UK Beach Guide - Latest Beaches

Sand Voe Beach, Shetland Islands

Thu, 09 May 2024 19:50:21 +0000

A sheltered, sandy beach sitting at the head of Sand Voe - a natural inlet towards the northern end of Shetland's main island.

The beach is backed by the Loch of Fulgarth and makes for a popular starting place for some strenuous hikes.

Burrafirth Beach, Shetland Islands

Thu, 09 May 2024 19:50:21 +0000

Tucked away in a deep inlet among the dramatic cliffs and coves of Unst is the sandy crescent of Burrafirth Beach. Located on Shetland's most northerly tip, this bay sits within the Hermaness RSPB nature reserve which is home to an array of birdlife.

The clear turquoise waters of this beach are often fairly calm owing to its sheltered location. However, the water is a little chilly given the island is almost as close to Norway as it is the Scottish mainland. Behind the beach is the Loch of Cliff and a small burn runs from here across the beach.

It is quite a remote spot and even if you do have a car on the island it is still a fair walk from the nearest parking.

Rathlin Island Beach, County Antrim

Thu, 09 May 2024 19:50:21 +0000

Less than 10 kilometres off Ballycastle, on the north coast of County Antrim, is the "L" shaped Rathlin Island. Measuring a modest 9.7km in length this rugged little island is home to a couple of sandy beaches.

The easiest of these to get to for most visitors is Church Bay which sits within the shelter of the breakwaters that protect the harbour. This beach is named after St Thomas' church which lies on the edge of the water to the north of the harbour.

With a crescent of coarse sand, calm, clear water out front, and a clutch of cottages to the rear the beach here is quite idyllic. Church Bay also has the advantage over the Rathlin Island's other beaches of having some facilities. In fact there are a couple of eateries and a kids playground just behind.

Red Strand Beach, County Cork

Thu, 09 May 2024 19:50:21 +0000

The sandy beach of Red Strand sits in the horseshoe-shaped Dirk Bay, protected to the west by Galley Head. With its soft golden-white sand, clear waters and views to the lighthouse this is a pleasant spot for a family beach day.

Largely unspoilt, Red Strand doesn't have much in the way of facilities, so take what you need for your visit. There are public toilets though.

During the summer this is a popular spot for swimming and is generally pretty safe. You can surf at Red Strand but it tends to be much more sheltered than Long Strand, just around the coast.

The Gaelic name for the beach is An Tráigh Dhearg, which pretty much translates to red beach. There are a couple of theories about how this name came about. The first is down to an abundance of red sandstone rocks on the beach; the other relates to a battle that reputedly happened here in Norman times which left the sand red with the blood of the defeated army.

Knockinelder Bay, County Down

Thu, 09 May 2024 19:50:21 +0000

Knockinelder Bay is a good-sized crescent of sand and shingle towards the southern end of the Ards Peninsula. The beach here is sometimes referred to as Kearney after the 18th-century fishing village here.

The tidal range is quite large at Knockinelder and whilst the beach can be reduced to a narrow shingle strip at high tide, low tide reveals an expanse of firm flat sand. This makes it ideal for the local stables to bring their horses for a morning gallop.

On higher tides Knockinelder Bay is a popular spot for swimmers as it usually quite sheltered. When the cross-shore winds do get up it is of frequented by kite-surfers.

Much of the land surrounding Knockinelder Bay is owned by the National Trust ensuring it will be protected for future generations. The area was also used for filming the 2016 BBC series, My Mother and Other Strangers.

Ballyteige Burrow Beach, County Wexford

Thu, 09 May 2024 19:50:21 +0000

Stretching for over 5 kilometres along the south Wexford coast is Ballyteige Burrow. Ideal for nature lovers and those looking for a long, bracing walk away from the crowds.

The beach begins just west of the harbour at Kilmore Quay. This end of the beach has various names such as Kilmore beach, Crossfarnoge Bay and Inish Bay. For most, Ballyteige Burrow is considered the wilder, western end of this long curve of beach.

Ballyteige Burrow is an internationally important coastal habitat consisting of an impressive shingle-based dune system, meadows and wetland beyond. The protected dunes are home to several rare insect and plant species including orchids and the only population of Scrambled-egg Lichen in Ireland.

Reaching a height of around 15 metres above the beach the views from the dunes take in much of the surrounding countryside and coast. The Saltee Islands are clearly visible along with the estuary behind the beach.

Galley Cove, County Cork

Thu, 09 May 2024 19:50:21 +0000

The pleasant little crescent of white sand that is Galley Cove lies towards the end of the Mizen Peninsula, the southwesterly tip of Ireland. There are a number of other beaches on this convoluted section of coast, most of which lie in the shelter of deep bays.

Whilst its south-eastwards facing aspect gives Galley Cove a fair amount of shelter it is still a little more exposed to the ocean swells than the other beaches in the area. However, if this ever becomes an issue it is literally a stone's throw across the dunes to White Strand beach which lies deep within the shelter of Crook Haven.

With its already remote location and a number of other equally wonderful, and possibly more accessible beaches in the immediate area Galley Cove never gets busy.

Portally Cove, County Waterford

Thu, 09 May 2024 19:50:21 +0000

This remote cove is set at the end of a deep inlet with high cliffs to either side. These provide a good deal of shelter from all but the biggest of swells and much of the wind.

Portally Cove is mostly pebble above the tide line although as the tide drops it is often quite sandy. As the tide comes in the little beach all but disappears.

Portally Cove is a popular spot for swimming, although there is no one here to save you if you do get into trouble. It is generally best to swim around high tide but do not not venture beyond the headlands as there are often strong currents.

Access to Portally Cove isn't very straightforward and perhaps the easiest way is to walk along the coast path from Dunmore East. This takes around half an hour and avoids driving down narrow twisting lanes only to find there is nowhere to park!

White Bay, County Cork

Thu, 09 May 2024 19:50:21 +0000

This secluded patch of sand and rocks is located on the eastern side of the mouth of Cork Harbour. Despite its proximity to the city White Bay is something of a hidden gem.

Being a little off the beaten track accessing White Bay involves negotiating a steep path down the cliff. However there is a car park and it is well worth the effort.

You should check the tides before you visit the as the beach gets quite small towards high tide. Tucked in behind Roche's Point the beach is fairly sheltered and is generally safe for swimming. That said, there is no lifeguard service and nothing in the way of amenities here.

Given the beach's position at the mouth of the harbour it is a great place to watch the ships come and go. The rocks by White Bay are also a good place for fishing.

Templetown Beach, County Louth

Thu, 09 May 2024 19:50:21 +0000

Set in a curving bay towards the end of the Cooley Peninsula, Templetown Beach lies just a few kilometres south of the mouth of Carlingford Lough.

This long, largely sandy stretch of rural beach is fairly sheltered. Combined with its Blue Flag status and seasonal lifeguard service, this makes Templetown Beach a great family beach.

Despite its fairly remote location Templetown Beach's appeals can draw a fair crowd during the summer holidays. The good news is there's always plenty of room and the car park is fairly spacious.

Templetown is named after the medieval crusaders, the Knights Templar, who had their headquarters in this part of Ireland during the Middle Ages. The beach is also commonly referred to as Shellinghill beach.

At the northern end of the beach is a small rudimentary harbour which offers a little shelter from the occasional Irish Sea swells. This site also dates back to the times of the Knights Templar.