Dublin south isn’t blessed with dozens of beaches, but the ones we have are gems. Whether you’re after a quiet paddle, a proper sandcastle-building session, or just somewhere to let the kids run off some energy, there’s a lovely stretch of coast not far from most Dublin south homes — and a few more worth the extra drive.
Best Beaches in Dublin South
Our local favourites are Sandycove, Killiney and Sandymount — all easy to reach and great for a few hours or a full day out.
If you don’t mind a slightly longer drive, the northside has some stunning sandy strands too, including Portmarnock, Donabate, Sutton and Malahide. And for a proper day trip, Silver Strand and Brittas Bay in Co Wicklow are well worth the hour’s drive — wide, sandy and perfect for a full beach day.
Beach Picnic Ideas
No beach day is complete without something tasty to eat. Pack picnic-friendly food that travels well in the heat — think sandwiches, fruit, crackers and plenty of water. Keep everything in a cool box with ice packs, and pack a few treats for afterwards as a reward for all that sandcastle building.
Beach Games to Keep Everyone Entertained
A few simple games can turn an ordinary beach visit into a proper adventure:
- Sandcastle building contest
- Limbo dancing
- Beachball or frisbee tournament
- Who can bury someone in the sand fastest
- Seashell races — everyone lines their shell up at the water’s edge, and whoever’s shell travels furthest when the next wave comes in wins
- Treasure hunt
- Beach bowling — bring a ball and build pins out of sand
- Kite flying
- Rock pool and shell exploring with a magnifying glass
- A good old-fashioned picnic
Beach Day Essentials Checklist
Before you head out the door, make sure you’ve packed:
- Sunblock
- Towels and a spare change of clothes
- Hats for sun protection
- Baby wipes — genuinely useful even with older kids
- Beach toys: bucket and spade, frisbee, beachball
- A cooler bag or chilly bin with ice packs
- Plastic bags for rubbish and wet clothes
- Beach chairs or a beach umbrella for shade
- A speaker for some tunes
- And, of course, some sunshine helps!
Pack the car the night before if you can — it makes the whole outing much less stressful when little ones are itching to get to the sand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best beaches in Dublin south for families?
Sandycove, Killiney and Sandymount are all local favourites and easy to reach for a few hours or a full day out with kids.
Are there beaches within easy driving distance of Dublin south?
Yes — Dublin’s northside beaches at Portmarnock, Donabate, Sutton and Malahide are all within reach, and Silver Strand and Brittas Bay in Co Wicklow are about an hour’s drive for a bigger day trip.
What facilities are available at these beaches?
Facilities vary from beach to beach, so it’s worth checking with the local council or doing a quick search before you travel, especially if you need parking, toilets or accessible access.
What should we bring for a beach day with young children?
Sunblock, towels, spare clothes, hats, beach toys, a cooler bag with drinks and snacks, and plastic bags for wet or messy items will cover most of what you need.
What games can we play on the beach with kids?
Sandcastle contests, seashell races, treasure hunts, beach bowling and frisbee are all easy, low-cost ways to keep kids entertained for hours.
Related Articles
- Family-Friendly Beaches Around Dublin
- Easy Picnic Ideas for Days Out with Kids
- Fun Outdoor Games for a Family Day Out
- Wicklow Day Trips for Families
Save These Ideas for Your Next Beach Day
Heading to the beach soon? Bookmark this page or save it to your phone so you’ve got the games list and checklist handy when you’re packing the car.
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