13 Beaches In Killarney + Near Killarney With A Secret Spot!
As Killarney is not situated on the coast, you might be surprised to learn that there are some beaches in Killarney!
One is less than a 10-minute drive from the town centre!
Kerry, the county with the most Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, has so many beautiful beaches along its Atlantic Coastline that the hidden gems in Killarney are often overlooked.
Ger and I would never have found the beaches in Killarney without information from the locals! (More on this later… )
In this blog post, we will discuss the closest beaches to Killarney, our favourites and the beaches that only the locals know about.
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Side Note: Here Are Some Amazing Tours You Can Do In Killarney!
Best Beaches In Killarney
1. Dundag Beach
2. Rosie’s Beach
Beaches Near Killarney
3. Dooks Beach
4. Inch Beach
6. Banna Strand
7. Fenit Beach
9. Kells Bay Beach
10. Ventry Beach
12. Derrynane Beach
1. Dundag Beach
If you’re wondering where is the nearest beach to Killarney, Dundag Beach is just a 10-minute drive from the town!
It is also the most popular Killarney lake beach. It is a man-made beach just minutes from Muckross House in Killarney National Park.
Muckross House is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Killarney.
There are stunning walking trails around the house and gardens and even along the lake shore. You can also learn about the history of rural Ireland at the Muckross Traditional Farms.
This sandy beach on the shore of Muckross Lake is popular with tourists and locals alike.
Many people stumble across this beach when visiting Muckross House as it is so close and can be seen from the main path around the lake.
This is a great place to chill out on a sunny day in Killarney when you don’t want to face the long drive to the closest coastal beach in Kerry.
There are two ways to get to Dundag Beach:
1. Muckross House Car Park
You walk past Muckross House towards the lake and turn left along the main path. Follow this path past the boat house and you will see the entrance to Dundag Beach on your right.
2. Park Near The Boat House
As you drive through the Muckross House main entrance, you take the first left and drive as far as this parking area.
You can park here and walk to the beach. Go past the barrier and through this gate.
Walk down the hill and turn left when you see the main path. Follow this path until you see this sign for Torc Waterfall.
The entrance to Dundag Beach is directly across from it.
2. Rosie’s Beach
Rosie’s Beach is also on the shore of Muckross Lake but many locals don’t even know about this secluded spot!
If you’re looking for some cool things to do around Killarney, going on an adventure to a secret beach is one of the coolest things I could think of!
Ger and I are lucky to have a friend from the area that we met when we played gaelic football in Barcelona. He knows about all the best beaches and cool spots in Kerry and he told us how to get to this secret beach in Killarney.
We were amazed that this hidden gem isn’t more well known!
If you’re wondering is Killarney worth visiting, our adventure to Rosie’s Beach alone made it worth the trip!
This is how you get to Rosie’s Beach:
It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the Muckross House car park to Rosie’s Beach.
From the car park, head towards Muckross House. When you reach the main door head right along the main path and walk past the jaunting cars.
On a side note, if you’re wondering what is Killarney famous for… these jaunting cars are one of the main reasons.
You can even get a tour around Killarney National Park on a jaunting car if you want to see what all the fuss is about!
Now back to the directions!
Keep walking along the path past the jaunting cars.
Turn left at this crossroads, following the sign towards Dinis Cottage and the Meeting Of The Waters.
You will come to a fork in the road, and continue left along the main path.
Continue along the path through the stone wall (don’t go up the steps).
Eventually, you will come to this area, and the pathway to the beach is on the left directly across from the bench.
Don’t worry, the path gets clearer once you pass the tree line!
You just need to follow the dirt trail through the woods for about 10 minutes.
You will start to see the lake through the trees as you reach the end of the trail.
You have arrived at Rosie’s Beach!
Beaches Near Killarney
3. Dooks Beach
If you’re wondering what is the nearest beach to Killarney, Dooks Beach is the closest coastal beach to Killarney.
It is 39 minutes away from Killarney town. Dooks Beach often gets overlooked for the more popular Inch Beach and Rossbeigh Beach.
The easiest way to get to all the beaches near Killarney is by driving. We rented a car as it gave us flexibility and freedom.
We recommend DiscoverCars (it’s super affordable and reliable!).
There is no official car park at Dooks Beach so parking spaces by the beach are very limited. If you do get a space then you will get to experience a very secluded sandy beach just minutes from the village of Glenbeigh.
