| 1. Ballycarbery Beach. (5 mins - walk). This is a tidal flat, so it’s extremely safe. When the tide is out, stroll the beach looking at marine life under the rocks and in the tidal pools. When the tide is in, there is a sand bar on the west side of beach directly opposite the castle. This is ideal for playing in the sand, swimming or sunbathing. There is a terrific hike along the west side of this beach which brings you to Leaght Point with a stunning view of Valentia and Beginish Islands. You can cut across the fields at this point and get to the White Strand. If the opportunity arises, take a walk along the beach at night. Amazing!! |
 |
2. Cuas Crom. (5 min – drive) This beach is very popular with the locals. It’s in a sheltered cove without ocean currents and is great for swimming. This beach is also within a 15 minute walking distance from Ballycarbery House. |
|
3. White Strand. (5 min – drive). This is a big open beach with soft white sand. The view of Valentia Island and the coastal mountains is stunning. Exercise some caution with sea currents when swimming, although it is generally safe. This beach is also within walking distance from Ballycarbery House, but is slightly farther away than Cuas Crom. If walking, allow for a 20 minute walk. |
 |
4. Kells Bay. (15 mins) Just like Cuas Crom, this beach is in a lovely sheltered bay. The drive there is superb, taking you through the old woodland and tiny country roads of Kells Bay. It is well sheltered and quite safe for swimming. |
 |
5. Glanleam. (15 mins) This is another very well sheltered cove in Valentia Island. But it’s a very small beach and not well known by many outside of the local area. |
 |
6. The Glen. ( 15 mins) Not a beach for the faint hearted. Strong currents run across this beach making it quite dangerous but it’s a huge attraction for windsurfing. Stunning location. |
 |
7. Ballinskelligs Beach. (15 mins) This is definitely the most popular beach in the area. Long, long beach and very sandy. An added attraction is the adjacent hotel & pub for food and drinks. |
 |
8. Waterville. (15 mins) A great beach for walking but not well known for swimming or sunbathing due to it’s exposure to the ocean breezes. There are quite a few pubs and restaurants close by. |
 |
9. Rossbeigh Beach. (20 mins). Just outside the village of Glenbeigh, this huge sand spit reaches out into Dingle Bay. It’s a big open beach, a little exposed to the Atlantic, but very popular. There is a hotel beside the beach and a few pubs and restaurants in Glenbeigh village. |
 |
10. Derrynane Beach. This beach rivals Ballinskelligs for popularity. It’s a big open beach, highly popular for windsurfing and sailing. If the ocean side is too challenging for the casual swimmer, the other side of the dunes allows for a more relaxing play area. Local pubs serve food. |
|
