WITH summer just around the corner, many might be looking for new places to visit to enjoy the warmer weather.
Just two hours from Dublin city centre there is a gorgeous beach that has even been featured in a Hollywood blockbuster.
Curracloe Beach, located in County Wexford, stretches for 11km.
With white sand and plenty to offer visitors, it is a must-visit this summer.
And for movie fans out there, it may look familiar.
The beach was featured in the Hollywood blockbuster Saving Private Ryan during the opening scene.
Many locals joined the cast as extras for the scene, which re-created D-Day, in the movie by director Steven Spielberg.
It stretches from Raven Point to Ballyconigar near Blackwater.
The beach is perfect for bathing, and offers a great look at the Irish coastline.
Against the backdrop of the white sand are many hilly sand dunes, where different species of plants and flowers bloom during spring and summer.
And the beach also features a nature trail through the dunes, stretching for 5km to Raven Point.
This offers visitors a chance to learn more about the local flora and fauna.
And the nature trail also passes through the beautiful Raven Nature Reserve.
WILDLIFE SPOTTING
While in the area, head to Raven Point Wood walk, where you may see some red squirrels, grey seals and other wildlife.
Curracloe holds the Blue Flag Beach status, making it perfect for a day out.
The sand dunes are being conserved by the Wexford County Council, ensuring that the area remains preserved.
The beach has three entrances – known as Ballinsker, White Gap and Culletons Gap locally.
There are around 500 parking spaces, the majority of which are at White Gap.
There are four disabled parking spaces at White Gap and two at Ballineskar.
You can also get a Beach Wheelchair for free at White Gap, though pre-booking is recommended through the warden.
There are male, female and disabled toilets available at White Gap, and just male and female amenities at Ballinesker.
They are open on bank holiday weekends and from October to May, seven days a week, from 8am to 9pm.
Lifeguards are on site at White Gap during the summer months.
