A large, sheltered, stony/pebble beach on the south side of Killiney Hill in South County Dublin, near Dalkey. Offers stunning views across Killiney Bay towards Bray Head and the Wicklow Mountains.
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Location
Access Information
Accessible via Killiney village/Vico Road. Parking available in two main car parks (one small ~14 spaces, one larger ~50 spaces near DART station), though parking can be limited on busy days. Direct access from Killiney DART station via walkway. Ramps and handrails available.
Beach Details
Activities
- Swimming
- Bathing
- Walking
- Dog Walking (on lead)
- Picnics
- Sunbathing
- Fishing
Facilities
- Lifeguards (summer months)
- Toilets (in DART station car park)
- Car Parking
- DART Station access
- Food Truck (Fred and Nancy's - coffee
- sandwiches
- pastries)
- Disabled user facilities (ramps
- handrails
- walkway)
Environment
Sheltered bay location at the foot of Killiney Hill, suburban setting. Close proximity to Dalkey Island.
Conservation Status
Not formally designated itself, but located near the Dalkey Islands SPA (Special Protection Area - Site code 004172), important for breeding terns.
Views
Dublin Bay,Killiney Bay,Bray Head,Great Sugar Loaf Mountain,Little Sugar Loaf Mountain,Wicklow Mountains,Dalkey Island,Sorrento Terrace,Howth (distance)
Wildlife
Seals,Dolphins (often near Dalkey Island),Seabirds (including Terns)
Cultural & Historical Significance
Popular seaside resort since the 18th/19th century. Nearby Vico Baths are a historic bathing spot. Killiney area known for famous residents including members of U2, Enya, and historically George Bernard Shaw. Fossils can sometimes be found among the Carboniferous limestone pebbles.
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Reviews
Reviews Summary
Reviews consistently praise the stunning views (Bray Head, Sugar Loaf, Howth, Dalkey Island, Wicklow Mountains) and the beach's suitability for walks and picnics. Its accessibility via DART is noted positively. However, the predominantly stony/pebbly nature is frequently mentioned as making walking uncomfortable and swimming challenging for some, although swimming is a popular activity. It's described as clean, well-maintained, and quieter than central Dublin beaches, especially in the early morning.
Very nice beach, it's an ideal place for a stroll, a picnic or to sunbathe. I had great views of Howth, bray and surrounding areas. Would definitely recommend it.
Killiney beach runs for a long distance but it is mostly made up of stones so somewhat uncomfortable. Lots of people swim here.
Nothing like a walk on Killiney beach in the early morning when it’s practically empty. A few brave swimmers in the sea. Stone’s and sand!
Killiney Beach is a lengthy stony beach that has beautiful views towards Bray and the Sugar Loaf mountain. Not easy to walk on.
Certainly worth the DART ride away from the crowds of Dublin. It was a very well maintained beach, warm enough to go swimming this Irish summer. With a view of James Joyce’s Tower on one end and the end of Killiney in the other. It was calm waters that day!
Long stretch of stony beach which makes swimming a challenge. Views towards Wicklow mountains are amazing.
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