As this beach is secluded and there is no lifeguard service here we would not recommend swimming here.
4. Inch Beach
Inch Beach is a 40-minute drive from Killarney and one of the most popular beaches in Kerry. Inch is a beautiful sand spit that stretches 5km out into Dingle Bay.
Inch has plenty of parking with an official car park beside the beach but most people park on the beach itself.
Just make sure to move your car before the tide comes in!
When Ger and I visited we even saw a local farmer towing cars off the beach after they got stuck. Our friend said this happens a lot…
Moral of the story; move your car before the farmer has to do it for you!
Inch Beach is great for surfing, kayaking, swimming, walking and even fishing.
It is a Blue Flag Beach so there are lifeguards on duty during the summer. Just make sure to stay within the designated swimming area in front of the lifeguards.
Photo Credit: Tripadvisor
5. Rossbeigh Beach
Rossbeigh Beach is 45 minutes from Killarney. It is located just past the village of Glenbeigh.
Rossbeigh, just like Inch, also extends out into Dingle Bay but on the opposite side. You can even see Rossbeigh from Inch!
Rossbeigh Mountain provides some shelter at the beach making it a great place to chill out and go for a swim.
Rossbeigh Beach is a great location for walking, horse-trekking and watersports. There is even a playground right next to the beach.
6. Banna Strand
Banna Strand is about 47 minutes drive from Killarney. The beach stretches along 10km with large sand dunes
Banna Strand also has some historical significance in the battle for Irish freedom. Roger Casement, a diplomat and later an Irish Nationalist landed at Banna Beach in 1916 in an attempt to provide weapons for the Irish Revolutionaries.
Hence, the memorial to him is situated at Banna Beach.
Banna Beach is also a great place for surfing with a number of surf schools in the area.
7. Fenit Beach
Fenit Beach is about 50 minutes from Killarney.
Fenit is a sheltered sandy beach with calm waters making it very popular with swimmers. It is a Blue Flag Beach so there are lifeguards on duty here during the summer.
Fenit is also a great place for other water sports like sailing and kayaking.
8. Ballybunion Beach
Ballybunion Beach is 60 minutes from Killarney. This beach is actually split in two, the Men’s Beach and the Ladies Beach partitioned by a cliff and the Ballybunion Castle.
While the names actually did signify separate beaches for men and women in the past, this is not the case anymore. The names still remain but you can visit either beach regardless of gender.
With the high cliffs surrounding the beach, Ballybunion Beach is very sheltered and is a great place for sunbathing (if you get lucky with the Irish weather!).
It is also a Blue Flag Beach with lifeguards on duty during the summer making it a great place for swimming and watersports also.
9. Kells Bay Beach
Kells Bay is a beach with a small harbour on the Iveragh Peninsula. It takes about 65 minutes to get there from Killarney.
Kells Bay Beach is sheltered from the strong Atlantic currents providing calm waters which is great for swimmers.
You can also find parts of the Kerry Way trail and the Kells Bay Gardens in the area.
10. Ventry Beach
Ventry Beach is 75 minutes from Killarney. It is just past the fishing town of Dingle and also one of my favourite beaches in Kerry!
It is a beautiful sandy beach within Ventry Bay. The Bay provides shelter making this a great place to swim.
There is plenty of parking, public toilets, outdoor showers and lifeguards on duty during the summer.
11. Ballinskelligs Beach
Ballinskelligs Beach is an 80-minute drive from Killarney. It is situated in the southwest of the Iveragh Peninsula. This Blue Flag Beach sits in the Ballinskelligs Bay and is very popular with swimmers.
There are lifeguards on duty here during the summer and even swimming and life saving lessons available in the area.
12. Derrynane Beach
Derrynane Beach is quite a drive from Killarney but it is arguably the most beautiful beach in Kerry. It takes about 90 minutes to get to Derrynane from Killarney.
There’s free parking but this can fill up fast in the busy summer months.
Derrynane is a Blue Flag Beach but some areas are not safe to swim in. Look out for the signs and ask the lifeguards if unsure!
13. Coumeenoule Beach
Coumeenoule Beach is located on the western edge of the Dingle Peninsula. It takes about 90 minutes to get to Coumeenoule Beach from Killarney.
There is a small car park and some picnic tables where you can admire the amazing views of the beautiful sandy beach and the Atlantic coastline. There is a steep walk down to the beach from the car park.
