North County Dublin is home to some wonderful beaches, making it one of the best areas for a family day out by the sea. Whether you’re after a quiet cove, a long stretch of sand for a proper beach day, or somewhere easy to reach without a car, there’s a beach here to suit. Here are 5 favourite beaches in North County Dublin.
Claremont Beach, Howth
Claremont Beach is a small, sheltered beach close to the harbour in Howth, making it a lovely spot for a relaxed family visit combined with a wander around the harbour.
Getting there: Howth is served by the No. 31 and No. 31B bus routes from Dublin City Centre, or you can take the DART. Both the bus stop and the DART station are right next to the beach, so it’s an easy trip without a car.
Front Strand Beach, Balbriggan
Front Strand Beach sits near Main Street in Balbriggan and has a beautiful coastal walkway known as “The Nuns Walk,” which leads onto Blackrock, Balbriggan’s second beach. Toilets are available at the south end of the beach.
Getting there: The mainline train station leads directly onto the strand, or you can drive via the M50 and M1 motorways. The No. 33 bus service from Dublin City Centre also stops nearby, with the beach around a 5-minute walk from the bus stop.
Loughshinny Beach
Loughshinny is a sheltered beach with an active harbour, a picnic area, and car parking right at the beach, making it a great choice for families who want to settle in for the day.
Getting there: The village is served by the No. 33 bus service from Dublin City Centre, with the beach approximately a 20-minute walk from the bus stop.
Rush North Beach
Rush North Beach has a small park alongside an active harbour, plus a public car park at the beach itself.
Getting there: Take the No. 33 bus service from Dublin City Centre; the beach is approximately a 5-minute walk from the bus stop.
Portmarnock Beach
A hugely popular choice, this five-mile stretch of beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and horse-riding. It runs from Baldoyle and sits next to Malahide beach, with great views across to the Dublin mountains and Howth Harbour.
Beach Fun Ideas
A great beach day needs a few simple games and activities. Here are some easy ideas to keep everyone entertained:
- Sandcastle contest
- Limbo dancing
- Beachball or frisbee tournament
- Seashell races — everyone finds a shell, lines them up at the water’s edge, and sees whose shell the next wave carries furthest
- Treasure hunt
- Beach bowling — bring a ball and build pins out of sand
- Fly a kite
- Bring a magnifying glass to inspect shells and other beach finds
- Pack a picnic
Frequently Asked Questions
Which North County Dublin beach is best for young children?
Claremont Beach in Howth and Loughshinny Beach are both sheltered and easy to reach, making them good options for families with younger children.
Are there toilets at these beaches?
Front Strand Beach in Balbriggan has toilets at the south end. For the other beaches, it’s worth checking local facilities before you travel, as amenities can vary.
Can you get to these beaches without a car?
Yes — Howth, Balbriggan, Loughshinny, and Rush are all accessible by bus or DART from Dublin City Centre, with most beaches a short walk from the nearest stop.
Which is the longest beach in North County Dublin?
Portmarnock Beach is the longest on this list, stretching around five miles from Baldoyle and continuing on to Malahide.
Related Articles
Looking for more seaside inspiration? Check out our Summer Beach Checklist for everything you need to pack, and our guide to North Dublin City Beaches for more spots closer to town.
Save These Ideas for Your Next Beach Day
Not heading to the beach today? Bookmark this page or save it to your phone so you have these five spots and fun activity ideas ready for your next sunny day out.
Want More Family Day Out Ideas?
Sign up for our free newsletter for weekly ideas on things to do with the kids, from local days out to activities you can do at home.
