Coastal Path along the clifftops for some spectacular views.
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