Photo credit – Ocean Sands Hotel
By Elaine Whelan
You truly can’t beat the feeling of the sand between your toes and the sound of the waves lapping against the shore. So, if you can’t beat them, join them. Our beautiful island is surrounded at all sides by beautiful coastline. To enjoy all that our Irish beaches have to offer, check out these hotels that have magnificent beach views.
Ocean Sands Hotel (Sligo)
A true seaside escape, Ocean Sands is set with a breath-taking backdrop of Enniscrone Beach. The blue flag beach is 5km long and is one of the safest and tidiest beaches on the West coast. There are plenty of activities to keep the kids happy here from watersports such as surfing lessons, kite-surfing, beach fishing to horse riding along the beach!
https://www.theoceansandshotel.ie/
Shoreline Hotel (Dublin)
This Dublin hotel is the perfect location for families who want a relaxing break away by the beach but still be only a half an hour away from all that Dublin city has to offer. Set directly on the Donabate Beach, your kids can wake up and have sand between their toes in mere seconds with the hotel being only steps away from the beach. The hotel offers a family room with two large double beds or a double and single bed with a cot. They also offer a number of packages for families such as a family pony trek package along the shore with one night’s stay and breakfast in the Shoreline Brasserie. Visit their website for more details on what they have to offer.
https://www.shorelinehotel.ie/
Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa (Cork)
The blue flag beach at Inchydoney is awash with activity for families of all kinds. Things like kayaking or surfing, whale watching from Baltimore as well as deep sea fishing, coastal walks and cycles, there really is something for everyone. Inchydoney Beach was voted Ireland’s Best Beach for the last three years by Tripadvisor and the view from your room as you wake up to the sound of the sea here is unbelievable. You can borrow a selection of kites, buckets and spades, beach games and balls from the reception or enjoy the outdoor amphitheatre which is the perfect place to spend some time in the fresh air with a book or maybe a picnic. Inchydoney Island Lodge is the perfect place for the family to relax after a long day of exploring the coast of West Cork.
https://www.inchydoneyisland.com/index.html
Galway Bay Hotel (Galway)
The Galway Bay Hotel is located along the gorgeous Galway promenade. With views that stretch across Galway Bay to the beautiful Burren Hills and beyond, it is a real joy to be able to enjoy them from your room at the Galway Bay. All of their Ocean View Rooms have a full frontal view of the bay and come with little extras like chocolate covered strawberries to make your stay with a view even sweeter. On the hotels doorstep you’ll find the famous Salthill Promenade. Here you can enjoy an invigorating sea swim or get your adrenaline pumping with a plunge off the Blackrock diving boards. Of for families that are a little less adventurous but still want to enjoy the sea, why not walk along the sea path to enjoy the views.
https://www.galwaybayhotel.net/
Kelly’s Hotel Resort (Wexford)
There is nothing more relaxing than breathing in the fresh sea air on a morning walk. Kelly’s Hotel is a family friendly resort set on Rosslare’s long golden beach so a stay here can allow you to do just that each morning. Parents can enjoy even more relaxation at Kelly’s secluded SeaSpa while the kids (or the daredevil adults) learn to kitesurf or power kite on one of the best beaches in the south-east of Ireland by qualified IKO instructors They offer a range of kitesurfing lessons to suit your budget and ability. As well as that, Rosslare has an excellent watersports centre during the summer months where you can learn to windsurf, kayak or sail.
Dingle Skellig Hotel (Kerry)
The Dingle Skellig Hotel is situated on the most westerly peninsula in Europe. The hotel also owns a number of self-catering accommodation located in Dingle Town on the waterfront and a short walk from the Dingle Marina. Dingle’s most famous resident Fungie has been welcoming visitors to Dingle for over thirty years. Your kids will be in awe of seeing the beautiful dolphin. Take a fun filled boat tour out on the waves to see Fungi and take in the beautiful scenery of the Dingle Harbour. Even if you’re not lucky enough to spot Fungi in action there is a no see, no fee policy for all Fungi fans.
