If you picture Dublin, your first thought is probably the busy city streets, the pubs filled with laughter, or the historic landmarks that make the capital so vibrant. But hidden around the edges of this lively city, there are beaches where you can breathe a little deeper, hear the waves instead of car horns, and just take time for yourself. Dublin might not always top the list of beach destinations, but for people who want a calm, less-crowded escape, there are several spots that will surprise you.

This guide dives into where in Dublin you can actually find quiet beaches, what makes them special, and why they’re worth the trip. From my own personal experience, these beaches don’t just give you sand and sea, they give you peace. Let’s get into it.

Why Quiet Beaches in Dublin Matter

Life in Dublin moves fast. The city has energy, but sometimes you need balance. That’s where quiet beaches step in. You get:

• Space away from the buzz of the city
• A chance to walk, swim, or just sit without crowds
• Natural scenery that resets your head

Quiet beaches in Dublin aren’t just about avoiding tourists. They’re also about finding small corners of calm that locals sometimes keep to themselves.

1. Burrow Beach, Sutton

Burrow Beach, near Sutton, is one of Dublin’s best-kept secrets. While Dollymount Strand often gets the spotlight, Burrow is smaller, softer, and quieter.

What you’ll find here is a narrow stretch of sand with views out toward Howth on one side and Dublin Bay on the other. It feels tucked away, even though it’s not far from the DART.

Why it’s quiet:

• It’s more of a local spot than a tourist stop.
• Parking is limited, which naturally keeps numbers down.
• The beach itself is sheltered, so it doesn’t attract huge crowds even in summer.

Activities: Walking along the sandbars at low tide is a real highlight. If you want, you can wade out quite far while still only ankle-deep in water.

2. Red Rock Beach, Sutton

Tucked between Sutton and Howth, Red Rock is for people who want solitude. It’s a hidden strip of rocky coastline rather than a big sandy stretch, but that’s exactly why it stays quiet.

You reach it by walking part of the cliff path between Sutton and Howth. Because it’s not a drive-up-and-sit kind of place, only walkers and adventurous swimmers end up here.

Why it’s quiet:

• There’s no direct road access.
• It’s overshadowed by the busier Howth Cliff Walk.

Activities: This is more for strolling and enjoying the view than lying on the sand. It’s also a nice spot for open-water swimmers who want something raw and less polished.

3. Sandymount Strand

You’ve probably heard of Sandymount Strand already, but here’s the trick—it’s so huge that even when it’s busy, you can find quiet corners.

This is one of Dublin’s most open beaches, stretching for miles. People usually stick closer to the Martello Tower end, which means if you head further out, you’ll often find yourself with space to breathe.

Why it’s quiet in parts:

• The size makes it easy to spread out.
• Many people come for a short walk and don’t explore the full stretch.

Activities: Walks here are unbeatable, especially when the tide is out. You’ll see dog walkers, but you’ll also find long stretches of open sand that feel empty.

4. Donabate Beach

North of the city, Donabate doesn’t get as much attention as Portmarnock or Malahide, but it’s beautiful and peaceful.

It’s a sandy stretch, backed by dunes and open countryside. It feels further from the city without actually being too far.

Why it’s quiet:

• Less marketed than its bigger neighbors.
• Wide enough to give everyone space.

Activities: Swimming is safe here in the right conditions, and the dunes make it great for a calm walk. If you’re into photography, sunsets at Donabate are some of the best.

5. Velvet Strand, Portmarnock (North End)

Velvet Strand is well-known and definitely popular, but here’s something most visitors don’t realize: if you walk further north toward Baldoyle and away from the main entrance, the beach gets quieter.

The further you go, the more it feels like your own private stretch of sand.

Why it’s quiet in parts:

• People usually stay near the car park and main access points.
• The walk further up filters out casual visitors.

Activities: This end of the beach is perfect for long runs or peaceful walks.

6. White Rock Beach, Killiney

White Rock feels like a little pocket of paradise. Tucked beneath the cliffs south of Killiney, it’s reached by a steep set of steps. Because of that, it feels cut off from the world above.

Why it’s quiet:

• The steps put some people off.
• It’s smaller and less obvious than Killiney Beach itself.

Activities: Popular with swimmers who like the clean water and more private vibe. It’s also one of the most scenic beaches in Dublin.

7. Loughshinny Beach

This one’s up near Skerries, and it has a different kind of charm. It’s more of a cove than a big beach, with a little harbour nearby.

Why it’s quiet:

• It’s off the beaten track.
• Tourists usually stop at Skerries instead.

Activities: Safe swimming in the sheltered waters, plus a nice pier for strolling.

8. Sutton Creek

Not a “beach” in the traditional sense, but Sutton Creek is one of the calmest waterfront spots in Dublin. It’s a stretch of sand and water near Sutton Cross, tucked between Baldoyle and Howth.

Why it’s quiet:

• It feels more like a local walking route than a swimming beach.
• You’ll mostly meet dog walkers and locals.

Activities: Ideal for peaceful evening walks and birdwatching.

9. Dollymount Strand (North Bull Island, Far End)

Yes, Dollymount is popular. Yes, it can get packed near the main entrance. But if you’re willing to walk further along the sand toward the northern tip, it becomes surprisingly quiet.

Why it’s quiet in parts:

• Most visitors stay near the car access point.
• The beach is so long that the further you go, the fewer people you see.

Activities: Birdwatching is huge here, especially around the UNESCO biosphere reserve. The far end feels like you’ve left the city behind.

10. Skerries South Strand

Skerries has several beaches, but the South Strand is quieter compared to the busy Red Island area.

Why it’s quiet:

• Most visitors head to the main town beaches.
• It feels more open and less commercial.

Activities: Great for long walks with views of the offshore islands.

Tips for Finding Your Own Quiet Spot

The truth is, even the quieter beaches can get busy on hot summer days. But with a few small tricks, you can still find your peaceful corner:

1. Go early in the morning or later in the evening.
2. Walk further away from the main entrances and car parks.
3. Pick weekdays instead of weekends.
4. Explore lesser-known access points.

Based on My Overall Experience

From my own personal experience, Dublin’s beaches are a mix, you’ll always find crowds at certain times, but if you know where to look, there’s space for calm. The joy of these beaches isn’t just in the sand or the sea; it’s in how they feel like little escapes from the busy city life.

When you head to Burrow, Red Rock, or White Rock, you realize that Dublin has more layers than most people expect. You can leave the noise behind without actually leaving the city.

Final Thoughts

So, where in Dublin are quiet beaches? They’re tucked into corners like Sutton, stretched out along Donabate, hidden beneath cliffs in Killiney, or spread wide on Dollymount if you just keep walking. They’re places where you can pause, think, or just enjoy the sound of waves without the chaos.

Next time you’re craving some quiet, skip the tourist-heavy spots and head to one of these. Trust me, it changes how you see Dublin.