Discover Sutton on the Coast

Sutton combines coastal scenery and transport links: Burrow Beach is a 1.2-kilometre sandy beach with dunes and views of Ireland’s Eye, while the station is served by DART and Dublin Commuter trains. When choosing a destination, you can consider the beach, nature, coastal walks, history and golf as different interests.

Burrow Beach and the Coastal Landscape

Burrow Beach connects Howth Head to the mainland. Much of the 1.2-kilometre sandy beach is shaped by sand dunes, and several access points lead pedestrians onto the beach. The dunes give this stretch of coast a different character from an open sandy beach without this kind of landscape.

Ireland’s Eye can be seen from Burrow Beach. The island is a designated nature reserve and is home to colonies of gannets, razorbills and great black-backed gulls. So, from the beach, you can take in the dunes and sand, while across the water you can see a protected island and its seabird colonies.

Across the wider destination of County Fingal, the coastline stretches for 88 kilometres from Sutton to Balbriggan. It includes three protected estuaries, salt marshes and 13 larger beaches. The beaches also vary in length: Velvet Strand in Portmarnock is five kilometres long, while Balcarrick Beach measures 3.4 kilometres and has dunes and rock pools. At 1.2 kilometres, Burrow Beach is a distinct, shorter stretch of this coastline.

Getting Here and Finding Your Way Around

Sutton station is served by DART and Dublin Commuter trains. DART and Dublin Bus provide connections to Dublin city centre and Fingal’s coastal areas. These train and bus links are a practical point of reference if you are considering transport connections when choosing where to stay. Check current timetables before travelling.

The station has covered bicycle parking and three bicycle lockers available to rent. There is no ticket office: tickets can be bought from the machine, and a Leap Card can be used at suitable locations. As station facilities and ticketing options can change, it is worth checking the latest information before departure.

Coastal Trail, Golf and Sailing

The official coastal walking trail from Howth through Sutton to Baldoyle runs along the edge of Sutton Golf Club and ends on the coast at Baldoyle. Check route conditions before setting out. The golf club is a 9-hole links course, offering different ways to experience the coast through golf and the coastal trail.

The Sutton Dinghy Club is another local point of interest for water sports. It is an ISA-recognised training centre and a Category 1 club. The club is committed to making sailing and boating more accessible. For those interested, it is another facet of the area alongside the beach and walking trail.

History and Accommodation

Sutton’s Martello Tower was built in 1804 to defend against Napoleon’s naval forces. Its military origins add a historical perspective to the coastal experiences on offer in the area.

The restored Martello Tower is now operated as a distinctive self-catering holiday accommodation. This type of accommodation differs from a hotel stay. If you are considering the tower as a place to stay, check availability separately.

Discover more destinations: Lusk, Garristown, Donabate, Malahide, Tyrrelstown, Ward, Portmarnock, Balbriggan

For the wider travel overview: County Fingal.