17 amazing Irish beaches to visit when the weather is decent

Summer is coming.

And while we may or may not be able to holiday abroad for another year, we can still enjoy the beauty and serenity of that which is in our back yard.

So, depending on where you live and what Covid restrictions are in place when you’re reading this, why not hit up a local beach or two?

Here are 17 beautiful shots of some of the best beaches on the Emerald Isle.

1. Fanore Beach, Co Clare

A post shared by @bozenas_80 on Mar 26, 2018 at 7:36am PDT

2. The beach at Inishbofin Island, Co Galway 

The view the view again #inishbofin #westcoast #westireland #galway #ireland #travel #travelling #trip #sea #ocean #bluesea #blueocean #connemara #islandlife #loveireland #visitireland #landscape #galwaytourism #wanderireland #instaireland #discoverireland

A photo posted by stephen byrne (@rantingbeast) on May 27, 2016 at 7:30pm PDT

3. Inchydoney Beach, Co Cork 

Inchydoney, you lookin’ fine! #inchydoney #clonakilty #ireland #travel #smtravel #LP #letsgoeverywhere #adventure #wanderlust #paradise #TBEX #beach #awesome #love #swimming #instatravel #nofilter #bestoftheday #photography #traveltheworld #wanderer #home #sunset

A photo posted by sinead crowley (@thiscrowflies) on May 21, 2016 at 3:15pm PDT

4. Derrynane, Co Kerry

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMZloXfgHq7/

5. Curracloe, Co Wexford

A post shared by lorraine (@lorrsmay) on Mar 28, 2018 at 10:22am PDT

6. Sandycove Beach, Dublin

Summer evenings spent by the sea.. #Sandycove #Dublin #LovinDublin #Ireland #TourismIreland #discoverdublin #beach #sun #sunset #sea #ocean #sky #reflection #cloud #adventure #exploring #thatview #horizon #harbour #landscape #natureshots #throwback #fun #Canon #canonphotography #100d #dslr #nofilter #nofilterneeded

A photo posted by Ailbhe Flynn (@ailbheflynn1) on May 26, 2016 at 10:25am PDT

7. Strandhill, Co Sligo 

Solitude is just a short paddle away… #sligobay #landscape #sligophotographer #ireland #countryliving #sligowhoknew #mountains #adventure #inspire #explore #outside #goexplore #orukayak #kayak #kayaking #strandhill #watersports #yeatscountry #origami #fortunefavorsthefold #emeraldisle #discoverireland #tourismireland #loveireland #visitireland #insta_ireland #madeinusa #knocknarea #gostrandhill #wildatlanticway

A photo posted by Mark Capilitan (@markcap_photo) on May 29, 2016 at 6:58am PDT

8. Renvyle Beach. Co Galway 

My morning run. Beach all to myself. #ireland #westireland #renvyle #atlanticocean #sea #clouds #beautiful #landscape #seascape #nofilter #galway #mountains #beach #nature #solitude

A photo posted by @rayraylndn on May 23, 2016 at 2:56pm PDT

9. Maghera Beach. Co Donegal 

A post shared by Ireneusz Ciejka (@ireneusz_ciejka) on Apr 5, 2018 at 12:20am PDT

10. Inch Beach. Co Kerry 

A post shared by Inch Beach (@inch_beach_kerry) on Apr 18, 2018 at 7:59am PDT

11. Keem Beach, Achill Island

https://www.instagram.com/p/CL7C_YRjgEp/

12. Bundoran Beach, Co Donegal

Spot the surfers at Bundoran beach ??

A photo posted by Emma Lahiffe ? (@emmalahiffe) on Apr 7, 2016 at 3:04pm PDT

13. Gurteen Bay, Connemara

A post shared by Martin Kühne (@makart_73) on Dec 27, 2017 at 11:52am PST

14. Dunmore East, Co. Waterford 

#DunmoreEast #UisceDearg #waterford

A photo posted by Ken Smith (@kensmithart) on May 24, 2016 at 10:17am PDT

15. Killiney Beach, Co Dublin

https://www.instagram.com/p/CM1teTzHca4/

16. Portmarnock beach, Co Dublin

What a great day to be alive! ? #love #life #outdoors #hikingadventures #walking #keepingfit #exploring #nature #beautifuldestinations #traveltheworldphotography #traveladdict #wanderlust #lovedublin #lovindublin #discoverdublin #igersdublin #tourismireland #instaireireland #insta_ireland #loves_ireland #irishpassion #inspireland_ #photographersofireland #picture_ireland #icu_ireland #bestoftheday #photogrid #photooftheday #instapic #LiveMore

A photo posted by Susan Butterly. Howth. (@susanbutterly) on May 21, 2016 at 5:07am PDT

17. Rossbeigh Beach, Co Kerry 

#Rossbeigh was looking good today, sun shining & the water was lovely! #feelslikesummer

A photo posted by Darran O’Sullivan (@darransull86) on May 29, 2016 at 8:56am PDT