Walk down to the sand
A narrow path leads from the car park down to the golden strand. Come at low tide - as the tide comes in the sand all but disappears and you may not be able to get down to it at all.
Coumeenoole Beach
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About
A wild golden strand framed by steep cliffs on the Slea Head Drive, Coumeenoole pairs Atlantic drama with a serious warning: strong, unpredictable currents make swimming unsafe.
Things to Do
Climb to Dunmore Head
A steep grassy trail from the parking area climbs to the Dunmore Head viewpoint in about 15 minutes (longer in strong wind). The views are superb, but stay well back from the unguarded cliff edge.
Find the Ryan's Daughter stone
Beside the car park a commemoration stone marks where David Lean filmed Ryan's Daughter; it was erected in 1999, thirty years after the Oscar-winning film was made.
Drive the Slea Head loop
Coumeenoole is a key stop on the Slea Head Drive, a 38 km/24 mile loop from Dingle Town. Drive it clockwise to avoid tour buses head-on and allow at least three hours.
Coffee at Caife Na Tra
The little Caife Na Tra sits just before the beach and is the nearest spot for a coffee and a snack with a view.
Watch the surf
The bay catches the full force of the Atlantic, so expect big waves and strong, unpredictable currents. There are warning signs and no lifeguard; surfers come here but swimming is not safe.
Plan Your Visit
- Parking: Parking for around 25 cars right at the beach (some sources say fewer). Quiet in winter and autumn, packed out in summer.
- Food: No food at the beach. The Caife Na Tra coffee stop is just before Coumeenoole, and Dunquin, about 4 km away, has the nearest amenities.
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