Some countries around the world have made a name for themselves as ideal beach volleyball destinations. Brazil, Australia, France, South Africa, and the United States (Hawaii) are particularly renowned for their beach volleyball scenes. It’s easy to picture the stunning backdrops of these beaches while volleyball enthusiasts have fun in the sun and sand.
One destination that may not jump to mind when thinking of beach volleyball is Ireland. Yes, we know Ireland gets a lot of rain and the temperatures don’t get as hot as some other destinations. But don’t let that discourage you.
Let’s explore some of the top places to play beach volleyball in Ireland. These places are so well-suited to beach volleyball that you can even play in the rain!
Portmarnock
For a game of beach volleyball to be perfect, you need a long stretch of even sand, and Portmarnock offers that in spades. Not only is Portmarnock Beach, also known as Velvet Strand Beach, a hub for volleyball, but its waves are also ideal for wind and kite surfing. Casual games of beach volleyball among friends are common here, but so are professional tournaments during the summer.
The beach stretches eight kilometres, with Malahide Beach at one end and Baldoyle at the other. As for the scenery in Portmarnock, you’ve got the water lapping along the shoreline, with sand dunes and dense flora behind you. There are also views of Howth Harbour and the Dublin Mountains. A beach day in Ireland might mean spiking volleyballs at Velvet Strand Beach one minute and waiting out a drizzle the next. Luckily, trusted pay by phone casinos offer an easy way to stay entertained between matches.
A couple of other features worth mentioning are that the beach is free to visit and family-friendly. There are lifeguards on duty during the weekends in June and daily in July and August. During the summer, the water is also tested frequently for quality.
Bettystown
Bettystown is another great Irish location to check out for beach volleyball. There’s no need to wait around for a sunny day either. Beach volleyball can be enjoyed any time you like because a little rain never hurt anyone. This stretch of beach begins at the River Boyne, which separates County Louth from County Meath, and extends north to the River Nanny at Laytown.
The standout feature of Bettystown Beach is its depth. Granted, this will change depending on the tide, but having a deep beach means you don’t have to worry about the ball accidentally going into the water, or worse yet, the sand court being engulfed by the tide. This is a popular hangout during the summer months, so be warned that parking can be hard to find. Outside of the summer months, you’ll be able to park both on the beach and on the street.
Sandymount Strand
Sandymount Strand, located on Ireland’s east coast, is about four kilometres southeast of Dublin. Having such a beautiful beach so close to the city centre is convenient, to say the least. Sandymount is popular with both locals and tourists and is part of the Dublin Bay Biosphere Reserve. Strolling along the beach, you’ll catch glimpses of such iconic landmarks as Dun Laoghaire, Howth, Martello Tower, and Poolbeg Lighthouse. Thanks to the relatively flat coastline, it’s perfect for walking along.
That flat shoreline also makes it ideal for a game of beach volleyball. You don’t have to worry about hours or seasons of operation here, as Sandymount Strand is always open. The one thing to be aware of is that the tide can be incredibly strong. This means it’s wise to set up your sand court well back from the waves. Bird watching is popular in Dublin, with Sandymount Strand being one of the best places to spot numerous species. Don’t be surprised if you see some of these birding enthusiasts as you play a game of volleyball.
Sport Ireland Campus – New Inland Courts
Living within driving distance to the beach is handy for volleyball, but what happens if that’s not realistic for you? The Sport Ireland Campus features new inland courts that provide all the fun and challenges of an actual beach. This is the first Beach Sport Centre in Ireland and is located in Blanchardstown. It’s remarkable that you have access to three beach volleyball courts just 20 kilometres from the coast!
The courts are available year-round, which is ideal for players who are training or working on building their skills. The centre is also intended to host events and competitions at all levels. Moreover, the Beach Sport Centre includes meeting rooms, player facilities, changing rooms, and more. It’s not just beach volleyball either. The centre also features Gaelic games, soccer, hockey, and rugby. This is a huge project that is set to expand another 500 acres in the coming years.
Conclusion
The Emerald Isle is known for its historical landmarks, rolling green hills, culture, and unique cuisine. Additionally, the Irish people have a reputation for being competitive in a wide array of sports. Although Ireland does not have tropical temperatures year-round, beach volleyball can still flourish here in the few months the weather is nice. These beaches are a testament to that, giving people a place to enjoy the sport rain or shine.
