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Beaches
Sitting at the most westerly edge of Ireland, Kerry boasts some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Europe. From popular family spots to immaculate secluded strands, there is a favourite beach for everyone in Kerry. Many of Kerry’s coastal towns and villages provide lodging, pubs, markets and more to ensure you enjoy your stay, whether it’s for an afternoon or a summer.
Kerry is home to the the highest number of Blue Flag beaches nationally with 13 beaches and 2 marinas being award Blue Flag status which measures specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management. Green Coast Awards have also been presented to Ballinskelligs, Béal Bán, Castlegregory and Littor beaches
Locals and visitors alike enjoy a range of water activities, from surfing to snorkelling, kayaking, cruises, and even seaweed walks. We've included a helpful guide for you to plan activities on the water and along the coast!
BLUE FLAG BEACHES
The Blue Flag programme aims to raise environmental awareness and promote sound environmental management of beaches, marinas and inland bathing waters around the world.
Ballinskelligs Beach
Ballinskelligs Beach is an extensive sandy beach located in a rural environment just 2km south of the village of Dungeagan in County Kerry.
Ballybunion North & South
Split by a cliff with old castle ruins, Ballybunion beach was historically divided into men's and women's sections. Those days are long gone and nowadays the beach is a busy hub of families and kids having fun during the summer. A busy town with plenty of pubs and eateries, Ballybunion is a vibrant summer town with one of the most famous golf courses in the world.
Ballyheigue Beach
Ballyheigue Blue Flag Beach is an extensive sandy beach located beside Ballyheigue in County Kerry. It looks out over Tralee Bay and is great place for swimming, surfing, walking and other water sports activities
Banna Beach
Not too far from Fenit, you will find Banna Strand, one of the most beautiful and historic beaches in Ireland. Famous for its lengthy beach with stunning vistas and many sand dunes, the strand was immortalised in a song called “The Long Banna Strand,” which tells the story of how Sir Roger Casement was caught hiding in the dunes while trying to smuggle arms into Ireland in 1916.
Fenit Beach
Fenit Beach is located not too far from the pretty fishing village that bears the same name in a designated natural heritage area renowned for its flora and fauna. Fenit is located close to Fenit Harbour in County Kerry. This is a sandy beach and is also a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and proposed Natural Heritage Area (pNHA). The Tralee to Fenit Greenway terminates at the beach!
Inch Beach
Inch Strand, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and the longest beach in Ireland. Inch Beach is three miles of sandy beach, ideal for bathing, sea angling, surfing and many other water sports. It stretches as far as the eye can see, and the view is untouched for centuries.
Maharabeg Beach is located on the northern side of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, in the South West of Ireland, on the Maharees Peninsula 3 miles north of Castlegregory. It is about 6 miles long in its entirety and stretches from the hamlet of Fahamore along to Fermoyle Strand. It forms part of a protected Special Area of Conservation. It is an family beach with lots of water activities.
Rossbeigh Beach
A stunning sandy beach with a rural backdrop and incredible views, the whole area is a designated Natural Heritage Area and a Special Area of Conservation. Rossbeigh Blue Flag Beach is located 2 miles from the village of Glenbeigh in County Kerry. It is an extensive sandy beach in a rural environment and is great for swimming, walking, surfing and a wide range of other activities
White Strand Beach
White Strand is a beautiful, sandy beach located in Cahersiveen, County Kerry. There are stunning views of Valentia Island and Beginish Island, with marked walks nearby.
Ventry Beach
Ventry Beach is a beautiful crescent shaped beach located in the Gaeltacht village of Ventry in County Kerry. It is a sandy beach with a small dune system, rich in flora and fauna.
GREEN COAST BEACHES
The Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment, water quality and natural beauty. County Kerry has four Green Coast Award Beaches.
Ballinskelligs
This is one kilometre of immaculate sandy beach lying in Ballinskelligs Bay, and overlooked by McCarthys Castle. Separated from Ballinskelligs pier by Ballinskelligs Abbey, the beach is one of the best kept secrets in South Kerry and has been a favourite with local families for many years.
Béal Bán
Nestled by Smerwick Harbour in the village of Ballyferriter, Béal Bán (White Mouth), the beach is very popular, it is sheltered from the wind, and is a prime spot for swimming, water sports, and cycling. Béal Bán is known for its horse and pony races in the past.
Castlegregory
Castlegregory beach is a 4-5 km stretch of interconnected beaches in Tralee Bay. The surrounding landscape is dominated by dunes and lush fertile farmland.
Littor
Littor Beach is located in the north of Kerry and just a short distance for Asdee village, on the Ballybunion /Ballylongford/Tarbert Road. The beach has fine golden sand and clear water. The area around Littor strand has stunning views of the Shannon estuary.
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