Coastal scenery near Sutton

Burrow Beach gives Sutton a distinct coastal character: the 1.2-kilometre-long sandy beach connects Howth Head to the mainland and includes a large area of sand dunes. Several pedestrian access points lead to the beach.

Ireland’s Eye is visible from Burrow Beach. The island is a designated nature reserve and is home to colonies of gannets, razorbills and great black-backed gulls. The focus here is on the sandy beach and its dune area, as well as views of a protected island and its bird colonies.

In County Fingal, the coastline stretches 88 kilometres from Sutton to Balbriggan. County Fingal’s coast also includes three protected estuaries, salt marshes and 13 larger beaches. This regional perspective extends beyond Sutton’s individual beach setting.

Getting there and getting around

Sutton railway station is served by DART and Dublin Commuter trains. DART and Dublin Bus provide public transport connections from Sutton to Dublin city centre and the coastal areas of Fingal. If you choose Sutton as your base, it is worth checking current timetables for your travel dates.

There is no ticket office at the station. Tickets can be bought from the ticket machine; a Leap Card can be used at suitable locations. There is also covered bicycle parking and three bicycle lockers for hire. Ticket arrangements and station facilities may change, so check the latest information before setting off.

History and a stay in a historic structure

Sutton Martello Tower was built in 1804 to defend against Napoleon’s naval forces. The restored structure is now operated as distinctive self-catering holiday accommodation. The same place therefore connects a piece of Sutton’s defensive history with a specific accommodation option.

When planning, consider the difference between the tower’s original purpose and its current use as accommodation. If you are considering this holiday accommodation, check availability directly.

Coastal path and sporting activities

The official coastal walking route from Howth through Sutton to Baldoyle runs along the edge of Sutton Golf Club and ends at the coastal area of Baldoyle. For those considering a route through several places rather than a single beach destination, this offers a different focus for travel planning. Path conditions may change; check current information before setting out.

Sutton Golf Club is a 9-hole links course. Another local sporting feature is Sutton Dinghy Club: it is an ISA-accredited training centre and a Category 1 club committed to making sailing and boating more accessible. Coastal scenery, the walking route, golf and the sailing club can thus be seen as different aspects of Sutton.

Discover more destinations: Garristown, Portmarnock, Howth, Malahide, Swords, Donabate, Castleknock, Kilsallaghan

For the main travel overview: County Fingal.