A tiny hidden gem on the Hook Peninsula whose golden sands and turquoise waters earned it a name straight out of pirate lore — 250 sacks of Spanish gold were buried here by mutineers in 1765.
Dollar Bay is a small, tranquil beach (~100m long, 20m wide) with fine golden sand and calm, shallow turquoise water. High sandy cliffs curve around rocky outcrops, sheltering the beach from prevailing winds. It's rarely busy — perfect for a quiet paddle, sunbathing, or simply soaking up the views across the Waterford estuary.
The beach shelves gently into a shallow cove, making it good for a dip at both high and low tide. There are no lifeguards and no official swimming designation, so check conditions locally and never swim alone. The sheltered bay means the water is often calmer than on more exposed Wexford strands.
Booley Bay is a slightly larger, equally beautiful beach just 300m from Dollar Bay. It holds a Green Coast Award for water quality and has a large flat grassy area above the high-water mark. To get there you'll need to head back up to the road and walk around — the cliffs prevent direct access between the two coves.
Dollar Bay sits on the Ring of Hook, a scenic coastal driving loop packed with attractions. Within a 15-minute drive you can reach Hook Lighthouse (the world's second-oldest operating lighthouse), the star-shaped Duncannon Fort, the haunting Loftus Hall, and the ruins of Tintern Abbey.
Dollar Bay is signposted as a sea-fishing beach. The rocky outcrops on either side of the bay offer good spots to cast a line, and the sheltered waters hold a variety of species.
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