Donabate Beach, also known as Balcarrick Beach, is located in North County Dublin. A beautiful long sandy stretch of beach fantastic for walking, running, swimming and various water sports. The water is of excellent quality, it is lifeguard patrolled in the summer months and both the strand and the coastal green spaces are very clean and well maintained. 

The picturesque views are equally stunning with lovely panoramic aspects of the Irish Sea to the North and East and Dublin Bay to the South. Lambay Island, Howth Peninsula and the Malahide Estuary can all be clearly seen with uninterrupted views.

The beach is great for picnics or sunbathing on the hot days and is backed by an extensive area of sand dunes which is a valuable natural habitat to a range of plants and animals. Beyond the dunes are a number of golf courses meaning the beach is very peaceful on the quieter days with just the noise of the lapping waves to keep you company. 

When the tide is out it reveals interesting rockpools along the northern stretch of the beach, the perfect spot for curious children to explore the wildlife and paddle their feet.

For those who enjoy walking, you may walk the entire way to Malahide Estuary going in the southerly direction with unrivalled views of the coastline and Dublin Bay (be aware you cannot access Malahide town as the estuary is a large expanse of water between the two). Alternatively, you can head north and enjoy a lovely cliff walk into neighboring town Portrane which also has a small sandy beach and stunning views of Lambay Island.

Location:

Donabate Beach, Donabate Village,
Balcarrick, Donabate,
Co. Dublin

Donabate Beach is located a 25-minute drive from the Castle Hotel.

Public transport can also be taken, our front desk staff will be able to guide you on these.