Derrynane beach is a real gem. When we were there last, the sun shone, the sea was blue and it felt and looked like a Greek Island.
The beach is a lovely mix of clear sand, rocks to scramble over, coves and small beaches. There are  large stretches to walk on and explore. However, steer clear of swimming in the section marked with warning signs for dangerous currents.
At low tide you can walk across to nearby Abbey Island where its graveyard is the burial place of Mary O’Connell, wife ofThe Liberator, Daniel. He got a round tower in Glasnevin and Mary ended up in an overgrown and  poorly kept graveyard.
The beach has access from nearby Derrynane House, Daniel O’Connell’s home (open to the public). Beside it there is a nice coffee shop.
The beach is located off the N 70 Ring of Kerry Road. When you get to the small town of Caherdaniel watch out for the signpost to Derrynane. You can park at the house car park and walk a few hundred yards to the beach. Alternatively a bit further on there is another car park with an even shorter walk. There are toilets at this car park.
Ballinskelligs is a real family beach with some decent facilities. The beach itself is curved and nice and sandy. The water is clear and there is a gentle slope into the sea.
At one end of the beach there is a ruined tower which you access across a stream. It looks like a good place for kids to explore. At the entrance to the beach itself there is a nice coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating
Ballinskelligs has lifeguards in the summer, a decent car park and public toilets. The beach appears to be reasonably accessible.
Ballinskelligs is located off the N70 Ring of Kerry road. If you are coming from the Caherciveen direction you will take a right turn onto the R566. Follow the signposts which will lead you to the beach
July 2009
Is this Ireland’s most famous swimming spot? Dubliners probably think it is.
Immortalised in James Joyce’s Ulysses (although we can’t recall ever seeing snot green se there) and loved by generations of the city’s swimmers, the Forty Foot is a Dublin institution.
For most of its time the Forty Foot was a men only spot, where the male of the species could strip off in peace without being bothered. Eventually that changed (was it 15-20 years ago?) and now men and women, young and old, swim there, although there is a secluded part around the side where men still congregate and women rarely venture. The entrance still has the men only sign, but this is just a left over from a thankfully forgotten era.
The great advantage of the Forty Foot is its depth, so you can always jump in even at low tide. It’s a great place to swim, with its clean deep waters. While people dive in from the nearby rocks it is dangerous and you should  heed the many warning signs which are obviously there for a reason.
This is, of course, a place for year round swimmers and in the depth of a freezing winter all you are allowed to admit to is the water being ‘a bit nippy’; wimps need not apply. Although we must admit to being envious on a recent winter visit where a swimmer emptied his hot water bottle over himself after his icy dip.
 It is also the place where hundreds of people congregate on Christmas Day for an annual plunge.
The whole area is nicely maintained, with a changing area, and is a great credit to the Sandycove Bathers Association who keep it so well.
The 40 Foot is accessible for buggies, but there are a few steps which prevent wheelchairs.
DirectionsView Larger MapThe best way to travel from Dublin city is by DART getting off at the Sandycove / Glasthule stop. From there it’s a 10- 15 minute walk and directions will be easily got.
The Irish Naturist Association says...
This was for many years a traditional male only naturist bathing place. It is still predominantly, but no longer exclusively, used by men. It is situated just outside the town of Dun Laoghaire, 8 miles south of Dublin. In Dun Laoghaire follow the signposts for the harbour. Continue along the coast road until you come to the Martello Tower. The Forty Foot is nearby. It is used by naturists only in the early morning.Â
Update: A site visitor reported (thank you) that “Tullan Strand is very unsafe for swimming, especially within 200 metres of the cliffs where there is dangerous rip.” Swim at your own risk here or not at all.
Tullan strand is big, bold and, on a good day, quite spectacular.
We were lucky to hit it on a really sunny day in April and this is really an impressive spot to swim, surf and walk.
The beach itself seems to stretch for what looks like a couple of miles and there is a lovely wild and remote feel to it. Tullan is quite open and can be breezy, although you will find some shelter in the dunes at its back. However, make sure you observe the military range warning signs.
This is a surfers beach and as such you can expect waves when swimming, so be careful. However, for those who like swimming in wavy water this is a great spot.
Tullan is a big beach so even on a good summers day there will be space for you to swim surf, play football or even ride your horse.
There is a good size car park but access to the beach is down a rough path and its not wheelchair or buggy accessible. You could carry a buggy down as its a reasonably short descent.
From Sligo you come on the N5 sign-posted Bundoran / Donegal. When you get to Bundoran drive straight through the town and then watch out for a signpost on your left for Tullan.
July 2008
Gweedore is one of the nicest parts of what is a spectacular county and Bunbeg is right in the heart of the area.
We hope we have the name right for this one (it might also be called Tra Mor). Anyway, this is an attractive family type beach, good for swimming and playing in the water. The old wreck a bit out from the beach is an added attraction but clearly should only be looked at.
There is a good stretch to Bunbeg so you can have a decent walk here. It’s also reasonably well protected, so you are likely to get your swim without too much choppy water.
DirectionsView Larger MapFrom the town of Gweedore take the R 258 which will bring you to Bunbeg itself. The beach is located just outside the town and watch out for a sign-posted left turn.
Ordnance Survey Map No. 1
