Donabate, Balcarrick Beach
About Donabate, Balcarrick Beach
Balcarrick beach at Donabate is a long Blue Flag strand on the north Dublin coast, a wide sweep of sand backed by dunes and a golf links. Lifeguarded in summer with free parking, it is a popular spot for swimming, walking and watersports, with reliable wind that draws windsurfers and kitesurfers. Dogs are welcome on lead year-round outside the bathing zone.
Nearby beaches
Portrane's quieter strand lies just north along the same peninsula.
Get directions to the car park
This opens the verified car-park pin — never the beach itself or a mid-route point.
📍 Get directions to the car park
Pin confirmed at 53.4781, -6.1161. Always verify the car park on arrival — access can change.
Map
Verified car-park pin.
Activity suitability
- Surfing — Beginner
- Walking — Long walk (3km+)
- Lifeguard (summer) — Yes
- Not yet confirmed: Swimming
Facilities
- Toilets — Seasonal
- Car park — Free
- Lifeguard — Yes
- Not yet confirmed: Disabled access, Shower, Café nearby
Facilities confirmed from the relevant local authority and Fáilte Ireland Source.
Water quality
EPA classification: Excellent (latest annual bathing-water assessment). Always check beaches.ie for the current rating.
Where to stay nearby
Search accommodation near Donabate, Balcarrick Beach
Verified local listings for Dublin are coming as we build out our accommodation guide.
Nearby golf
From the GolfIreland.ie network. Distances are straight-line (as the crow flies), not driving distance.