Our Top 10 Beaches in Kerry

When it comes to exploring some of the most amazing beaches our country has to offer, Kerry has it all. We have put together our Top 10 Favourite Beaches in Kerry to visit during your stay at The Gleneagle!

6 beaches in Kerry have landed spots in the Top 10 beaches in Ireland by TripAdvisor. These awards recognize the best beaches in Ireland according to the travelers that have visited, giving them the highest levels of praise.

Dundag Beach

Distance from Killarney: 2km

Driving Time: 3 mins

Dundag beach skirts the rocky promontory known as Dundag Point. At Dundag Point, there is a panoramic view of the mountains bounding Killarney’s lakes to the south and west. A little further along is the secluded Dundag Beach, lined with Scots Pine a real retreat for locals and tourists alike.

Fenit Beach

Distance from Killarney: 46km

Driving Time: 49 mins

Fenit Strand is a popular sandy beach located in Ballinskelligs, Co. Kerry. It is a small beach with beautiful views across to the Dingle Peninsula. Awarded with a Blue Flag Award, Fenit beach is sheltered and popular for swimming, sailing, kayaking and is a fisherman’s paradise.

Rossbeigh Beach

Distance from Killarney: 40km

Driving Time: 46 mins

Rossbeigh Beach is a long spit of sand, beach, and dunes, about 2km from Glenbeigh village, ideally located on the Ring of Kerry.
Accredited with the Blue Flag status, the beach is an excellent amenity for many watersports and is renowned for its unparalleled views of the Iveragh and Dingle Peninsulas and holds a spot as one of Ireland’s top 10 beaches.

Inch Beach

Distance from Killarney: 44km

Driving Time: 45 mins

Inch Beach is three miles of sandy beach, ideal for bathing, sea angling, surfing, and many other water sports. It is located on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry and easily accessible on the Killarney to Dingle route. his beach is a safe environment for all types of water sports including surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, and kite surfing. It currently holds Blue Flag status and holds a spot as one of Ireland’s top 10 beaches.

Banna Beach

Distance from Killarney: 51km

Driving Time: 51 mins

Banna Beach also known as Banna Strand is situated in Tralee Bay. It features sand dunes along its entire length which rise up to 12 meters. The mountains of the Dingle Peninsula can be seen on the southwest horizon. Banna Beach also holds a spot as one of Ireland’s Top 10 beaches.

Kells Beach

Distance from Killarney: 54km

Driving Time: 60 mins

Small but sweet Kells Beach is a sandy beach with a small harbor. It is an idyllic spot for 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.

Ballybunion Beach

Distance from Killarney: 71km

Driving Time: 70 mins

Ballybunion Beach also known as Ladies Beach has an extensive rock formation and some shallow caves to explore at low tide. From here there is also a path which leads round to a beautiful beach that is overlooked by an old convent. This beach is known as Nun’s beach and is approximately a 20-minute walk from Ballybunion North Beach. Ballybunion beach has received the International Blue Flag award and also holds a spot as one of Ireland’s Top 10 Beaches.

Ballinskelligs Beach

Distance from Killarney: 80km

Driving Time: 80 mins

Ballinskelligs Beach is an extensive sandy beach, approx 1km in length, located just 2km from the village of Dungeagan. Well known for its long golden sand and clear water, Ballinskelligs Beach comes complete with an old castle ruin known locally as McCarthy Mór Castle. It was used back in the 15th & 16th centuries to guard against pirates and makes for a lovely backdrop to Ballinskelligs Beach which is also Blue Flag listed.

Derrynane Beach

Distance from Killarney: 69km

Driving Time: 80 mins

Derrynane Beach is a lovely sheltered sandy beach with a natural harbor. Located on the Ring of Kerry, the beach is 2 miles from the village of Caherdaniel. 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 beach accolade and features as one of Ireland’s Top 10 Beaches.

Coumeenoole Beach

Distance from Killarney: 82km

Driving Time: 80 mins

In 2017 Coumeenoole Beach was voted as Ireland’s No.1 Beach in the TripAdvisor Awards. Truly noted as one of the most spectacular beaches in Ireland. This beach is famous as scenes from the film Ryan’s Daughter were filmed here, it is also a very popular spot for surfers. With unparalleled scenic views of Dunmore Head and the Great Blasket Island, it is a must-visit on your next trip to Kerry. It still holds a place as one of Ireland’s Top 10 beaches.