A sandy beach at the northern end of Skerries South Strand, on a small headland overlooked by a Napoleonic-era Martello tower. Skerries is a working fishing harbour and market town, giving the beach a quieter, more local feel than the beaches closer to the city.
| Distance | 30 km north of city centre |
|---|---|
| Getting there | Irish Rail commuter train from Connolly to Skerries (45 min; ~€5.00 with Leap Card / ~$5.50); 10-min walk to beach |
| Best season | May–September; charming harbour town atmosphere all year |
| Address | Red Island, Skerries, County Dublin, K34 Ireland |
Amenities
- Car park
- Toilets
- Cafés in Skerries town
- Lifeguards (summer)
- Dog-friendly
Good to know
- Water
- Sheltered by the headland, generally calmer than the more exposed strands to the south
Weather through the year in Ireland
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Ireland.
Location
Red Island, Skerries, County Dublin, K34 Ireland
53.5790, -6.1060 View on map
Highlights
- The Martello tower on Red Island dates from the early 1800s, built as part of Dublin Bay's coastal defences against a feared Napoleonic invasion
- Boat trips from Skerries harbour run to Rockabill Lighthouse and the seal colony on Shenick Island in summer
- Skerries Mills, a restored windmill and watermill complex, is a 15-minute walk from the beach
Tips for visiting
- Combine the beach with a walk around the harbour, where the town's fishing fleet still lands crab and lobster
- Skerries gets far fewer crowds than Portmarnock or Dollymount, making it a better bet for a quieter swim in peak summer