Sherkin Island in County Cork, Ireland.Getty Images
The top 10 hidden beaches to visit in Ireland this summer have been revealed, with Silver Strand Beach, located on Sherkin Island in County Cork, ranking as the top destination.
To help you plan your getaway, Betfair Casino has researched the ten best under-the-radar beaches in Ireland. The popularity of each beach location was measured by a unique index score based on the number of hashtags and views each coastal gem has racked up on Instagram, as well as TripAdvisor rankings, with the lower the overall index score the higher the ranking.
Silver Strand Beach in County Cork scored the top spot and is an absolute must-see on Sherkin Island, accessible by ferry from Baltimore. The sandy beach is one of Sherkin Island’s most beautiful spots, with magnificent views of Cape Clear Island and the Atlantic Sea.
In second place was Dog’s Bay, located in County Galway - a white-sand beach with gorgeous calm water for perfect for a dip in the warmer months as you observe the coastal views during your visit.
Dog's Bay Beach, County Galway. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Curracloe Beach followed in second place. Situated in the southeast of Ireland in County Wexford, it’s no surprise that the sandy beach scored so highly. Fun fact - this Irish beach was used for filming "Saving Private Ryan."
Curracloe Beach, County Wexford. (Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Brittas Bay is another to tick off the list as the beach in County Wicklow has much to offer, with the dunes being very popular with locals.
Brittas Bay, County Wicklow. (Ireland's Content Pool)
It was a close call, but Keem Bay, tucked into the scenic coast of Achill Island off the coast of County Mayo, bagged third place.
Keem Bay, County Mayo. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Killiney and Malahide Beach, both in Dublin, made the top five, while Cork's Inchydoney Beach also proved popular on the list with it being well known for its stunning natural beauty as you stroll along the expansive golden sands.
Inchydoney Beach and Coastline, County Cork. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Another popular beach to discover this summer if you’re after a blissful and secluded cove is Fanore Beach. Located in the little village of Fanore and on the southern shore of Galway Bay, this beach has everything you could possibly want - with breathtaking views for you to take in as well as guaranteeing several moments of relaxation.
Fanore Beach, County Clare. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Sheltered and tucked away Derrynane Beach - situated in County Kerry - is the natural harbor of Derrynane Bay. You will be promised a day of tranquil bliss as it is said to take your breath away as soon as you step onto its picturesque sands.
Derrynane Beach, County Kerry. (Ireland's Content Pool)
Top 10 hidden beaches in Ireland:
- Silver Strand Beach, Cork
- Dog’s Bay, Galway; Curracloe Beach, Wexford; Dollymount Beach, Dublin; Tramore Beach, Waterford; Brittas Bay, Wicklow
- Keem Bay, Mayo
- Killiney Beach, Dublin
- Malahide Beach, Dublin
- Inchydoney Beach, Cork
- Fanore Beach, Shannon
- Burrow Beach, Dublin
- Derrynane Beach, Kerry
- Donabate Beach, Dublin; Seapoint Beach, Dublin
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