The eight best beaches less than an hour's drive from Dublin

Day or night, Dublin City has so much to offer when it comes to activities to keep you amused. But the picturesque beaches and strands that run along the east coast offer breathtaking respite from urban life for city dwellers and tourists alike.

Here are some sandy (and one stony) spots to consider - all less than an hour's drive from Dublin's city centre:

North Beach, Skerries

(Distance from Grafton Street: 54 mins)

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North Beach, Skerries.

Adjoining Skerries fishing harbour, this 1.2 kilometre long cove-like beach is ideal for a visit with the kids. It's naturally protected from the strong winds that tend to hit the South Strand on the other side of the Red Island.

There is a children's playground at Red Island or you can take the coastal walkway around it onto the South Strand should you fancy a longer stroll.

Killiney Beach, Co Dublin

(Distance from Grafton Street: 40 mins)

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Killiney Beach, Co Dublin.

A stony beach on the South Dublin coast, this is a nice option for a winter walk on a blustery day when the weather calls for walking shoes. The stones can make swimming difficult should you fancy a dip. It has views of Bray Head and the Sugar Loaf Mountains in Wicklow which are truly breathtaking, as well as James Joyce's Tower. Try a little beach combing for stones and shells that are great for DIY crafting.

Bettystown, Meath

(Distance from Grafton Street: 57 mins)

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Bettystown, County Meath.

Bettystown Beach is a fine sandy strand that stretches for five kilometers and is perfect for walking or watching sports like sand yachting that are popular here. Come in September and you might see the annual Laytown Races taking place right on the beach. This sleepy seaside town in Meath, is actually where one of Ireland's most significant historical finds occurred - a local woman claimed to have found the Tara Brooch buried in a box in the sand.

Velvet Strand, Portmarnock

(Distance from Grafton Street: 44 mins)

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Velvet Strand, Portmarnock.

Just south of Portmarnock in North Dublin, the Velvet Strand encompasses five kilometers of white sand that gives it its name. With stunning views of Ireland's Eye, Lambay Island and the Howth Peninsula it's popular with locals all year round for walking their dogs. During the summer, however, you will see the VAI Beach Volleyball Tournament being played here so worth a trip to check that out alone.

Sandycove, South Dublin

(Distance from Grafton Street: 35 mins)

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Sandycove, South Dublin.

We're not saying you should go here just for the ice cream. But if the best 99 cone in Ireland is enticing, as well as picture-perfect surroundings, then Sandycove is the spot for you in Dublin. Teddy's in Dun Laoghaire is where you'll find the aforementioned treat, but first take a plunge into the shallow waters of Sandycove before indulging.

There are lifeguards on duty here in summer and it tends to be less busy with swimmers than the nearby Forty Foot just behind it, but the small stretch of beach (which can disappear at high tide) makes it popular with families.

Dollymount Strand, North Bull Island

(Distance from Grafton Street: 34 mins)

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Dollymount Strand, North Bull Island

 Affectionately known as 'Dollyer' to Dubliners, this is an iconic Dublin beach for so many reasons. Take a walk along the wooden bridge that takes you out to Bull Island where the famous red lighthouse stands, as well as the bathing area popular with sea swimmers.

The beach itself is perfect for walking or kite surfing if you're just a beginner. The natural sandbar means that the waters are shallow and make learning water sports that bit easier, not to mention that there's a designated launch area at Bull Island.

Portrane Beach, North Dublin 

(Distance from Grafton Street: 42 mins)

Just two kilometres long Portrane Beach is lined by picturesque sand dunes that kids (or fur babies) will love exploring. Birdwatchers and nature lovers might also enjoy this spot as there is a National Heritage Area to the north side of this beach which is home to a large colony of migrating wading birds during winter time. The Cove at Tower Bay is the prettiest spot and it's no wonder that this beach, off the usual tourist trail, has picked up a Blue Flag.

Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow

(Distance from Grafton Street: 60 mins)

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Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow.

This much-loved gem just about makes it within the hour's drive from Dublin's city centre. With five kilometres of powdery white sand on offer, it's no wonder that this is the destination of choice on sunny days, not to mention the crowds that flock to their Brittas Bay mobile and holiday homes during summer.

It's worth noting two special points of interest: the 100 hectares of dunes that surround the Blue Flag beach are a designated Area of Special Conservation, not to mention that this was said to be the initial landing site of St Patrick when he came to Ireland. If you are considering a visit at peak summer time, be sure to leave early as parking (and the best beach spots) will be at a premium.