@WhereinDublinThere’s something magical about watching the sunset, that peaceful moment when the sky turns gold, pink, and purple as the day ends. And when you add the sound of waves crashing and the salty sea breeze, it becomes an experience you don’t forget easily. Dublin, though often known for its city buzz and historic charm, hides some of the most beautiful coastal spots to enjoy the sunset. Whether you’re someone who loves quiet beaches or a lively seaside walk, Dublin has plenty of places where the sunset feels almost cinematic.
Let’s take a detailed look at where in Dublin you can watch the sunset on the beach, from well-known favorites to hidden gems people often overlook. And yes, I’ll share a few personal insights too, based on my own personal experience exploring Dublin’s coastlines.
Dublin’s Coastline: A Quick Look
Before jumping into the best sunset spots, it’s good to understand Dublin’s coastal vibe. The city stretches along Dublin Bay, giving easy access to beaches on both the north and south sides. What’s great is how close these beaches are to the city center, you can hop on a train (the DART) and reach the coast in under 30 minutes.
The north side beaches like Portmarnock, Dollymount, and Skerries offer wide sands and open horizons, perfect for watching the sun sink over the Irish Sea. The south side, including Killiney and Sandycove, is rockier but offers breathtaking cliff views and calm sea fronts. Each area gives a different kind of sunset experience — from peaceful and romantic to social and lively.
The Best Places in Dublin to Watch the Sunset on the Beach
Let’s go through the top beaches and coastal spots that give you the most memorable sunset views in Dublin.
1. Dollymount Strand (Bull Island)
Location: Clontarf, North Dublin
Dollymount Strand, often called “Dollyer” by locals, is one of Dublin’s most iconic beaches. Stretching for about 5 kilometers along Bull Island, it’s perfect if you want a long walk with an uninterrupted horizon.
As the sun sets here, the sky reflects on the wet sand, creating a mirror-like effect that’s almost surreal. You’ll see joggers, dog walkers, and even kitesurfers adding life to the scene.
If you stand facing the sea, you’ll notice the Poolbeg Chimneys in the distance — two red-and-white towers that have become one of Dublin’s most recognizable landmarks. Watching the sun dip behind those chimneys gives you a classic Dublin moment.
Best time: About 30 minutes before sunset. Bring a light jacket — the sea breeze can get chilly!
Local tip: There’s a wooden bridge connecting Clontarf to Bull Island. Walk halfway across it and pause — the view of the sunset reflecting off the water there is breathtaking.
2. Sandymount Strand
Location: South Dublin
Sandymount Strand is another wide, open stretch of sand that feels peaceful even though it’s close to the city center. If you want a spot that’s easy to reach and gives you both beach and skyline views, this is the place.
As the tide goes out, the sand stretches far into the distance, and the sunset light makes everything glow. You can spot the Poolbeg Chimneys again from this side, and on clear evenings, they create a dramatic outline against the setting sun.
Best for: A calm evening walk, quiet reflection, or simply sitting by the seawall with a coffee.
Local vibe: You’ll often see people walking dogs, couples enjoying the view, or someone sitting quietly on the wall just soaking it all in.
3. Killiney Beach
Location: South Dublin, near Dalkey
Killiney Beach might remind you of something you’d see on a postcard. The train tracks run right beside the beach, and the backdrop of the Dublin Mountains adds to the beauty.
When the sun begins to set, the light catches the hills behind and the waves in front, creating a layered, golden view that feels cinematic. From the beach, you can look out across Dublin Bay, and if the weather is clear, you might even spot the Wicklow Mountains in the distance.
Best for: Sunset photography, quiet moments, and long walks.
Getting there: Take the DART to Killiney station — it’s one of the most scenic train rides in Dublin.
From my own personal experience, this beach has one of the calmest atmospheres during sunset. The sound of the waves mixes with the gentle chatter of people sitting on the rocks, and it feels like a perfect escape from city life.
4. Howth Cliff Walk and Balscadden Bay Beach
Location: Howth, North Dublin
Howth is a coastal village famous for its seafood, harbor, and stunning cliff views. While most people head straight for the cliffs, there’s a small hidden beach near Howth Harbour — Balscadden Bay Beach — that’s perfect for a more intimate sunset view.
The beach is small and pebbly, surrounded by cliffs on both sides, which gives it a private, tucked-away feel. As the sun sets, the light hits the cliffs and water, creating soft, glowing colors.
If you climb up the nearby cliffs (part of the Howth Cliff Walk), you get a panoramic view of Dublin Bay with the city skyline fading into the distance. Watching the sunset from there feels like watching Dublin slowly go quiet.
Best for: Adventure lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants a mix of sea and cliff views.
