Top ten Irish beaches, according to people who’ve been there (PHOTOS)

As we slowly emerge from the darkness of winter, the best way to adjust to is to turn out thoughts turn to the summer holidays and a few weeks of rest and relaxation.

There’s no need to set your sights far, however, as Tripadvisor made a list of the top ten beaches in Ireland people visited last summer, rivaling those anywhere in the world (good weather permitting).

In first place is Inchydoney Beach, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, with an astounding 96% rating, closely followed by Derrynane Beach, Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry and Inch Beach also in Co. Kerry.

The top five never strays out of Munster but Co. Wexford gets a mention with Curracloe Beach in at number six. The second east coast entry comes in at number ten with Portmarnock Beach, Co. Dublin.

Co. Galway features twice further down on the list with Kilmurvy Beach at number eight and Salthill Beaches at number nine.

The Travelers’ Choice 2015 list was compiled by Tripadvisor users and based on ratings and reviews given on the site by previous visitors. All beaches are listed with a “Best time to go” between March and October but we all know that the car should have an emergency beach pack in the boot so everything can be dropped for a visit on one of those rare sunny Irish days. The full list can be seen below.

1. Inchydoney Beach, Clonakilty, Co. Cork

Topping the list is this beautiful Co. Cork sandy beach with plenty of room to surf, swim or simply take in the view.

Steps down to Inchydoney Island East beach. Photo Credit: Jonathan Pascall

2. Derrynane Beach, Caherdaniel, Co. Kerry

The second entry takes us to the Kingdom to a beach that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Derrynane Beach. Photo credit: Terry Harris

3. Inch Beach, Inch, Co. Kerry

Another Kerry entry to stop off at on the way to the Ring of Kerry from Dingle.

Lovely beach on the Dingle peninsula. Photo credit: Pam Brophy

4. Lahinch Beach, Lahinch, Co. Clare

A prime spot for surfers, Lahinch’s offering boasts proximity to the Burren and the beauty of the town itself.

The sandy Lahinch beach. Photo credit: Lukemcurley

5. Rossbeigh Beach, Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry

Another Kerry beach featuring high on the list, Rossbeigh is beautiful stop-off on the Ring of Kerry drive.

Horses on Rossbeigh Beach, Co Kerry. Photo credit: goatoo

6. Curracloe Beach, Curracloe, Co. Wexford

The first non-Munster entry takes us to the sunny south-east.

Curracloe Beach at the White Gap. Photo credit: Andreas F. Borchert

7. Banna Strand, Tralee, Co. Kerry

Take a break from this breathtakingly beautiful beach to view the Rodger Casement Memorial.

Black Rock lies at the northern end of Banna Strand. Photo credit: Colin Park

8. Kilmurvy Beach, Inishmore, Aran Islands

What can be better than an island beach?

Cloudy beach day in Inis Mór. Photo credit: Jpatokal

9. Salthill Beaches, Co. Galway

Lovely views of Galway bay on offer at one of Ireland’s main seaside resorts.

The seaside diving board off the promenade in Salthill, Co Galway. Photo credit: Terence wiki

10. Portmarnock Beach, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin

We finish on the east coast with a beach close to the hustle and bustle and main tourist attractions in Dublin city.

Kites fly on Portmarnock Beach. Photo credit: Rory Deegan

*Originally published in 2015