Day or night, Dublin City has so much to offer when it comes to activities to keep you amused. But the picturesque beaches and strands that run along the east coast offer breathtaking respite from urban life for city dwellers and tourists alike. Here are some sandy (and one stony) spots to consider - all less than an hour's drive from Dublin's city centre: (Distance from Grafton Street: 54 mins) 8 North Beach, Skerries.
Adjoining Skerries fishing harbour, this 1.2 kilometre long cove-like beach is ideal for a visit with the kids. It's naturally protected from the strong winds that tend to hit the South Strand on the other side of the Red Island.
There is a children's playground at Red Island or you can take the coastal walkway around it onto the South Strand should you fancy a longer stroll. (Distance from Grafton Street: 40 mins) 8 Killiney Beach, Co Dublin. A stony beach on the South Dublin coast, this is a nice option for a winter walk on a blustery day when the weather calls for walking shoes.
The stones can make swimming difficult should you fancy a dip. It has views of Bray Head and the Sugar Loaf Mountains in Wicklow which are truly breathtaking, as well as James Joyce's Tower. Try a little beach combing for stones and shells that are great for DIY crafting.
Sign up to IrishCentral's newsletter to stay up-to-date with everything Irish! (Distance from Grafton Street: 57 mins) 8 Bettystown, County Meath. Bettystown Beach is a fine sandy strand that stretches for five kil.
