Trá Mór is a wild and secret beach, accessible only to walkers. Approached through the protected landscape of Lurgabrack Nature Reserve, the strand is worth the wait. The view along the pristine, 2km curve of sand stops most visitors in their tracks, and if you’re lucky, you might have it all to yourself.

From the car park, a sandy path leads into the forest. Turn right at a gate, following green waymarks through woodland, then across coastal heath and dunes. As you near the sea there’s a spectacular view of Tory Island in the distance, then the sweeping sand of Trá Mór becomes visible below. Keep following the path across the dunes until there’s safe access onto beach, then take your time to explore the bay as much as you like.

The return route heads inland through another gate, then crosses the dune landscape back to the woodland and car park.

- Helen Fairbairn
 

Don’t Miss

A summer picnic overlooking the beach

The flora and fauna that make this a conservation area, including breeding chough and peregrine falcons, tiny marsh snails, and several native species of butterfly

Practical Information

Avoid the temptation to swim – the bay is notorious for strong currents

Wear long trousers to prevent the dune grass from pricking bare legs

Buggies won’t make it over the sandy trails