
Beale Strand Kerry
A stunning, expansive sandy beach on the Wild Atlantic Way, perfect for invigorating walks and dramatic coastal views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Nature at its wildest

Beale Strand Kerry
Best Time
Nature at its wildest

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning, expansive sandy beach on the Wild Atlantic Way, perfect for invigorating walks and dramatic coastal views.
"Fantastic wide beach for a good walk, offering panoramic views and fresh air!"

🚶♀️ Perfect for Walks
Ideal for a long, refreshing walk, especially when the tide is out. Enjoy the fresh air and scenery!
⚠️ Swimming Not Advised
The currents at the mouth of the Shannon make swimming dangerous. Stick to walking and enjoying the views.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vast Sandy Shores
Beale Strand
Experience the immense beauty of a wide, sandy beach perfect for long, invigorating walks.

Panoramic Coastal Views
Beale Strand
Soak in breathtaking vistas of the coastline, especially dramatic in winter's wild embrace.

Wild Atlantic Way Stop
Beale Strand
An official stop on the iconic Wild Atlantic Way, offering a true taste of Ireland's rugged beauty.
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Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild Atlantic Way
Accessibility & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚶♀️ Perfect for Walks
Ideal for a long, refreshing walk, especially when the tide is out. Enjoy the fresh air and scenery!
⚠️ Swimming Not Advised
The currents at the mouth of the Shannon make swimming dangerous. Stick to walking and enjoying the views.
🚗 Parking Access
Access from the car park can be difficult for those with mobility issues. Plan accordingly.
📸 Wild Atlantic Way Gem
An official stop on the Wild Atlantic Way, offering stunning photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Perfect for Walks
Ideal for a long, refreshing walk, especially when the tide is out. Enjoy the fresh air and scenery!
⚠️ Swimming Not Advised
The currents at the mouth of the Shannon make swimming dangerous. Stick to walking and enjoying the views.
🚗 Parking Access
Access from the car park can be difficult for those with mobility issues. Plan accordingly.
📸 Wild Atlantic Way Gem
An official stop on the Wild Atlantic Way, offering stunning photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Beale Strand is praised for its vast, beautiful sandy beaches and stunning panoramic views, making it a fantastic spot for long walks, especially during the wilder winter months. However, visitors should be aware that swimming is dangerous due to strong currents, and access from the car park can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
"Long beach. Heavy sand. No shells to search through. Beach game is weak with this one. If you’re driving by and want a walk, it’s fine."
Alex Hampton
"Absolutely love it here, especially in winter, with Nature at her wildest. You get panoramic views, beautiful sandy beaches, and all the fresh air you could want! Just what the doctor ordered!"
Rachael Chapman-Enright
"Fantastic wide beach (when the tide is out) for a good walk. Not suitable for swimming as it's too dangerous and at the mouth of The Shannon so not as busy as Ballybunion for walkers."
Denise Moloney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Beale Strand is located near Ballybunion in County Kerry, Ireland, and is an official stop on the Wild Atlantic Way. Access is typically via local roads from Ballybunion. Be aware that the car park access can be challenging for some visitors.
Yes, there is a car park available. However, reviews suggest that access from the car park can be difficult, especially for those who are infirm or disabled, and may require improvements like new steps or a ramp.
Some tourist camper vans have been observed arriving, but there have been instances where they could not access the car park due to a barrier, leading them to leave or park on the road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Beale Strand is a natural beach and typically does not have an entrance fee. It's a public access area for enjoying the coastline.
As a natural beach, Beale Strand is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
No, swimming at Beale Strand is not recommended. It is located at the mouth of the Shannon River, making the currents too dangerous for swimming.
Beale Strand is primarily ideal for long walks along its wide, sandy shores. It's a great place to enjoy fresh air and panoramic coastal views, especially during low tide.
Reviews suggest that the beach is mostly heavy sand with few shells to search through, so it may not be the best spot for shell collectors.
Compared to nearby Ballybunion, Beale Strand is generally less busy, offering a more peaceful experience for walkers and nature lovers.
The beach consists of heavy sand, which can make walking more challenging but also contributes to its vastness when the tide is out.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic coastal views and the expansive sandy beach itself are prime photography subjects. The dramatic scenery, especially in winter, offers unique shots.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful light for photography. Visiting during low tide will reveal more of the sandy expanse.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing beach toys for sand play, but don't expect a wide variety of shells for collecting. The focus here is on the expansive landscape and fresh air. If you have family members with mobility issues, the current access situation might make this beach less suitable for a comfortable family outing.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
Being an official stop on the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s a great place to experience the raw beauty of the Irish coast. The fact that it's generally less crowded than nearby Ballybunion means you can often have large stretches of the beach to yourself, enhancing the peaceful and reflective experience. Just remember to prioritize safety and avoid swimming.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
While it's a great spot for a scenic stop and a walk, be aware of the potential parking access issues, especially if you're in a larger vehicle or have mobility concerns. It's best suited for a brief visit to enjoy the views and a walk, rather than a full day's activity, given the limited amenities and swimming restrictions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Beale Strand: A Walker's Paradise
This stretch of coastline is also a significant point on the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland's famed scenic driving route. Visitors can expect panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the powerful Atlantic Ocean. The beach's natural beauty is particularly striking in winter, when nature displays its wildest side, offering dramatic and atmospheric scenes. This makes it a compelling stop for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
It's crucial to note that Beale Strand is not suitable for swimming due to dangerous currents at the mouth of the Shannon River. Instead, visitors should focus on enjoying the beach for its walking potential and scenic beauty. The relative lack of crowds compared to nearby Ballybunion adds to its appeal for those seeking a more tranquil experience.
Navigating Access and Amenities at Beale Strand
The car park itself has also presented challenges, with some reports of tourist camper vans being unable to access it due to a barrier. This has led to visitors either leaving the area or resorting to parking on the roadside, which is not ideal. Travelers planning to visit by car, especially larger vehicles, should be prepared for potential parking limitations or seek alternative arrangements if possible.
Despite these access challenges, Beale Strand remains a worthwhile stop for its natural beauty and its status as an official point on the Wild Atlantic Way. The advice from travelers suggests that while the beach itself is wonderful for a walk, being prepared for the access and parking situation is key to a smooth visit.




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