Clonakilty Bay, Cork

With ten beaches within ten minutes of Dunmore House Hotel, the biggest issue you’ll be faced with is which one to choose for your afternoon dip. The secluded Duneen Bay is a popular choice with swimmers coming from all around to visit. Inchydoney Beach is another good option, but regardless where you choose you should visit The Sea Terrace at Dunmore to warm up. Boatshed Pizza is as idyllic as it comes on a sunny day. @dunmorehousehotel

Dog’s Bay, Galway

There’s no shortage of excellent places to dip your toe (or more) in Galway, but the village of Roundstone in Connemara has a couple of exceptional options. Both the horseshoe shaped Dog’s Bay and the 1km long Gurteen Beach are popular choices. When you’re swim sated, O’Dowd’s Seafood Bar is the place to go. A steaming bowl of seafood chowder could warm the coldest of hearts or, if you’re an early riser, the café opens for brekkie too with vegan options aplenty. @odowdsseafood

Tramore Strand, Waterford

Word of mouth is everything when it comes to food and the chat about Little Catch Seafood Bar at Tramore’s Back Strand car park has been nothing but positive. One bite of a post-swim lobster and crayfish roll on a buttery brioche bun will dispel any doubts and, if you’re anything like me, you will begin planning a return trip immediately. It’s the perfect summer lunch after a salty swim. @littlecatchseafood

Ventry Beach, Kerry

This Blue Flag beach is just ten minutes from Dingle with car parking galore, lifeguards and a crescent shaped bay, making it somewhat sheltered and ideal for swimming or watersports. When you’ve dried off, head to My Boy Blue where they take brunch seriously. If a brunch burrito or buffalo chicken melt doesn’t get your blood pumping, then you may be beyond help. Although a hot Dulce de Leche latte could be required. The sweet treats are equally tempting. @myboybluedingle

Ballycastle Beach, Antrim

Along The Causeway Coastal Route, this 1.2km long beach is a pristine stretch of sand with parking, lifeguards and public loos. Moments from the strand, you’ll find Ursa Minor Bakehouse, a must visit bakery and café in the centre of the town producing remarkable goodies. Warm up with one of their delicious small batch pastries or sweet bakes. There are also seasonal lunch specials highlighting local ingredients. Do the right thing and bring some of the sourdough bread home to stock in your freezer. Your future self will thank you. @ursaminorbakehouse

SEE MORE: 5 Summer Seafood Menus In Ireland