Kerry is lucky to have some of the finest beaches in all of Ireland located along the Wild Atlantic Way. There’s a mixture of well known beaches such as Rossbeigh, Inch, Banna and Ballybunion, to hidden gems like Dundag and Derrynane. Some of these beaches consistently rank in top 10 for beaches in Ireland with one recently being ranked as high as number 1!
Rossbeigh Beach
Found about 40km outside of Killarney, it takes on average 45 minutes to get out to Rossbeigh but the journey is well worth the destination at the end. Situated just outside the small village of Glenbeigh, this Blue Flag beach is renowned for its unparalleled views of the Iveragh and Dingle Peninsulas and holds a spot as one of Ireland’s top 10 beaches.
Dundag Beach
Killarney’s own hidden beach is a well known secret amongst the locals. Found a few minutes down the road from the entrance to Muckross House and Gardens, this little beach offers panoramic views of the mountains surrounding Killarney’s lakes to the south and west.
Fenit Beach
Found near Tralee, this small beach overlooks Dingle Peninsula and there are some lovely panoramic views to be seen. Another Blue Flag recipient this beach is extremely popular with swimmers and there is a life guard on duty all throughout the summer months. The beach is around a 50 minute drive from Killarney.
Inch Beach
Arguably the most popular and well known beach in Kerry, this Blue Flag beach stretches for 3 miles and is always packed with things to do throughout the Summer. The beach is ideal for bathing, sea angling, surfing and many other water sports. Found on the road to Dingle around 45 minutes outside of Killarney, this is a trip well worth making.
Coumeenoole Beach
The number 1 ranked beach in Kerry and always one of the top ranked in Ireland, Coumeenoole is a breathtaking location located on the Slea Head drive. This beach is famous as scenes from the film Ryan’s Daughter were filmed here, it is also a very popular spot for surfers due to the wind from the Atlantic ocean. With unparalleled scenic views of Dunmore Head and the Great Blasket Island, it is a must visit!
Derrynane Beach
Found just outside of the lovely village of Caherdaniel, Derrynane Beach is a lovely sheltered sandy beach with a natural harbour. Nearby is the Derrynane Abbey & burial ground with access to the beach available from nearby Derrynane House, a short walk away. Derrynane Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag and constantly ranks within the top 10 beaches in Ireland.
Ballinskelligs Beach
Balinskelligs Beach comes with its very own historical monument McCarthy Mór Castle, which was used back in the 1500’s to fend off pirates and is now an amazing backdrop on this Blue Flag beach.
Ballybunion Beach
Ballybuinon beach is in fact made up of two beaches separated by the ruins of an old castle. The beach left of the castle is called “Men’s Beach” while the beach on the right is referred to as “Ladies Beach” due to historically men bathing separately from women and children. Ballybunion Golf Club overlooks the beaches and the cliff that it is located on is a magnificent sight.
Kells Beach
Located near the idyllic town of Caherviceen, Kells beach is a small yet stunning beach with a small harbour. It is an idyllic spot or a day out on the northern coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula It is small and sheltered, the sand is fine and there are many rock pools to explore, fascinating for children.
Banna Beach
Banna Beach or Banna Strand, is filled with sand dunes along the entire beach that rise up to 12 metres. The beach also offers unparalleled views of Dingle Peninsula and is ranked as a top 10 beach in Ireland.