There are very strong currents at this beach so it is NOT SAFE TO SWIM here.
Why You Shouldn’t Swim In The Lakes Of Killarney
Locals don’t normally swim in the Lakes of Killarney for a few different reasons.
The Lakes are quite large and have surprisingly strong currents and there are no lifeguards on duty.
Another reason to stay out of the water is that the lakes sometimes contain Blue-Green Algae, or cyanobacteria.
This is a build-up of algal bacteria in the water that can be harmful to humans and animals.
The water is tested regularly and the Kerry County Council issues warnings for people to avoid entering the water or letting pets in the water.
Blue Flag Beaches
The Blue Flag is an international award for beaches and marinas that meet a high environmental standard and also provide a high standard for cleanliness and safety facilities.
In 2023, County Kerry was awarded the most blue flags of any county in Ireland.
Irish Beach Weather
Don’t wait around for sunny days to go to the beach in Ireland! You might get lucky and end up at the beach during a heatwave but it’s more likely to be raining when you visit Ireland.
In either case, Irish beaches are beautiful and you should visit them no matter what the weather is like.
Irish beaches are very popular all year round, many people go for walks on the beach or go for a swim even in the Winter! (Cold water isn’t for me so I’m sticking to dry land for now!)
You can enjoy Irish beaches no matter what the weather is like, you just have to come prepared.
We always recommend people to bring a rain jacket (this rain jacket is great!) no matter what time of year they are visiting Ireland.
Where To Stay In Killarney
Luxury: The Europe Hotel and Resort
Description: The Europe is considered one of the fanciest hotels in Kerry. It has an amazing spa and brilliant restaurants.
Amenities: 3 swimming pools, 3 restaurants, spa, golf course nearby, free parking.
Local Attractions:
Price: €420 per night
Value: The Victoria Killarney
Description: The Victoria is a 4-star contemporary boutique hotel on Muckross Road in Killarney. The hotel’s location makes it a great base for exploring the beautiful Killarney National Park.
Amenities: free parking, free WiFi, hot tub, bicycle rental, bar, restaurant.
Local Attractions:
Price: €150 per night
Glamping: Killarney Glamping At The Grove
Description: This Killarney Glamping site is located in Ballycasheen, just 5 minutes drive from the town centre. There are glamping suites and luxury lodges to choose from.
Amenities: private bathroom, toiletires, kitchenette, double beds, heating, air-conditioning, bbq facilities, free parking.
Local Attractions:
Price: €135
FAQs About Beaches In Killarney
If you want to know more about beaches in Killarney and around the Kerry coastline, we’ve got you covered!
In the following section, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about this topic.
How Far Is The Beach From Killarney?
It’s a 39-minute drive to the nearest beach to Killarney, Dooks Beach. The nearest Blue Flag Beach is Rossbeigh which is 34 km away. Killarney is located in the centre of Kerry so it doesn’t have any coastal beaches but there are beaches on the shore of Muckross Lake such as Dundag and Rosie’s Beach.
Where Can I Swim In Killarney?
Rossbeigh Strand, Inch Strand, Ballybunion and Banna Strand are sandy beaches near Killarney where you can swim. You can swim in the Lakes of Killarney too but this is generally advised against as there are no lifeguards. Also, the lakes are sometimes contaminated with blue-green algae making it unsafe to enter the water.
How Long Is Banna Beach?
Banna Beach is about 10km long. It is one of the longest, sandy beaches in Kerry and also one of the most popular. It is a great beach for long walks and a safe place to swim. It is a Blue Flag beach so there are lifeguards on duty here during the summer.
Can You Swim On Inch Beach Kerry?
Inch Beach is usually safe for swimming. Inch is a Blue Flag beach so there are lifeguards on duty here during the summer months. As it is such a long beach there is a designated swimming area in front of the lifeguards marked off with flags. Always be cautious and follow the guidance from lifeguards.
Now you know all about the beaches in Killarney!
The beaches in Ireland are a great place to visit all year round but if you get lucky and have a warm sunny day then there’s no better place to be than an Irish beach.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful beaches in County Kerry, and now you even know about the hidden beaches in Killarney!
With this local knowledge, you can have the most unique experience when visiting Killarney.
You can choose between the beaches along the coast or if you just want to chill by the Lakes of Killarney you know where to go too!
If you want more information before starting your adventure around Ireland then check out the articles below.
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