Beaches in and near Tralee

Ballyheigue

An extensive sandy beach. Beach runs from the village of Ballyheigue southwards for over 3km as far as Black Rock or to the outlet from Lough Akeragh. The beach is lifeguarded June to August 12-7. ... more

With Ireland's unspoilt coastline stretching over 1400 km, it is no wonder that more than 80 of the country's beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status. This designation guarantees a first-class beach vacation second to none in Europe, with clean, safe swimming waters and pristine sands all making for an idyllic coastal holiday.

Northern Ireland boasts a beautiful coastline with both sandy and pebbled beaches that are places of glorious natural beauty as well as perfect locations for a relaxing seaside holiday. No fewer than eight of Northern Ireland's beaches have been designated with coveted blue flags, and you'll have an amazing time on the Northern shore whether you're swimming, surfing, or just taking a leisurely stroll and taking in the magnificent view.

Ballycastle, on the breathtaking North Antrim coast near Portstewart, is a friendly seaside town offering a beautiful and very popular beach. Set against the dramatic rocky outcrop of Fairhead, Ballycastle beach is loved for its safe paddling as well as its stunning views. From the shore you can see Pans Rocks, a popular site for fishermen, and 'Devil's Churn', a hole in the rock that forms an underwater tunnel to the sea, and provides a spectacular sight as the powerful force of the water churns through it.

Shell collectors and nature lovers will enjoy Benone Strand in Portstewart with its magnificent backdrop of mountains and cliffs and awe-inspiring views across to Donegal. Its golden sands and towering sand dunes stretch on for 11 km, making for an unspoilt beach wilderness that is known for its interesting shells and plant life. To top it off, the water is crystal clear and ideal for swimming. Benone also features a supervised playground, paddling pool and golf club, providing an ideal family beach holiday in a beautiful setting.

Portstewart Strand features an important dune system, which is home to rare birds, insects, butterflies and orchids. Watersports enthusiasts will love this beach, as activities include surfing, windsurfing and jet ski-ing. Nearby Portrush West Strand is a long sandy beach in the heart of the lively resort of Portrush, with spectacular views of the coast and Portrush Harbour.

County Kerry has about 140 km of sandy beaches, ranging from quiet sheltered coves ideal for swimming to exposed stretches of sand that are pounded by the huge Atlantic surf and perfect for adventurous watersports. Ballybunion is one of the best, with golden sands stretching on for miles. Towering cliffs at one end are surmounted by a ruined castle, making for a picturesque scene. Ballybunion forms part of a natural heritage area because of its extensive, protected dune system, and a rich variety of sea birds can be seen on its shoreline.

Derryane, near Caherdaniel on the famous Ring of Kerry, boasts a large, sandy beach, near a natural heritage site, and features breathtaking coastal scenery of greenery and mountains. Rossbeigh Beach in Glenbeigh is also part of a protected conservation area, with significant fauna and flora around its 7km of clean sands and dunes. Rossbeigh has lovely views across to nearby Inch Strand, and adventurous swimmers take up the challenge of crossing the bay between the two beaches at certain times of the year. If you're not feeling that daring, the beach is perfect for many other seaside activities, including swimming, picknicking or even windsurfing in a small inlet between the dunes.

In Southern Donegal, pack your bathing suit and surfboard and head to Bundoran, a sandy beach also facing Donegal Bay and the Atlantic, that is especially popular with surfers. The resort town of Bundoran has a Waterworld and a funfair to enjoy when you're not sunning yourself or catching some waves at the beach.

Silverstrand near Galway is particularly suited to younger families, as it is lifeguarded daily during peak season, from May to September. The small but enchanting beach faces Galway Bay, which makes for sensational views.

Another magnificent Blue Flag beach in Ireland is Clonea Strand in Waterford. The kilometre-long sandy beach is lifeguarded throughout the bathing season and there are camping facilities, a holiday resort and golf course nearby. The white sands and clear waters of Clonea Strand provide a perfect spot for swimming or just relaxing under a sun umbrella.

Port Lurganboy, near Drogheda is a beautifully remote rural beach, with a mature dune area ideal for picknickers, and clear inviting waters for bathers. Like many of Ireland's lovely beaches, it has stunning views. On a clear day you can see all the way across to the Mourne mountains.

Sand-and-sea lovers will find Ireland's beaches a joy, with their perfect mix of natural beauty and holiday fun.