A Blue Flag strand on the sheltered western edge of Ballinskelligs Bay, backed by a 15th-century tower house and the ruins of a 12th-century abbey, and sitting at the heart of the Kerry Dark-Sky Reserve.
The beach earned Blue Flag status in 1990 for water quality. The bay is fairly sheltered and shallow, making it a good swim spot, with a full lifeguard service through July and August — check the signs in the car park for exact times.
The smooth, golden sand arcs for just over a kilometre and is ideal for strolling, sunbathing and building sandcastles, with views out across Ballinskelligs Bay and towards the Skelligs.
A five-minute walk from the beach, the ruined 15th-century tower house sits on a thin spit of rock jutting into the sea. Much has crumbled but the ancient stairways are largely intact, giving fine views from the top.
Ballinskelligs Abbey separates the beach from Ballinskelligs Pier. The crumbling ruins and ancient graves look out over the bay; the abbey itself has no parking, so leave the car at the beach.
Specially adapted Hippocampe beach wheelchairs, free of charge, are available on Ballinskelligs beach for visitors with mobility issues. They must be booked in advance and run through July and August.
The beach is the showpiece of a Gaeltacht village with five music venues, an annual regatta and festival, walking routes and boat trips to Skellig Michael, all within the Kerry Dark-Sky Reserve.
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