Vote for Ireland's Best Beach of 2024 Ahead of Bank Holiday Weekend

Ireland is celebrated for its stunning beaches, and with the bank holiday weekend approaching, the public is invited to vote for Ireland's best beach of 2024. A recent list by Betfair Casino has highlighted the top ten hidden beaches worth visiting this summer, based on a unique index score derived from Instagram hashtags and TripAdvisor rankings.

Leading the list is Silver Strand Beach in County Cork. Located on Sherkin Island and accessible by ferry from Baltimore, this beach offers spectacular views of Cape Clear Island and the Atlantic Ocean. Dog's Bay in County Galway, with its white sand and calm waters, is perfect for swimming and also ranks highly.

Curracloe Beach in County Wexford, known for its appearance in the film Saving Private Ryan, offers stunning coastal views. Keem Bay on Achill Island in County Mayo is a favorite among surfers, providing a magical setting. Killiney Beach in County Dublin is ideal for strolls, picnics, or sunbathing, with views of Howth and Bray.

Malahide Beach in County Dublin is a serene spot, blending natural beauty with a peaceful atmosphere. Inchydoney Beach in County Cork, a Blue Flag Beach, is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and excellent surfing conditions. Fanore Beach in County Galway is a secluded cove offering breathtaking views and relaxation.

Burrow Beach in County Dublin, also known by the nickname Hole in the Wall, is popular for its soft white sand and breathtaking views. Derrynane Beach in County Kerry promises tranquil bliss, sheltered from the outside world. Donabate and Seapoint in County Dublin offer gorgeous views of the Irish Sea, Dublin City, and the coastline, with Seapoint boasting International Blue Flag and national Green Flag awards.

The bank holiday weekend approaches, lifeguards have returned to their posts on beaches across Ireland, although some areas remain unsupervised because of a shortage of lifeguards. Ross McGrane, a lifeguard at Dublin's Bull Wall, notes that the role is not promoted enough, despite its benefits, including training for speedboats and quads.

The RNLI is anticipating an increase in callouts over the long weekend and is urging people to be aware of the dangers of the sea. They advise checking tides, avoiding inflatables, and refraining from entering the water after consuming alcohol, which is a factor in one in three drownings.

Killian O'Kelly, Water Safety Education Manager for the RNLI, emphasizes the importance of knowing what to do if one finds themselves in water unintentionally. He advises people to 'Float to Live' if they experience cold water shock, which can cause panic and potentially lead to drowning.

The public gears up for the bank holiday weekend, and the opportunity to vote for Ireland's best beach of 2024 adds an extra layer of enthusiasm. Whether it's the serene beauty of Silver Strand Beach or the tranquil bliss of Derrynane Beach, each vote will help determine the top beach in Ireland this year.

Key Takeaways

• Ireland's top 10 hidden beaches revealed for summer 2024.
• Silver Strand Beach in County Cork leads the list.
• Lifeguards return to posts, but some areas remain unsupervised.
• RNLI urges sea safety awareness over bank holiday weekend.
• Public invited to vote for Ireland's best beach of 2024.