The Ballyconneely peninsula is virtually ringed by beaches - from the Coral Strand at Derrygimla, west and north to Knock, Mannin, Dunloughan and Truska, and east and south from Keeraunmore, Aillebrack, and Ballyconneely Bay to Calla, Dolan and Murvey. As well as being ideal for bathing, some of those beaches provide excellent bases for shore fishermen.
Tra an Doilin can be found in an area of great natural beauty in an Ceathru Rua. The blue flag beach is noted for its very fine coral. The beach is lifeguarded throughout the bathing season. Looking for somewhere to do some water sports? Look no further as this is an excellent area to bring snorkellers and novice divers, whilst the more experienced divers can do their own thing.
Gurteen Beach, located in Roundstone, lies back-to-back with Dog's Bay. The two beaches were formed by a sand spit and tombolo which now separates the two bays known as Gurteen Bay and Dog's Bay. The name Gurteen derives from the Irish Goirtín meaning small plot or small field. The area is internationally important for its rare and interesting ecological, geological and archaeological features. The sand and grassland habitats are of particular interest. The sand was formed from shells.
One of the most beautiful beaches to be found on the West Coast of Ireland. Renvyle Beach is situated 30km from Clifden, 1.5km from Tullycross in the heart of North Connemara and is a paradise for families.
Located between Salthill and Barna, just to the West of Galway City, Silverstrand has a safe, shallow, sandy beach of approximately 0.25km bounded on one side by a cliff and the other by rocks. It is particularly popular with and suitable for young families. It faces directly into Galway Bay giving spectacular views. There is a promenade with parking capacity for about 60 vehicles. It is suitable for swimming at low tide but the beach is largely covered during high tides.
The beach at Salthill is actually several small beaches separated by outcrops. Some of the beaches are sandy and some pebbly. It is located in Galway city and on Galway Bay, a Special Area of Conservation. Buses also regularly frequent the beach. The beach is lifeguarded from mid-May to end of September 11AM-7PM.
A sandy beach in a rural, Irish speaking area. Take the R336 from Galway city. This beach is in the townland of Inverin. Trá Mhór Choill Rua is life-guarded weekends only in June and then daily 11-7 July and August.
Situated on the scenic Lough Swilly and Portsalon is known for its beach, which was deemed to be the second most beautiful beach in the world by The Observer newspaper.