Extending along much of the eastern coast of County Down, Strangford Lough is long and shallow. Much of the waterway is greatly affected by the tidal cycles, with large exposed sand flats that can be seen in low tide and then flood with water when the high tide comes in.
The southern entrance to the sea [...]
This picturesque beach and dune area is operated by Down District with the goal of preserving its diverse natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations. The recreational area includes a wide sandy beach, backed by a vast area of natural dunes, and a visitor’s centre.
The name of this pristine beach and resort town translates as Leath Inis or half island. The area is known for its abundant seaside leisure activities and exceptional golf course.
Lahinch features a mile long stretch of golden, sandy beach, located at the mouth of a bay with an expansive dune system behind it. It is [...]
Clare Island sits at the mouth of Clew Bay, which is dotted with small islands –365 of them. Clare is the largest, and home to about 150 people who enjoy beautiful views of Connemara and Achill Island across the bay.
The pirate queen, Granuaile, also known as Grace O’Malley, is buried here in a Cistercian Abbey [...]
Church Island, also known as Shrine Island, is located in the northwest portion of Lough Carra. According to local folklore, it was initially used as a burial place for kings. Archeological data indicates that human life existed here as long ago as 3000 B.C.
Some documented inhabitants of the island include:
•St. Finan, who established a [...]
Residents and visitors to County Mayo enjoy the beauty of 13 beautiful Blue Flag Beaches. This designation means that the beaches meet extremely high standards for water quality, cleanliness, on site facilities, lifeguards and more. These standards reach far beyond the basic bathing standards set by the EU.
Keep in mind that Blue Flag designation is [...]
This popular resort near Galway city features an old-fashioned seaside promenade, complete with a beautiful long, sandy beach along Galway Bay. The resort area still maintains traditional amusement arcades, a fairground for festivals, and cafes.
Salthill was the inspiration for the Bing Crosby song containing the famous lyrics, “to sit and watch the moon rise over [...]
Great Blasket Island is the largest of a remote group of rugged and isolated islands off the coast of mainland County Kerry. It is famous as the home of a group of writers, who produced some classic pieces of literature in the 1920s and 1930s, written in the Irish language and expressive of a distinctly [...]
The Irish name of this village means Ring Fort of Maolian. It is a relaxing summer holiday area, with comfortable homes situated along the sandy shores of Lough Swilly.
Rathmullan has a small harbor with a big history. English naval officers captured Red Hugh O’ Donnell here in 1587 by pretending to be regular merchant seamen. [...]
This sandy stretch extends 2 kms along Donegal Bay. The water is warm and exceptionally comfortable for swimming in the summer because when the tide moves in, it crosses 1km of hot sand.
The bathing area is shallow, in fact, only deep enough for adult swimmers at high tide. It is the perfect place, however, for [...]