Bull Island & Dollymount StrandA UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with a 5km sandy beach reached by a wooden bridge. Free and open, good for kite flying, paddling and birdwatching, with the Happy Out cafe at the north end.
Free
Donabate Beach & BalcarrickQuiet Blue Flag beach north of Dublin with shallow, calm water, well suited to young children. The nearby Newbridge House farm pairs well for a combined day out.
Free
Portmarnock BeachA long, wide beach north of the city with Blue Flag status and calm water for paddling. Easy to reach by DART, with a cafe strip in the village.
Free
Sandymount StrandWide sandy beach about 3km from the city centre, with a vast tidal flat for rock pooling, sandcastles and kite flying. Made famous by James Joyce and easy to reach by DART or bus. Best at low tide.