June 2012

A good beach but not a great one. Balbriggan beach is situated just beside the town harbour and is nice and sheltered by the harbour wall at one end and a small cliff at the other. The beach itself was quite seaweedy when we were there, although there are patches of firm sand as well.

The water is dark and sandy underfoot with a gradual wade in. it seems like a good place for children to splash and play. On a mild Saturday in June we were the only ones in the water. Nothing strange about that, unfortunately.

Behind the beach there is grassy area which would be grand for picnics and behind that again is a short coastal path. Unusually, but very welcome, this path is dotted with seats, so well done Fingal County Council.

Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.

The beach, with an effort, is accessible for buggies. Wheelchairs would have a good bit of difficulty getting across the soft sand to the hard stuff. A 100 metre boardwalk would make all the difference and maybe the Council would add this to complement their good work with the seating .

Directions : From Dublin you take the M1 toward Belfast and leave it at Exit 6. Follow the signposts which will bring you into Balbriggan. Along the town’s Main Street watch out for a green and red signpost for the beach. There is car parking just before the railway bridge.