Wicklow County Council Purchases 21 Acre Site Overlooking Magheramore Beach

Wicklow County Council has announced the successful purchase of a 21-acre parcel of land at Magheramore Beach in Wicklow.

The land, which offers panoramic views of the beach and the Irish Sea, was previously owned by the Columbian order of sisters before being sold multiple times.

Wicklow County Council had previously attempted to secure public ownership of the land for beach access.

They were unsuccessful bidders at the initial auction in 2021 and again at the auction held in March 2025.

However, after the successful bidder decided not to proceed with the sale, the Council was given the opportunity to intervene and complete the purchase of this important coastal amenity.

The acquisition of the land at Magheramore will guarantee continued access to the beach.

Furthermore, it is a step towards the County Development Plan objectives to protect the Special Area of Conservation and the National Heritage Area.   

Cllr Paul O’Brien, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, stated, 

“On behalf of the elected members of Wicklow County Council and particularly the six members of Wicklow Municipal District, we are delighted to welcome the purchase of the 21 acres of land at Magheramore by Wicklow County Council.  This beach has long been associated with surfing and filming, serving as the backdrop for numerous TV productions including historical dramas such as Vikings and Camelot, the EastEnders spin-off series Redwater, and Amy Huberman’s Finding Joy.  In recent years the beach has also hosted the annual “Strip & Dip”, where brave swimmers venture into the waves to raise funds for cancer research.”