Overview
Tower Bay Beach sits just south of the village of Portrane in the Fingal region of north-County Dublin. Unlike the long, sweeping sands of its neighbour Portrane Beach, Tower Bay is a compact, characterful cove made up of golden sand and smooth pebbles. It is backed by striking cliffs and overlooked by a well-preserved Martello tower. The beach is popular with locals for rock pooling, coastal walks, and as a quieter alternative to the busier Dublin Bay shoreline.
Irish name: Bá an Túir.
History & The Martello Tower
The white-washed tower that gives the bay its name was built between 1804 and 1805 as part of a chain of coastal defences erected to protect Dublin Bay from a possible French invasion during the Napoleonic Wars. Standing roughly 40 feet high with thick masonry walls, it was originally designed to mount a heavy artillery piece on its flat roof, capable of traversing a full 360 degrees.
Like many of its siblings around the Greater Dublin Area, the Tower Bay structure never saw combat. After the threat of invasion passed, it served variously as a coastguard station and anti-smuggling lookout before being converted into a private residence in the late 20th century. Today, it remains a striking photographic landmark and a reminder of Ireland’s coastal military history.
The area also holds a place in modern Irish pop culture: a memorable funfair scene from the classic sitcom Father Ted was filmed in the fields just inland from Tower Bay.
Swimming & Water Conditions
Tower Bay is not a beach for casual paddling. The seabed is rocky and the water deepens very quickly, often within a few metres of the shore. It is best suited to experienced open-water swimmers or those comfortable wearing a wetsuit.
During the summer bathing season, Fingal County Council provides lifeguard cover at the nearby Brook Beach. Lifeguards are typically on duty from 11am to 7pm on weekends in June, and daily throughout July and August. When a lifeguard is on duty, a red or yellow flag will be flying from the station, marking the safest swimming zones. Rip currents can develop at higher tides, so swimmers should always check conditions and stay within flagged areas.
Rock Pooling & Wildlife
Low tide is when Tower Bay truly comes alive. As the water recedes, it leaves behind a series of pebble-strewn rock pools teeming with marine life. Visitors can expect to find crabs, starfish, anemones, and small fish sheltering among the stones. Bring sturdy footwear for scrambling over the wet rocks, and remember to turn stones back over after looking inside to protect the habitat.
The surrounding cliffs and nearby Rogerstown Estuary make this a productive spot for birdwatchers. Gulls, terns, and swifts are common, while grey seals are occasionally spotted basking on offshore rocks or swimming close to shore, particularly in the early mornings.
Coastal Walks & Cycling
The cliff path linking Tower Bay to Balcarrick Beach in Donabate is a favourite local route, covering roughly 0.6 km of well-marked trail. The walk offers uninterrupted views across Dublin Bay toward Lambay Island, the Rockabill lighthouse, and the Wicklow Sugarloaf mountain. The route is flat enough for casual strollers and family cyclists, though some sections run close to the cliff edge, so supervision is advised for young children.
Facilities & Inclusive Access
Tower Bay is well-equipped for a day out, balancing natural ruggedness with practical amenities:
- Parking: A large paid car park sits on the cliff edge. Spaces fill quickly on sunny weekends, so arriving before 10am is highly recommended. Disabled parking bays are available near the entrance.
- Toilets & Picnic Areas: Clean public toilets are located near the car park, with several wooden picnic tables scattered along the promenade.
- Dog-Friendly: Dogs are welcome across the beach year-round, with designated off-lead areas clearly sign-posted.
- Naturist Area: The beach is recognised as clothing-optional. A specific nude zone is clearly marked and separated from the main family area to respect the privacy and comfort of all visitors.
- Accessibility: Paved pathways and ramps connect the car park to the cliff top, with wheelchair-friendly steps leading down to the beach where the terrain allows.
Getting There
By Car – The main access point is the Tower Bay car park on Quay Road. Follow signs from the N1 or R133 coastal road.
By Bus – The Go Ahead Ireland 33B service runs from Swords and stops at the Seaview stop, which is a 13- to 15-minute walk from the beach entrance. Services typically run every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly at weekends.
By Train – Donabate railway station is on the Dublin–Drogheda line, but the walk to Tower Bay exceeds an hour along public roads, making it less practical than the bus or car.
Nearby Attractions
Tower Bay makes an excellent base for exploring north County Dublin’s coastline and heritage sites:
- Donabate Beach: A short walk north along the cliff path leads to this longer, sandy strand popular with walkers and canoeists.
- Newbridge House & Gardens: Located inland in Donabate, this is Ireland’s only intact Georgian mansion, set within extensive 18th-century grounds.
- Ardgillan Castle: A short drive south brings you to this historic country house, known for its guided tours, parkland, and resident deer.
- Swords: The county town of Fingal offers medieval castle ruins, a bustling town centre, and a wide range of restaurants and cafés.
Always check a reliable tide table before visiting. The typical tidal range here is around 6.3 ft, and arriving at low tide maximises your time for rock pooling and beach walks. On summer days, pack a windbreaker and waterproof shoes – the Irish coast can shift from sun to sea spray in a matter of minutes.