Annagassan Beach in County Louth
Vikings raided and plundered Ireland for much of the ninth century, eventually establishing two longphorts (term used in Ireland for a Viking ship enclosure) at Dubh Linn and Linn Duachaill. The fates of those two settlements couldn't be more different. The Dubh Linn outpost became Dublin. The ultimate fate of Linn Duachaill had been an archaeological mystery for centuries, until recently when the settlement was found 45 miles north of Dublin in the village of Annagassan. The recent evidence uncovered indicates that Linn Duchaill was a significant Viking settlement with evidence of shipbuilding, carpentry, smelting, and even an artificial island that would have been used for defence against the locals.
Today, Annagassan is a quiet seaside village with a quaint harbour and beach with stunning views across Dundalk Bay to the Cooley Peninsula.
Bettystown Beach in County Meath
Bettystown Beach stretches from the River Boyne on the border of County Meath and County Louth in the north down to the River Nanny at Laytown to the South. This beach is arguably best-known as the place where the Tara Brooch, a Viking brooch dating back to 710-750 AD, was found.
Bettystown Beach holds both a Blue Flag Award along with a Green Coast Award.
Bettystown Beach has been host to the annual National Sandcastle and Sand Sculpturing competition in Ireland since 2003. For more information, please click here.
Clogherhead Beach in County Louth
Clogherhead beach boasts stunning views, miles of sand, and a water adventure centre. The beach has received the International Blue Flag award for 2022, and is lifeguard patrolled during the bathing season. Lifeguard times can be on the information notice board at the beach.
Clogherhead headland is the only high, rocky headland on the east coast between the Mournes and Howth in County Dublin. It is also of international significance for its geology as the site where the Iapetus Suture reaches Ireland's east coast. Clogherhead is a Special Area of Conservation and is also listed as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty because it supports rare, coastal heathland vegetation. There are several informal paths over the headland between the village and Port Oriel. Grey seals are often seen in the harbour, waiting for fish waste. Black guillemots nest in special ‘burrows’ in the harbour wall.
Gormanston Beach in County Meath
Gormanstown Beach is located on the Meath/Dublin border and stretches for miles until it reaches Laytown where you can cross the water at a little bridge.
Laytown Beach is connected to Bettystown Beach. The Laytown Races have been taking part on Laytown Beach since 1868. L
Mornington Beach in County Meath
Mornington Beach is located on the estuary of the River Boyne. This beach is situated within walking distance of Mornington village and it’s a 10-minute drive from Drogheda. When you arrive, keep and eye out for the Maiden Tower and the Lady’s Finger.
Seapoint Beach in County Louth
Seapoint Beach, accessed in 2 places via Termonfeckin Village and Baltray, is overlooked by 2 top class golf links, and boasts a shipwreck. Popular with locals and walkers in all weathers. Seapoint, Termonfeckin received a Green Coast Award in 2022. The Green Coast Award is a symbol of environmental excellence and has been established to acknowledge, promote and protect the environment of our beaches.
Port beach is located a few kilometres north of the fishing village of Clogherhead. It is a popular destination in summer due to its Blue Flag status (awarded annually), wide sandy beach and dunes, stunning view of the Mournes and a wide range of flora and fauna. Lifeguards patrol this beach during bathing season (check notice board locally).
