Wander the dunes
Sand dunes back the beach for almost its entire length, some rising as high as 12 m. The dune system is a protected Special Area of Conservation, so keep to the paths.
Banna Beach
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About
A 10 km stretch of Blue Flag sand north of Tralee, backed by dunes up to 12 m high and steeped in 1916 history.
Things to Do
Refuel at Salty Souls Cafe
A caravan cafe parked in the car park serves good coffee, pastries, cakes and savoury dishes such as chilli bowls, with vegan options available.
Walk the long strand
The beach runs for roughly 10 km from Ballyheigue in the north to Barrow in the south. Walk out and back, then loop back over the dunes for views across Tralee Bay to the Dingle Peninsula.
Swim, surf and kite-surf
Calm, consistent waves make Banna one of the best beaches in Kerry for learning to surf; Kingdom Waves Surf School runs lessons here. A full-time daily lifeguard service operates between June and August, with safe-to-swim areas marked.
Follow the Casement story
Sir Roger Casement landed here from a German U-boat in 1916 to smuggle arms for the Easter Rising. He was captured on the strand, and a monument to him and Robert Monteith stands near the dunes.
Plan Your Visit
- Admission: Free - this is an open public beach with no entry charge
- Parking: Extensive parking in the main car park, with space for around 100 vehicles. Disabled spaces have ramps leading directly onto the sand.
- Food: Salty Souls Cafe, a caravan in the car park, for coffee, pastries, cakes and savoury food (vegan options). Fuller restaurant choice is in Tralee, about a 20-minute drive away.
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