Doogort is an attractive, sandy beach which is well sheltered by impressive Slievemore mountain at one end. The water here is clear and fresh , with a nice sharp feel to it when we there last in June. It isn’t too steep as you get in so it appears to be a good spot for children.
There are grassy areas behind the beach for shelter along with space for parking and a couple of picnic tables.
At one end the beach is buggy accessible and wheelchair accessible with an effort
Check with Mayo County Council regarding lifeguards over the summer. There is a lifeguard hut but no one was on duty when we were there in early June.
Take the R319 from Mulrany. When you cross over the Achill sound bridge watch out for a couple of signposted right turns which will take you to Doogort.
Brittas Bay is one of the most popular family beaches on the East coast. It is well used by people from Dublin, Wicklow and surrounding areas.
Brittas is a fine stretch of beach which must be 4-5kilometres long and backed by sandy dunes. It is good for walking as well as swimming. This is a good place for kids to swim as there is a gradual depth to the water.
It can be breezy on Brittas but at the southern end there is a smaller, more sheltered beach which many of the regulars use. In good weather during the summer it can get very busy so expect traffic and all that goes with it. However, the beach is long and if you are prepared to walk you won’t be sitting on top of one another.
There are two large car parks, both with basic toilet facilities. The northern one is slightly less busy but it does have a sign at the beach entrance which reads , ‘Danger, Uneven Beach, Currents’, so be warned. . Parking in the summer has to be paid for. Both car parks are tarmacadamed but wheelchair access is spoiled as you run into soft sand before you get to the harder sand on the beach. With a small effort it is buggy accessible.
From Dublin it’s about a 60km drive, taking just over an hour, on the N11. When you come to what is known as ‘Jack Whites Cross Roads ‘there is a left turn signposted Brittas Bay. This road leads you directly to the main car park. A left turn here, past this car park, will lead you to the northern car park .
Beautiful Bray? About 15 kilometres from Dublin, Bray is an old style seaside resort with a promenade, amusement arcades and outdoor funfairs in the summer.
The beach itself is long, mainly stony and certainly not in our top ten (or twenty). The harbour end has a small stretch of sand and good access to the water although it can be a bit stony underfoot.
Not one of the greats, but if you like to combine your swimming with a ramble and a gamble then this is for you.
There are lifeguards on duty during the summer months and decent public toilets along the promenade.Blue Flag awarded for the south prom.
You can get buggies onto the beach, but not wheelchairs, although the prom runs alongside it.
From Dublin take the N 11 and follow the signposts to Bray. As you come into the town look out for a left turn just past the bridge onto Seapoint Road which will take you to the sea front. There are various car parks, some of which have to be paid for. An easier alternative is to take the DART train from Dublin city centre to Bray station, from where it’s just a few minutes walk to the sea.
Streedagh is another of Sligo’s fine expanses of sand. This is a good spot if you like your beaches bracing and a bit windy. It’ s quite open, but you will get some shelter from the dunes surrounding the beach. A good place for a walk and there is a great view across to majestic Ben Bulben
As the photos show when we were there it is was deserted but real people do actually come here !
The water is fresh and can also get a bit wavy, which of course some people like. Not too deep and you get into your depth gradually
Access is from a large but rough car park across some stones. It’s not wheelchair accessible and you will be carrying your buggy.
Streedagh has lifeguards on duty during the summer months.
Take the N 15 from Sligo toward Bundoran / Sligo. As you enter the village of Grange watch for a left turn signposted Streedagh. Follow this meandering road and it will take you to the car park.
Mullaghmore is one of Sligo’s many fine beaches, a lovely place for swimming, walking and playing.
The beach is a fine expanse of sand with small sand dunes in the background and nice views of Tievebaun and Truskmor mountains behind.
The water here looks and feels clean, its soft underfoot and you get to your depth gradually. There is plenty of space for children to play and Mullaghmore is not too exposed to the winds
There is a smallish grassy car park but more spaces are available as you drive past the beach and nearby harbour. Public toilets are available at what is a 19th century harbour which in itself is an attractive spot. A nice green area with some seats overlooks the beach and gives you panoramic views.
This is one of the few places we have come across with a designated area for wheelchair access, so well done to Sligo County Council. Presumably this can be used for buggy access as well.
This is a busy spot in summer time and it won’t be as empty as the photos here. Still there’s lots of room for everyone.
From Sligo take the N15 toward Bundoran / Donegal. At the village of Cliffony watch out for a left turn onto the R27, signposted Mullaghmore. Follow this road and it will take you directly to the beach.
