Youghal is specially blessed with two prestigious European Blue Flag beaches at Youghal Strand and Clay Castle. That's over 5 Kilometres of fabulous beaches to enjoy, with safe swimming (life guards on duty during peak season), and lovely coastal walks Ballymaloe House.

There are many coves and beaches within a 15 minute drive, varying from small and rocky to large and sandy stretches. There are a large number of beautiful spots for sea bathing, rock pools and stunning wild and windy cliff walks. Just ask reception staff for information. For those that wish to swim closer to shore, Ballymaloe have a swimming pool.

For the active the Mizen Peninsula's sandy beaches are just a short drive away and the Sheep's Head peninsula boasts miles and miles of scenic walks.

Whitepark Bay was donated to the National Trust in 1938 by the Youth Hostel Association of Northern Ireland this spectacular sandy beach forms a white arc between two headlands. The bay is known to have "singing sands" (the roundness of the grains of sand means that they squeak as you walk on them) and its secluded location means that even on a busy day there is room for quiet relaxation...

Guests staying at Cashel House can enjoy long relaxing walks or swimming from this property's private beach or any of Connemara's numerous beaches with glorious views of the West.

Not far from Coopershill House you will find plenty of beaches along the wonderful coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. Blue Flag beaches - designated by the EC for safety and the quality of the water and facilities - are the rule rather than the exception in this part of the world. Enniscrone & Strandhill in Co Sligo are just two beaches were you can enjoy leisurely walks...

The dramatic Hook Peninsula in the south east of Ireland is home to a multitude of sunny sandy coves for guests staying at Dunbrody House to explore.

The beautiful Enniscrone beach is only 6 miles away from the hotel and there is also a blue flag beach at Ross, Killala (8 miles). Also located in Enniscrone is "Waterpoint" an indoor pool adventure centre. Contact reception and they can arrange a lovely picnic basket for your day at the seaside.

At Marlfield House the sunny south east is awaiting discovery. Country Wexford is famous for its white sandy beaches so why not take some time to visit a few and discover for yourself.

Staying at Moy House one is never far from a sandy beach. The house itself overlooks Lahinch Beach with some stunning views and Spanish Point beach is just 10 minute drive from Moy House.

Guests staying at Rathmullan House wonder at the setting: seven acres of beautifully-tended grounds fringed by a two mile long sandy beach. Feel the wind in your hair as you stroll from the gardens down to the two mile long golden beach on the sea at Lough Swilly. For a special treat take the Swilly Explorer and take in the sights of surrounding Inch Island, Buncrana and Fanad and let the driver tail the sails..

Located along Ireland's rugged West Coast, Stella Maris Country House Hotel features 12 individually appointed rooms, most overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Swimming in the Atlantic can be treacherous, but Bunatrahir Bay offers protection from the rough surf. Ballycastle Beach is clean, roomy and quite sandy. It is not unusual to find locals out searching for succulent mussels when the tide is out.