Gailes (New Town) Beach (Irvine)

Gailes, also known as Irvine Beach, sits to the south-east of the mouth of Irvine Harbour. The sandy beach offers outstanding views over Irvine Bay and the Firth of Clyde towards the mountainous Isle of Arran. The water is suitable for bathing and the long sandy coastline, extending many miles to the town of Troon to the south, is an excellent place to come to stretch your legs and blow away the cobwebs.

Parking, including disabled spaces, can be found at the northern end of the beach next to the mouth of the harbour.  A pier next to the car park offers excellent views of the surrounding area. Toilets can be found next to the car park.

The beach and car park are backed by the beach park which has many desirable spots for a family picnic and includes a boating lake, and the Magnum Centre, which includes an indoor swimming pool among other facilities. Further parking can be found to the south off Marine Drive, with access to the beach via a short path over the sand dunes.

More facilities such as restaurants, shops, and places to stay can be found in the historic town of Irvine, set about half a mile back from the beach. The town also boasts the Scottish Maritime museum and a train station with direct services to Glasgow.