Dublin’s ‘best beach’ voted by hundreds of reviewers as summer heatwave kicks in

Dublin’s “best beach” has been voted by hundreds of reviewers as summer heatwave kicks in this weekend.

With temperatures set to soar above 20C this weekend, it’s time to get the bucket and spade out and enjoy a 99 while chilling beside the Irish Sea.

Overall, Dublin’s world-class beaches received almost universal acclaim, scoring an average of 4.59 stars out of five. Hundreds of users awarded a “not so secret” beach in Howth five out of five stars on Google Maps.

Read more: Skin cancer warning signs to look out for as sun hits Ireland

Nearly 90 percent of visitors gave a miniature cove on Howth Head, called “A Tiny Hidden Beach” full marks on Google Maps. It was rated 5/5 by 197 users.

Reviewers praised the “breathtaking” views from the pebbly beach, which is just past the Baily Lighthouse, and said seals can often be spotted nearby.

However many warned the steep steps down to the remote beach can be dangerously slippery. “Do not under any circumstance bring children here,” one wrote of the climb.

The top ten ranking is rounded out by many more fantastic beaches up and down the Dublin coast. When compiling this list we looked only at beaches with more than 50 reviews on Google Maps, ranking them by overall rating and percentage of 5-star reviews.

1. A Tiny Hidden Beach, Howth – 4.8 stars

2. Burrow Beach, Sutton – 4.7 stars

3. Velvet Strand, Portmarnock – 4.7 stars (Blue Flag)

4. Portmarnock Beach – 4.7 stars

5. Donabate/Balcarrick Beach – 4.6 stars (Blue Flag)

6. Malahide Beach – 4.6 Stars

7. Seapoint Beach, Monkstown – 4.6 stars (Blue Flag)

8. Balscadden Bay Beach, Howth – 4.6 stars

9. Sandycove Beach – 4.6 stars

10. South Beach, Rush – 4.6 stars (Blue Flag)

So slap on the factor 50, put on the swimming togs and enjoy the weather this weekend! Is there a beach you think should have made it to the list? Let us know in the comments below.

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