The last wall of a 16th-century Fitzmaurice tower house, still standing 12 m tall on the headland that splits Ballybunion's two Blue Flag beaches. Free to visit, with open Atlantic views on both sides.
Built by the Geraldine Fitzmaurices around 1500 inside an earlier promontory fort, then destroyed by Lord Kerry in 1582. Its 12 m east wall is all that survives, with a souterrain discovered in 1987 running from the south cliff face but caved in before it reaches the castle. There is little to climb; the position over the beaches is the point.
An easy, fairly flat loop from the Cliff House Hotel around the headland past the Nine Daughters' Hole blowhole to Nun's Beach and back through the village; allow an hour. Erosion is a real hazard, so keep back from the edge even for photos.
Two Blue Flag strands divided by the castle headland, reached by large, very steep concrete paths. Ladies' Beach (north) is the calmer family side, with shallow caves in the cliffs; Men's Beach (south) is the surf side. Nun's Beach beyond has no safe access — admire it from above.
Men's Beach takes the Atlantic swell, with a long-established surf school running lessons and board hire. The waves are consistent without being intimidating, which makes it a good place to learn.
On Ladies' Strand and going for the best part of a century, these baths offer hot seawater pumped fresh from the Atlantic with seaweed for tired muscles — around €20 for a 30-minute soak, drop-in with no booking.
Opened in 2005, the playground caters for children up to 12 and sits ideally close to the beach, with parking facilities nearby.
Founded in 1893, the club's Old Course is consistently ranked among the world's best links; the Robert Trent Jones Cashen Course runs alongside it. Green fees are steep and summer tee times go months ahead, so book well in advance.
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