Lonely Planet has picked its top 10 beaches in Ireland, describing the 6,200km coastline here as a âbeachgoerâs paradiseâ.
The travel-guide publisherâs selection of beaches ranges from âquiet covesâ to âgreat stretches of golden sandâ, most of them along the western seaboard, with Co Donegal and Co Kerry particulary well represented.
Killiney Beach, just south of Dublin city, is the only beach on the east coast to make the list, with the surrounding bay being described as resembling the Bay of Naples, in Italy.
The guide recommends visiting the beaches on a sunny summerâs day, running your hands through the soft sand and imagining yourself 20 degrees closer to the equator. Hereâs the full list.