Derrynane Beach
Derrynane Beach
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10 within 5 kms
Attractions
23 within 10 kms
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- Shane LDundalk, Ireland10 contributionsVery clean and clear water beach!!Super beach with crystal clear water - I was amazed how clear it was. Its very busy in high season especially on a good day so for parking I would recommend getting there before 12 o'clock to have any chance of a decent space, after that its chaos!! There is a bit of a walk to the beach but there are lifeguards on duty which is good. Very clean, toilets access is also good - highly recommend a visit. We stayed in Kenmare so it was about 1hr spin but roads are good but busy.Visited August 2020Written 12 August 2020
- Jaimee GUrbana, Illinois435 contributionsLovely Beach, Worth the StopWe stopped here for about an hour during our Ring of Kerry drive and it was really beautiful and not crowded. My son enjoyed running around (water is extremely cold, though calm enough for kids to swim/wade) and my parents enjoyed a stroll over to the cemetery. Gorgeous sand, rocks, and sea birds. The day we visited, there was a beached minke whale. Toilets just up a short trail from the free car park, which had lots of space. Derrynane House just nearby. Definitely worth the stop along the Ring of Kerry- especially with kids.Visited June 2022Written 23 June 2022
- The Navigator113 contributionsThe secret is out .In a county with loads of great beaches this is close to our no. 1 . The water is so clear and pure and the sand is pristine . The Irish historical figur Daniel O Connell lived close by and the rumours that the family smuggled things around here is very plausible when you see this location. Highly recommended.Visited July 2021Travelled with familyWritten 1 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
350 reviews
Excellent
306
Very good
42
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Emily O
Mullingar, Ireland1,192 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Stunning gem of a blue flag beach even on a grey cool 'Irish summer' day that will take your breath away. Staffed by lifeguards during the summer months. GO SLOW on the twisty ferny narrow road down to the beach as it is one car width mostly with few pull in spaces to deal with oncoming cars. We didn't explore the OPW heritage site of Derrynane house as the beach was calling us on our first time to this area. Our children both aged under the age of 5 thoroughly enjoyed their dip and paddle and digging in the sand. Lots to explore at this beach: Rockpools and the ruins of an Abbey and graveyard. Carpark with wheelchair parking but not really wheelchair accessible from what I could see unless I missed a trick. Bins: check. Public toilets: 2 toilets in the ladies which were checked whilst I was there. Worth the long drive to get here and bonus if the sun greets you whilst here. We will return one day and hopefully the sun smiles on us that day here.
Written 7 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gringottsgoblin
dublin356 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
I’ve been coming here for over fifty years. I never tire of it. It is in my opinion one of the most stunning places in Ireland. I have stayed here for weeks at a time and surfed and fished and gone out the islands of Scarriff and Deenish and of course the Skelligs. Both the Derrynane and Lambs Head side of the bay are amazing. On the Derrynane side it is more organised and there is good parking and Derrynane house and Abbey Island and Derrynane Harbour. On the Lambs Head side it’s wilder, more difficult to park but has astounding views. Frankly It’s all amazing and if you stop at just one beach in Kerry make it this one. There’s something so utterly perfect about this beach. It’s not the biggest beach but it’s just lovely. Though do be careful as some segments can be a bit tricky at the Derrynane end but if you are aware you won’t get in trouble ..Go !! Enjoy and don’t hurry away! It’s a captivating place
Written 19 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
robthebruce1314
Lisburn, UK45 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Really stunning beach, worth the drive. Lifeguards patrolling and helpful. The old ruins/cemetery is a nice walk too. Not much in the way of services like food/drink so pack your own.
Written 23 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HopperC
Dublin, Ireland7 contributions
Jun 2022
This is a beauriful beach and you should not pass by without goind for a walk on it. Visit Abbey Island and Derrynane Harbour
Written 28 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaimee G
Urbana, IL435 contributions
Jun 2022
We stopped here for about an hour during our Ring of Kerry drive and it was really beautiful and not crowded. My son enjoyed running around (water is extremely cold, though calm enough for kids to swim/wade) and my parents enjoyed a stroll over to the cemetery. Gorgeous sand, rocks, and sea birds. The day we visited, there was a beached minke whale. Toilets just up a short trail from the free car park, which had lots of space. Derrynane House just nearby. Definitely worth the stop along the Ring of Kerry- especially with kids.
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia @Scrumptious Solent
Southampton, UK2,305 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Gorgeous views in all directions and a beautiful samdy beach with a nature reserve behind. Stop off for an hour or so on your ring of Kerry visit and you won’t regret it! No cafe but there is a toilet and lifeguard near the free car park.
