A vast 10 km Blue Flag strand backed by towering 12-metre dunes, where Atlantic surf meets Irish revolutionary history on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Banna's consistent Atlantic swell and sandy seabed make it one of Kerry's best beginner-to-intermediate surf breaks. Kingdom Waves Surf School — ISA-approved with 15+ years' experience — runs group lessons, private coaching, summer kids' camps, and equipment hire right on the beach. Kite-surfing and windsurfing are also popular when the wind picks up.
The strand runs roughly 10 km from Ballyheigue in the north to Barrow Beach in the south. Walk the firm sand at low tide, then loop back through the dune system — a designated Special Area of Conservation rising to 12 metres. The North Kerry Way coastal walking trail passes through, offering a quieter alternative to the Dingle and Kerry Way routes.
Lifeguards patrol daily from June through August, with safe swimming zones clearly flagged. The shallow waters near shore are ideal for paddling and sandcastles. Join the informal Sunday morning swimming group that gathers near Salty Souls Café — newcomers are always welcome.
On Good Friday 1916, Sir Roger Casement landed here from a German U-boat in a failed attempt to arm the Easter Rising. A stone monument, erected in 1966, stands about 500 metres south of the main car park. Nearby, Casement's Fort — the ringfort where he was arrested — and the remains of old shipwrecks visible at low tide add to the beach's storied past.
A quirky vintage caravan parked in the main car park, Salty Souls serves barista coffee (Badger & Dodo), homemade sweet treats, campfire hot chocolate, and savoury bites including vegan chilli bowls and doorstop toasties. Open daily June–August, weekends only the rest of the year. Eco-friendly: compostable cups, free-range eggs, and free used coffee grounds for your garden.
The dune system and Carrahane lagoon at the southern end are a haven for migratory wildfowl and shorebirds. Bring binoculars — you might spot seals on the sandbanks or even dolphins cruising the waves on a calm day.
Load the interactive map to explore this place location.
