Dublin City Beaches, Dublin |
Two of the main beaches that are perfect for kiters are located in Dollymount and Sandymout. SEE BELOW FOR DETAILS |
| Dollymount Strand / Bull Island is near Clontarf and Raheny on the north side of the city. Driving along the Coast Road from the city, the entrance to Dollymount beach is by two roads but because most kiters convene (mainly on Sundays) at the north end of the strand, ignore the 1st road which is noted for its wooden bridge. The second turn is passed the Dollymount Inn pub. The beach is long and wide with firm sand but take note the tide creates sand banks and can leave deposits of seaweed. The beach is accommodating to many sports and is serviced by a well-equipped lifeguard station. It is also accessible to cars. |
Benone Beach |
Benone Kite Surfing |
Skytiger |
| Sandymount beach is situated on the south side of the city close to the East Link Bridge and Ballsbridge. It has a promenade and a car park but no lifeguard station. The beach itself is long and very wide and it virtually disappears when the tide is in. |
Benone Beach |
Benone Kite Surfing |
Skytiger |
Dollymount strand is ideal for many sports including surfing, windsurfing and kiting (either on the land or the water). It is an impressive sight to see so many variations of kites flying. However, be warned the beach also attracts learner drivers and Sunday drivers who often inadvertently drive over the kite lines. For buggiers, the sand banks created by the tide often provide a perfectly smooth course but watch out for drivers and walkers. Finally, it is advised to arrive when the tide is fully out so as to ensure the beach can accommodate everyone especially if an onshore wind is not blowing.
In Sandymount, the promenade attracts all the walkers so the beach has only a few families and kite flyers to contend with. It is definitely becoming more common to see blades, stackers and sky tigers floating in the air. For those in buggys, the ripples in the sand guarantee a slightly bumpy ride. For kite surfing beginners it has been said that Sandymount beach is an excellent place to learn given the shallowness of the water and the existence of many sand banks. |
| Both beaches have a number of B&B’s close by but for a more economical and central location it is best to stay in one of Dublin’s hostels. Camping opportunities are non existent around the beaches. |
| Around Dollymount Strand, the Dollymount Inn is a popular haunt for tourists, families and sports enthusiasts alike. Also along the Coast road is the Clontarf Castle Hotel and the Yacht pub. All of these serve food all day. On the south side, Sandymount village is very close to the beach but has a limited number of restaurants. Obviously, Dublin city offers a much wider range of pubs, clubs and restaurants.
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There is nothing of major interest around the beaches or the surrounding suburbs. Therefore drive beyond the beaches towards Howth (on the north side) or Bray on (the south side) or head inland towards the attractions of Dublin city.
Between these two beaches Dublin City has two of the best Kiting locations in the country and with easy access from Dublin there's no excuse for not getting out there. |
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