The Best Beaches and Picnic Spots Near Blackrock and Dún Laoghaire
There's something so special about an Irish Summer’s day by the sea. Whether the sun is shining or there's just enough warmth for a walk along the coast, the stretch from Blackrock to Dún Laoghaire offers some of Dublin's most beautiful places to relax, swim and enjoy a great picnic.
If you're planning a coastal escape, here are a few of our favourite spots, along with some picnic inspiration to make the most of the day.
Seapoint image: Majestic Dublin
Seapoint
A favourite with swimmers all year round, Seapoint combines panoramic views across Dublin Bay with plenty of grassy areas up high, or stone and sand to sit on at the sea’s edge to enjoy lunch. It's perfect for a quick dip before settling down with a fresh salad, rotisserie chicken and a good coffee.
Perfect picnic: Half a free-range rotisserie chicken, one of our Eat Great, Feel Great salads, fresh baguette and something sweet to finish.
Blackrock Park
If you're looking for a family-friendly afternoon, Blackrock Park has everything you need. Mature trees, open green spaces, a playground and beautiful coastal views make it ideal for children and adults alike.
It's also one of the easiest places to spread out a blanket and enjoy a relaxed lunch while watching the world go by.
Sandycove Beach
Small but full of story and character, Sandycove is one of Dublin's most iconic seaside locations. Take a swim, wander the shoreline or simply sit and enjoy the sea air before finding a sunny spot for lunch.
It's the perfect reminder that some of the best days don't require much planning at all.
People's Park, Dún Laoghaire
The place where Poulet Bonne Femme began! Just a short stroll from the harbour, The People's Park is a wonderful place to enjoy lunch beneath the trees. On Sundays, it's especially lively with the farmers' market bringing together local producers, artisanal foods and fresh seasonal ingredients.
Pick up your favourite Poulet Bonne Femme lunch from our Dun Laoghaire shop, just 20 seconds from the park gates, before finding a pretty spot to relax, unwind, and people watch!
The East & West Piers
Sometimes the best picnic isn't on the grass. Take a walk along the East Pier, find a bench overlooking the harbour, or go to the back of the pier and watch the sailing. Enjoy a picnic lunch while watching boats come and go across the bay. It's one of the simplest pleasures Dublin has to offer. The West Pier (The Westie, to locals) is also beautiful for a more wild, quieter ramble with less concrete and more grass. Whichever pier takes your fancy, just don't forget your coffee for the walk.
Dún Laoghaire Baths
Looking across the harbour towards the East Pier, this open, architectural space is ideal if you're meeting friends or enjoying a relaxed afternoon with family. You can jump in the sea under the watchful eye of the Roger Casement statue, sit on the steps (if sand and grass aren’t your thing), or amble up towards the green at Newtownsmith towards Sandycove.
Bring a blanket, a few salads to share and enjoy some sunshine - if we’re lucky enough to get it!
Our Favourite Picnic Combination
When you're heading to the seaside, keeping things simple is always the best approach.
Our go-to picnic includes:
Free-range rotisserie chicken
One or two Eat Great, Feel Great salads
Fresh baguette
Cold drinks
Sweet treats from the grocery
Napkins (the one thing everyone forgets!)
Everything is freshly prepared, ready to enjoy and easy to share, making it just as suitable for a spontaneous lunch as a full family picnic.
Make the Most of Summer
Some of the best memories are made close to home.
Whether you're swimming at Seapoint, walking the pier in Dún Laoghaire or relaxing under the trees in Blackrock Park, we believe great food is part of every great day out.
Pop into Poulet Bonne Femme on Georges St Dun Laoghaire or Blackrock Main Street before you head to the coast and let us take care of lunch, so all you have to do is find the perfect spot and enjoy it.
Here's to long lunches, sea air and simple, delicious food shared with the people you love.