Irish stayations: Discover that beach and make it your own

It’s hard to find anywhere with more beautiful quiet stretches of sand than this country, writes Jo Kerrigan

Ballycroneen Beach, East Cork, one of the beautiful beaches awaiting nature lovers all along Ireland's coastlines.

Those who regularly travel abroad for their holidays will talk of the wonderful beaches of Majorca, the Canaries, Italy, the French Riviera, even Florida and California. 

But have you seen them, or glimpsed online images? Packed. Jammed solid from foreshore to water’s edge, and beyond that as well. Thousands of sun umbrellas, sunbeds, folding chairs, and picnic rugs occupy every inch of sand, while the approach road is gridlocked with drivers frantically searching for a place to park their car.