Explore a world of wonder by the shore 

The beach offers young children endless opportunities to explore and learn

Sharon Ní Chonchúir and son Milo  on the beach near their home in Dingle Co Kerry. Picture: Domnick Walsh 

I can close the front door of my house on the Dingle Peninsula and be on my nearest beach within five minutes. Fewer if I walk quickly.

It is not the longest stretch of sand and, depending on the tides and time of year, it can sometimes be covered in seaweed so stinky we can smell it from our house. But it is a tremendous resource for us to have on our doorstep.