Family Beach Holidays in Ireland

A holiday on the Emerald Isle should always include one of the many stunning coastal regions from the mesmerizing Atlantic coastlines of the West to the calmer Eastern Irish seas, they are all steeped in drama, history and adventure.

The western shores of Ireland are known as the 'Wild Atlantic Way', a well-known route that is very fashionable to explore and filled with incredible nature, culture and history thanks to the great ocean that flanks it. A mixture of craggy coves, huge surfing beaches, exquisite cliff walks and historic ports line the coast from North to South - Donegal in the North to Cork in the South.

If you are new to this coastal landscape and are planning beach holidays in Ireland then Donegal might be a good place to visit first. The coastal cottages along here are quaint to say the least and County Donegal provides such an ideal spot to gain perspective on Ireland's fascinating history, thanks to its many classic fishing villages and ports. For those who seek lighter entertainment there are many beaches for walkers, horse riders and wave riders alike, as well as some excellent golf courses.

Moving a little South you arrive at the shores of Connemara, described by Oscar Wilde as possessing “savage beauty", but we reckon County Galway and County Clare are the best places to base yourself as it offers the kind of scenic bays, inlets and ports that score on every level including the popular seaside resort of Ballyconneely. Another great place to visit includes the stunning crescents of sand around Roundstone, at the foot of Errisbeg Mountain; breathtaking to say the least.

Try to fit in a boat trip to the wave-battered Aran Islands where you will experience the purest essence of western Irish culture and nature. You could also stay at the cosmos culture centre of Galway, a vibrant social scene offering a heady mix of music and gourmet food that really both compliment and contrasts with the natural wild Atlantic surroundings. An hour south of Galway lie the striking Cliffs of Moher, in County Clare where you can watch the wild Atlantic waves thrashing away against Ireland's very foundations.

Down the road are the traditional fishing towns of Kilkee and Doonbeg, from which you can fully enjoy the nearby Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry route by car. These routes take in some of the most beautiful coastline scenery in Ireland so get your cameras ready for the hundreds of pictures that these views will inspire.

If you base yourself in County Cork there are at least three more peninsulas that should be visited. If you manage to snap up a cottage in Glengarriff you’ll be very close to the spectacular Dursey Sound and off-shore Islands which can be seen via cable car or by boat - there are boats that will tour all around these peninsulas from here and well worth it if you can weather the bumpy ride. Alternatively you can drive from Glengarriff down the coast and watch the adventurous zigzagging coast give way to lush green woodlands and gardens.

The most notable being the Ewe Sculpture Garden, a Babylonian sanctuary of figures, waterfalls and trails that take you over some gorgeous bridges. You could also stay in Kilcrohane or Bantry, a stone's throw away from the un-spoilt Sheep's Head and Mizen Head Peninsulas. Foodies should head for Ballylickey, another gem offering some of Irelands top gourmet experiences. Bantry also offers some excellent seafood restaurants and grand tearooms.

If you want something more calm and manicured then look no further than the grand Counties of Wexford and Waterford in the South East. Whilst Wexford is famous for its music festivals and working harbour, Waterford is famous for its delicate crystal and demure. Both, however, offer some amazing beaches.

The former has none other than Curracloe Beach on it’s roster. This is the classiest Blue Flag, sandy strip we've ever seen in Ireland and the backdrop to numerous films. Instead of staying in the busy town centre opt for accommodation in quainter places like Duncannon, Kilmore Quay or Bannow.

Equally, Waterford's overspills include calm spots like Kilmacthomas or Tramore, which give you a much more traditional and real taste of the South East Irish culture. Make sure you visit the peninsula of Hook Head, which is very pretty and home to the world's oldest lighthouse!