Why 4 Irish Beaches Are Among Europe's Best

4 min read

Four Irish beaches have made Lonely Planet’s new Best Beaches Europe book, Irish media reported on November 5, 2026. It lists Europe’s top 100 beaches.

Key Points

Keem Bay, Inchydoney, Ballymastocker Bay and Streedagh Strand made the list.
The beaches sit in counties Mayo, Cork, Donegal and Sligo.
Lonely Planet plans to release the book in 2027.

The Four Irish Beaches on the List

Lonely Planet is one of the world’s best-known travel guide publishers. Its new book picks 100 beaches across Europe. Ireland earned four spots, according to broadcaster Raidio Teilifis Eireann (RTE).

Beach	County
Keem Bay	Mayo
Inchydoney Beach	Cork
Ballymastocker Bay	Donegal
Streedagh Strand	Sligo

Three of these beaches sit along Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast, a favorite area for road trips. Inchydoney lies on the southern coast near the town of Clonakilty.

Good to know. Irish sea water stays cold all year. Many beaches have lifeguards only in summer, so plan swims with care.

Keem Bay, County Mayo

Keem Bay sits at the far western end of Achill Island. Steep green hills wrap around a small sandy cove with clear blue water.

The road down to the bay offers famous views. On calm days, the water can look almost tropical, though it stays cold all year.

The bay is also a good spot for walkers. Trails along the nearby cliffs give wide views of the Atlantic Ocean on clear days.

Inchydoney Beach, County Cork

Inchydoney is a long, wide beach split by a rocky headland. It is popular with families, walkers and surfers, especially when Atlantic swells roll in.

The beach sits close to Clonakilty, a lively market town. That makes it easy to pair a beach walk with a meal in town. Its wide sands are great for long walks at low tide.

Which of these Irish beaches would you visit first?

Keem Bay
Inchydoney
Ballymastocker Bay
Streedagh Strand

Ballymastocker Bay, County Donegal

Ballymastocker Bay curves along the Fanad Peninsula in north Donegal. Hills rise behind a golden sweep of sand.

Many visitors call it one of the most beautiful bays in Ireland. The drive along the coast road gives a sweeping view from above.

Streedagh Strand, County Sligo

Streedagh Strand is a long, quiet beach with views of Benbulben mountain. It also has a special place in history.

Three ships from the Spanish Armada wrecked off this coast in 1588. Today, walkers enjoy its dunes and wide sands.

The beach is also known for fossils in its rocks. Visitors can spot ancient sea life preserved in the stone at low tide.

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Other Northern European Picks

The book also names beaches elsewhere in northern Europe. They include Raudasandur in Iceland, Three Cliffs Bay in Wales and Calgary Bay in Scotland. Sandhammaren in Sweden and Dueodde in Denmark also made it.

Lonely Planet’s own guide to the best beaches in Ireland shares more ideas too. Irish beaches keep earning praise. In October, a magazine readers’ poll named Ballyheigue in County Kerry among the world’s best.

Tips for Visiting Irish Beaches

Irish weather changes fast, even in summer. Pack layers and a rain jacket, and check tide times before long walks. Our winter hiking tips cover how to dress for cold, windy walks.

Check local safety signs before swimming. Some beaches have lifeguards only in summer, and currents can be strong.

Want great photos? See our phone photo tips.

Check the weather before you go
Pack layers and a rain jacket
Read local swimming safety signs
Take your rubbish home with you

Try this today. Pick one of these beaches and look up the drive from your nearest city. Save it as a future day trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Lonely Planet’s Best Beaches Europe come out?

The book is due for release in 2027, according to the Irish broadcaster.

Which Irish beaches made the list?

Keem Bay in Mayo, Inchydoney in Cork, Ballymastocker Bay in Donegal and Streedagh Strand in Sligo.

Is it safe to swim at Irish beaches?

Many beaches are safe in good weather, but water stays cold. Swim near lifeguards when possible and follow local signs.

Found this useful?

Editor’s Note

This story is accurate as of November 6, 2026. The beach list comes from the Irish broadcaster’s report on Lonely Planet’s upcoming book. The final book may include changes.

Spot an error in this article? Please contact us at support@digieh.com or read our Corrections Policy.

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