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The Irish beach with golden sand that's starred in top TV shows and movies – and it's less than an hour from Dublin

The Irish beach with golden sand that's starred in top TV shows and movies – and it's less than an hour from Dublin

The Irish Sun08-06-2025

TAKE a look at the gorgeous sandy beach with breathtaking views that is frequently used as a TV or movie set - and it's less than an hour away from the capital.
This fantastic spot, Brittas Bay beach in Co
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Brittas Bay is the perfect destination for catching sunshine or taking a dip
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
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It maintained the European Union Blue Flag beach award for more than seven years.
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
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It is home to many sea life creatures, including dolphins
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Just under an hour away from
And it is home to numerous plant and wildlife species and is also designated as a proposed Special Area for Conservation.
It was featured in the hit series Vikings, RTÉ's miniseries No Tears and a film adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo.
READ MORE ON IRISH BEACHES
The beach has maintained its European Union Blue Flag award for over seven years due to its headlands not interfering with the peaceful environment.
It also means that the environmental management, water quality, safety, and services are excellent, ensuring the beach is of the highest quality.
It is the ideal destination to unwind, soak up the sun or take a dip in the crystal blue waters.
During the bathing season, there are lifeguards posted across the beach, with details of their lifeguarded hours posted on the notice board.
Most read in News Travel
Wheelchair access to the beach is available during the summer season but needs to be booked in advance with Wicklow County Council.
Thrill-seekers will be glad to know that there is a Brittas Bay Surf school if they want to learn to ride the waves or just go paddleboarding while admiring the views.
Explore Algarve with The Sun's Best of Beaches
Those who want to opt for land activities can take in the views of the beach while riding a horse, as many equestrian stables are in the area.
And for those with dogs, they are only allowed on the beach in the low season with a leash, meaning they are not permitted from May to September.
FACILITIES
There are a few facilities offered on site, including a kiosk, changing rooms, outdoor showers, parking lots and picnic benches.
For those who want to have breakfast or lunch with coffee after their swim, pop by the Bay Cafe - an establishment that is widely loved by locals, tourists and celebrities.
And there are plenty of staycation options, including bed and breakfasts, campsites and caravan parks.
The picturesque village of Redcross is only a 10-minute drive away, offering a blend of traditional charm and modern amenities, including recreational facilities such as tennis courts, a bowling green, and a golf course.
And it is also renowned for its vibrant tourism scene, featuring attractions like the Wicklow Brewery, River Valley Holiday Park, and the renowned Mickey Finn's Pub and Restaurant.
The village also appeared in the Hollywood film
Wicklow Town and Arklow are a 15-minute drive away, offering many shops, restaurants, cafes and more accommodation options.
The Glendalough Valley in the Wicklow Mountains National Park is a perfect day trip for people, and is home to many monuments and lakes.
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The Bay Cafe make delicious breakfasts and lunches
Credit: Google maps
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It's less than an hour away from Dublin
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
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Many staycation options are available in the area
Credit: Getty Images - Getty

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How we do Dubai for dirt cheap – £30-a-night rooms, lesser-known airports, £2 meals and free attractions

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  • The Irish Sun

I visited Ireland's most charming town – it feeds the soul, fuels the belly, & fills your camera roll with beauty

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I explored the tiny European country with underground cities and little-known islands

REACHING for my umpteenth honey and date fritter, I joked that I would have to use the hotel gym after our incredible meal. But my host clutched her pearls and gasped: 'No, no. You have to forget about the gym in Malta, my love.' 4 The colourful, quaint cafes in Valetta's old town in Malta Credit: Getty 4 The Azure Window on the Maltese island of Gozo Credit: Getty Malta derives its name from the Greek word meaning 'place of honey' — fitting, for somewhere I was quickly realising might be Europe's most underrated culinary utopia. And with underground cities, little-known islands and mysterious temples, I would soon discover this wasn't the only surprise Malta had in store. As the sun set over Ta' Cicivetta farm, we were prepared a feast of traditional dishes, all using ingredients sourced from the garden we stood in. This tiny Read More on Travel In one dinner, we could taste the different cultures that have called Malta home over the centuries — Italian in the ricotta parcels and focaccia, Arabian in the date-based sweets and bigilla (a hummus-like dip made from beans), Spanish in the bread rubbed with tomato and drizzled in olive oil. Equally intriguing, however, was how easy it is to come across a full English on this faraway archipelago. The British stopped ruling Malta in 1964, but they left behind a love for this breakfast along with other cultural footprints such as UK plugs, driving on the left and speaking English (an official language here alongside Maltese). I got used to the unexpected sight of red telephone boxes on the streets of cities like Mdina, an ancient fortress which otherwise looked like something out of Game Of Thrones. 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