Written 15 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
reisender34
Germany33 contributions
Sep 2021
This beach is mus visit in Irland. Perfect water, perfect beach. Kids can explore and play on the beach.
Written 2 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia F
Cork, Ireland120 contributions
Jun 2021
Added advantage of being near Derrynane House which is terrific and has a great restaurant outdoors.
Written 17 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Navigator
113 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
In a county with loads of great beaches this is close to our no. 1 . The water is so clear and pure and the sand is pristine . The Irish historical figur Daniel O Connell lived close by and the rumours that the family smuggled things around here is very plausible when you see this location.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
Written 1 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Siofra C
2 contributions
Apr 2021
An amazing beach with golden sand, crystal water and stunning views. Made all the more special by the history and heritage of Caherdaniel.
Written 13 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is wild camping allowed at derrynane, we wouldn’t be on the sand or the dunes, if we found some grassy area around would it be okay, it’s just 10 of us and we’ll be quiet and not litter ?
gringottsgoblin
dublin356 contributions
You would need to ask the landowner before camping on their land
Hi, I've never camped wild before and am thinking of going with my 2 teens. Can we light a fire to cook on while camping there and we have a 5 man tent, are there big enough spaces to put up this size of tent? Thanks, Fi.
LuimneachAbu
Limerick5 contributions
Is there a campsite in Derrynanne
checktwice
Cork, Ireland210 contributions
Wave Crest Caravan & Camping Park
Caherdaniel
Cheryl F
3 contributions
Is camping allowed on the grass areas
Eddiebyrne
167 contributions
The beach at derrynane is within the grounds of the national park within that area, rough camping is is not discouraged, but there was an instant in 2017 where roughly 60 partygoers held a mini musical festival within the sand dunes and it was an unorganized event and the litter that was left behind was a disgrace and Kerry county council were not impressed but didn’t nitrate any action on any person or persons. You can as I understand rough camp at the beach but just take care that you may be approached by somebody from the parks authority while your there but it shouldn’t come to anything negative just leave the place as you find it and no litter. It’s a beautiful place and the beach is fantastic, you can drive down to the car park Near the sand dunes and beach but be careful, there is a height restriction barrier at the entrance to the car park so check the height of your vehicle vs the height limit on the barrier so that you won’t damage the roof of your car or mini van etc or travel roofbox. The height barrier is there to prevent camper vans entering The car park. Watch the currents in the water there is a very small island about 200 yards of the beach and the tides come in and go out around the island and it creates a nasty cross current in the water so don’t go out to far. There’s normally a lifeguard on duty you will see the lifeguard station very visibly when you arrive and they will take care of you if your in the water, have a great time 👍
maryroche123
County Cork, Ireland
Hi ,I wonder if anyone knows the name of the camping site just as you drive out of Derry name beach and drive up to the left, we were in Derrynane beach last week and I would love to go back and spend the night in the there, they were booked out last week ,there's a nice little bar beside it, just can't remember the name :-):-):-)
Catriona O
Thurles, Ireland10 contributions
Wavecrest Caravan Park. it is only about 1km from Derrynane Beach. beautiful spot..
donna l
3 contributions
are we aloud to swim
clevercat123
limerick43 contributions
There is a life guard there. I would check with him as the beach looks lovely and there are perfect spots to swim but there are parts with rocks also for those that do not know the beach. When you come into the parking lot you will see his cabin. The beach also have life rings scattered around. I love kerry and have done a lot of the beaches there and it is my favourite. It has beauty and is not over crowded. If you do decided to go there come in to caherdaniel and turn right at the pub *that is right with back to waterville. There is another road and all i can say is tight and heart in mouth job:) Hope that this helps.
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Claim your listingDERRYNANE BEACH: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Derrynane Beach
- We recommend booking Derrynane Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Derrynane Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Derrynane Beach:
- (2.19 km) Thidwick Bed and Breakfast
- (7.84 km) Butler Arms Hotel
- (9.40 km) Currane Lodge
- (2.96 km) Wave Crest Caravan & Camping Park
- (2.82 km) The Olde Forge B&B
- Restaurants near Derrynane Beach:
- (0.50 km) The Tea Rooms Derrynane
- (2.71 km) The Blind Piper
- (3.90 km) O'Carroll's Cove
- (7.75 km) The Lobster Bar & Restaurant
- (7.84 km) An Corcan Restaurant
- Attractions near Derrynane Beach:
- (0.33 km) Irish Fairy Trails
- (0.54 km) Derrynane House
- (0.52 km) Abbey Island
- (0.71 km) Derrynane Walk
- (2.32 km) Ring of Kerry