Pro tip: Stop for a fish and chips dinner in the village afterward — the atmosphere in Howth during sunset is unbeatable.
5. Portmarnock Beach (The Velvet Strand)
Location: Portmarnock, North Dublin
Portmarnock Beach, also known as “The Velvet Strand,” stretches for nearly 5 kilometers and is famous for its smooth golden sand. It’s one of the cleanest and most scenic beaches near Dublin, and its wide horizon makes it ideal for sunset watching.
As the sun sets over the Malahide Estuary and the waterline glows orange, the entire beach seems to change color. Families, joggers, and swimmers often linger here to catch the last bit of light.
Best for: Long evening walks, casual swims, and sunset photos.
Getting there: Easily accessible by bus or DART to Portmarnock station.
From my own personal experience, standing near the north end of the beach and watching the sunlight reflect off the sand feels peaceful. It’s quiet, calm, and the kind of moment that makes you forget everything else for a while.
6. Skerries South Beach
Location: North County Dublin
A little further north, Skerries South Beach gives you a small-town seaside vibe that’s perfect for a laid-back evening. The beach is surrounded by grassy dunes, and you can see several small islands offshore — Shenick Island, Colt Island, and Rockabill Lighthouse in the distance.
During sunset, the light reflects across the islands, giving the entire scene a golden glow. The beach is peaceful but still close enough to cafés and restaurants, so you can enjoy a drink or meal after sunset.
Best for: A relaxed evening, quiet conversation, or a scenic picnic.
Bonus: If you visit in summer, you’ll often see families and swimmers enjoying the warm evening light well after 8 PM.
7. Sutton and Red Rock Beach
Location: Between Howth and Clontarf
Red Rock Beach in Sutton is one of Dublin’s most underrated sunset spots. It sits quietly at the base of the Howth cliffs, offering a natural, unspoiled stretch of coastline. The rocks here glow reddish-brown at sunset — that’s actually how it got its name.
From the beach, you can see across Dublin Bay to the south side, with the city skyline fading into the distance as the light dims. It’s quiet, scenic, and feels almost untouched compared to other beaches.
Best for: Those who prefer peaceful, less crowded spots.
Getting there: It’s part of the Sutton to Howth coastal path — perfect for a sunset walk.
What Makes Dublin Sunsets Special
Dublin’s sunsets are different from tropical ones. They’re softer, more pastel-toned, and often blend misty clouds with streaks of orange and purple. The Irish Sea adds reflection, making the horizon glow even more.
The beauty is also in the simplicity — watching the sunset here isn’t about fancy views or big crowds. It’s about standing by the water, feeling the cool breeze, and just letting the moment sink in.
Tips for Watching the Sunset on Dublin Beaches
Here are a few tips to make the most out of your sunset experience:
1. Check the Tide Times
Some beaches, like Sandymount Strand, look completely different depending on the tide. Low tide gives you wide reflective sands, while high tide brings the waves closer.
2. Bring a Blanket or Light Jacket
Even in summer, Dublin evenings can get chilly. A blanket or warm layer makes a big difference if you plan to sit for a while.
3. Stay for the Afterglow
The most beautiful colors often appear 10–15 minutes after the sun has set. The sky turns deeper shades of pink and purple — that’s when you’ll get the best photos.
4. Pack Snacks or Grab Takeaway
Pick up a coffee or some takeaway fish and chips before you head down. Enjoying a small picnic while the sun sets adds a cozy touch.
5. Respect Nature
Keep the beaches clean and be mindful of local wildlife. Many of these areas are protected zones, especially Bull Island.
Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Spots
If you want to avoid crowds and find something more personal, try these underrated locations:
White Rock Beach, Dalkey
This small cove is near Killiney Beach but much quieter. It’s a favorite among locals for swimming and has stunning sunset reflections on calm days.
Burrow Beach, Sutton
A narrow stretch of sand facing Lambay Island — it’s peaceful and rarely packed. The sunsets here are soft and warm, often with gentle waves lapping close by.
Seapoint, Monkstown
Popular among swimmers, Seapoint offers a nice view of the setting sun across Dublin Bay. You can even take a quick dip before the light fades.
Final Thoughts
Watching the sunset on the beach in Dublin is something everyone should experience at least once. It’s calming, grounding, and reminds you how beautiful simple moments can be. Whether you’re standing on the windy edge of Dollymount Strand or sitting quietly on the rocks at Killiney, each sunset feels different — shaped by the sea, the clouds, and the people around you.
From my own personal experience, these moments never lose their magic. Every sunset has a different story, and Dublin’s beaches make those stories unforgettable.
So grab your jacket, head to the coast, and find your perfect sunset spot — because in Dublin, the best views are waiting right where the sea meets the sky.
