Wild Atlantic Way Beaches
Wild Atlantic Way beaches
The Wild Atlantic Way includes 6 different coastal styles which encompass more than half of the island of Ireland. I have yet to meet a beach here that I don’t love. But I have highlighted a few of my favorites for you.
This beach is about 2-3 minute walk. It is shallow so perfect for the kids. But also nice for a quick dip with the tide is in. And the sunsets from the Famine Memorial park overlooking this small beach beach are gorgeous!
Grattan Beach
Beach CourtThis beach is about 2-3 minute walk. It is shallow so perfect for the kids. But also nice for a quick dip with the tide is in. And the sunsets from the Famine Memorial park overlooking this small beach beach are gorgeous!
This beach is perfect if you are looking for a location that has a little protection from the wind and waves for your daily sea swim or your picnic on the beach! There is a cafe that serves coffees, teas and snacks. It is located next to the old swimming baths. There are showers to rinse off the sand and toilets nearby.
7 locals recommend
Ladies Beach
This beach is perfect if you are looking for a location that has a little protection from the wind and waves for your daily sea swim or your picnic on the beach! There is a cafe that serves coffees, teas and snacks. It is located next to the old swimming baths. There are showers to rinse off the sand and toilets nearby.
This is a cool little beach where the sand is actually not sand but small pieces of crushed coral and shells. It is located in the islands of the Connemara coast.
11 locals recommend
Coral Strand
This is a cool little beach where the sand is actually not sand but small pieces of crushed coral and shells. It is located in the islands of the Connemara coast.
We absolutely love this beach! It backs up to another beach, Gurteen Bay Beach so you can visit both with one stop. While Gurteen has a nice parking lot, camping spots and is easy to get in/out, Dogs Bay wins because it feels private and a bit more protected. Note that the entrance was unmarked recently and is a small lane. But worth the effort to find it!
52 locals recommend
Dog's Bay
We absolutely love this beach! It backs up to another beach, Gurteen Bay Beach so you can visit both with one stop. While Gurteen has a nice parking lot, camping spots and is easy to get in/out, Dogs Bay wins because it feels private and a bit more protected. Note that the entrance was unmarked recently and is a small lane. But worth the effort to find it!
If you make it to the Aran Islands (by ferry from Galway, plane hopper from Carraroe, or tour bus/ferry from Doolin), we love this small beach!
28 locals recommend
Inisheer
If you make it to the Aran Islands (by ferry from Galway, plane hopper from Carraroe, or tour bus/ferry from Doolin), we love this small beach!
Maybe one of the most iconic places in Salthill, walking the prom all the way to “kick the wall” at Blackrock is a great opportunity to get some exercise, and listen to the craic. So much happiness is on this beach! And if you are adventurous, definitely head to the diving tower (closer to high tide) and take a dip! This is one of the top spots in Ireland, especially for special occasions like Christmas, New Years, and a variety of celebrations! Can you think of a better way to celebrate life?!!
38 locals recommend
Blackrock Beach
Salthill Road LowerMaybe one of the most iconic places in Salthill, walking the prom all the way to “kick the wall” at Blackrock is a great opportunity to get some exercise, and listen to the craic. So much happiness is on this beach! And if you are adventurous, definitely head to the diving tower (closer to high tide) and take a dip! This is one of the top spots in Ireland, especially for special occasions like Christmas, New Years, and a variety of celebrations! Can you think of a better way to celebrate life?!!