County Wexford’s sandy paradise named ‘Ireland’s Best Beach’ at the 2024 Leader Travel Awards
“Yes, the West is perfect for surfers, adventure seekers, and those who push the limits. But endless sandy beaches in either direction, unobstructed horizons, and only sand dunes that add to the paradoxical state of enclosure. There’s a lot to be said for the casual beachgoer who likes to watch.”
Many other readers agree. Curraghough was named ‘Ireland’s Best Beach’ in the 2024 Leader His Travel Awards. The full results will be revealed in Saturday’s Weekend Magazine (scroll down for the top 10 beaches).
A reader said the Wexford Islands were “beautiful beaches of golden sand as far as the eye could see”.
“It’s not commercialized,” one of you pointed out. “It’s just peaceful and quiet and very clean.”
Some of our readers have taken a walk on its “white sands” and admired the “miles of solitude,” the “endless” views, the “uninterrupted” immersion, the “beautiful sand, big waves, And I painted a picture of “miles of solitude.” It’s miles long. ”
Kayaking with Karakuro. Photo: Zena O’Brien / Fáilte Ireland
The judges noted the community’s enthusiasm for this amazing work. Generations of locals and vacationers have walked, swam, sunbathed, trained and made memories at Karaklo.
Stretching over 10km, the park combines wilderness and isolation with easy-to-use parking and facilities (according to Wexford County Council’s website, the Ballinesker boardwalk is ideal for wheelchair users).
Local businesses offer surfing lessons, snacks, coffee and ice cream, and this year the new 50-bed Ravenport Resort, with a spa, leisure club and golf course, will open nearby.
Although this beach is very popular, it doesn’t feel overly developed. Blue flags are in the air, seals can be seen in the water, wintering birds can be seen in the nearby lowlands, and the Raven Nature Reserve offers amazing forest loop walks (‘Forest bathing followed by a walk on the beach’). I love doing it,” you said). All beautiful nature. ”)
“It doesn’t feel crowded for a long time,” you told us. Karakuro is “like a beach overseas, long and flat, with warm water.” “It feels like I’ve come to a foreign country.”
Top 10 Irish beaches of 2024
Curraghloe, Co. Wexford.Photo: Jerry Mooney
1. Caraclough, County Wexford
“I love taking a forest bath and then walking on the beach,” said a reader. “A great combination of all the beautiful nature.”
inch beach
2. Inch Beach, County Kerry
“The vast, beautiful hillside meadows, bars and restaurants make for the perfect beach day…and oh, the sand! You could walk on it forever.”
Keem Bay, County Mayo (Getty)
3. Keem Bay, County Mayo
“I love the trip down to this little cove. It feels like a secret place…The drive to the beach is amazing. The water is crystal clear and the beach is absolutely stunning.”
Dogs Bay, Connemara (Getty)
4. Dog’s Bay, County Galway
“White sands and sparkling seas fringed with greenery could be found in any warmer part of the world, but that’s all there is to the west of Ireland.”
inchdonny beach
5. Inchdonny, County Cork
“Awesome! Perfect to visit in any weather. There was snow in the mountains, a breeze, fresh sea air and the scenery was so full. Our little ones enjoyed the view across the beach. I love jumping into certain little puddles.”
Derrynane Beach
6. Derrynan, County Kerry
“A long stretch of white sand, Blue Flag beach with clear water for a refreshing swim, a beautiful place to relax on a sunny day or walk anytime. A real gem.”
Ballybunion, County Kerry. Photo: Gráinne Twoomey / Fáilte Ireland
7. Ballybunion, County Kerry
“It’s the place where all your childhood memories are supposed to be made. Beautiful and well-kept. As wonderful as the hustle and bustle of Ballybunion on a sweltering day and as wild in winter with its spectacular waves and cliffs.” There is nothing.”
Tramore, Co. Waterford. Photo: Luke Myers/Fáilte Ireland
8. Tramore, County Waterford
“A long stretch of beach perfect for summer activities or winter morning walks…The prom walk is one of my fondest childhood memories.”
Enniscrone Beach, Sligo’s Longest
9. Enniscrone, County Sligo
“The three miles of golden sand on the Wild Atlantic Way brings back memories of our children and our past. This is our happy place.”
Rosnow Lough, County Donegal. Photo: Gareth Wray / Fáilte Ireland
10. Rosnow Lough, County Donegal
“Surfing, sandcastles, sandwiches, pizza and coffee are all there. It’s great for water activities, walking and relaxing on the golden sand.”
Source: Reader Travel Awards 2024