Ireland Coral Strand

Trá an Dóilín, the so-called coral beach, is a curiosity. The "sand" on the beaches between large rocks consists of fragments of red algae; they look like pieces of coral. On a Sunday afternoon in the second half of August, there is a lot of activity here. Whole families are frolicking in the water, usually not for long. For good reason, some visitors wear quilted jackets and coats instead of bikinis or swimming trunks. A fierce, cool wind whistles across the coast and chases rain clouds repeatedly.

For stunning photos at Coral Strand (Beau Vallon), shoot at sunrise or sunset for warm tones, or midday for vibrant blues. Use a wide-angle lens and include foreground elements like rocks or beach chairs for depth. Capture wave motion with long exposure or freeze action with a fast shutter. A polarizing filter reduces glare and enhances sky and sea colors. Focus on bold color contrasts and layer your composition. Keep your gear clean from sand and salt, and use an aperture of f/8–f/16 for sharp landscape shots.

Parking lot at the end of the road to Coral Strand