Clogher Strand
A stunning, often tranquil beach on the Dingle Peninsula's Slea Head Drive, famed for dramatic coastal views and an invigorating cliff walk.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical light
Clogher Strand
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning, often tranquil beach on the Dingle Peninsula's Slea Head Drive, famed for dramatic coastal views and an invigorating cliff walk.
"This hidden gem on the Slea Head Drive is breathtaking, especially when you get it to yourself!"
⚠️ No Swimming Zone
Powerful currents make swimming dangerous. Enjoy the views, but stay out of the water!
🥾 Hike the Cliff Path
The cliff walk offers incredible views. Wear sturdy hiking boots as it can be muddy and windy.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Clogher Strand Beach
Dingle Peninsula
A beautiful, often quiet beach with dramatic coastal views, perfect for photography and soaking in the wild Atlantic atmosphere.
Slea Head Drive Views
Along the R559
The drive itself offers unparalleled vistas of the Atlantic, Blasket Islands, and rugged coastline. Stop often!
Cliff Walk
Between Clogher and Sybil Head
An invigorating walk with spectacular panoramic views of the coastline and the 'Sleeping Giant' island.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild Atlantic Way
Prepare for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⚠️ No Swimming Zone
Powerful currents make swimming dangerous. Enjoy the views, but stay out of the water!
🥾 Hike the Cliff Path
The cliff walk offers incredible views. Wear sturdy hiking boots as it can be muddy and windy.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit during sunrise or sunset for breathtaking light and stunning photography opportunities.
🚗 Scenic Drive Essential
Clogher Strand is part of the iconic Slea Head Drive. Allow ample time to explore the entire route.
Tips
from all over the internet
⚠️ No Swimming Zone
Powerful currents make swimming dangerous. Enjoy the views, but stay out of the water!
🥾 Hike the Cliff Path
The cliff walk offers incredible views. Wear sturdy hiking boots as it can be muddy and windy.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit during sunrise or sunset for breathtaking light and stunning photography opportunities.
🚗 Scenic Drive Essential
Clogher Strand is part of the iconic Slea Head Drive. Allow ample time to explore the entire route.
🤫 Quiet Escape
Often less crowded than other beaches due to swimming advisories, making it ideal for a peaceful visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Clogher Strand is lauded for its breathtaking beauty and dramatic coastal scenery, making it a photographer's paradise. Visitors appreciate its often quiet atmosphere and the stunning views from the nearby cliff walk. However, the strong currents mean swimming is not recommended, and the cliff path can be challenging.
"Very well maintained beach. There are signs showing that swimming not recommended however, may be too strong currents. Highly recommended visit though for nice pictures!"
Jean-Francois LeBlanc
"The beach is beautiful, but the 2 mile cliff wall loop was amazing. Highly recommend it, wear hiking boots."
Berkley Wilson
"No swimming here and it’s easy to see why - powerful undercurrents pack a punch. I wonder if this is what makes it less busy than other nearby swim safe spots. Either way it’s breathtaking and a wonderful spot to bring a book, eat some lunch and enjoy."
Shauna Dickson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Clogher Strand is located on the R559, part of the famous Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula. The best way to reach it is by car, allowing you to stop at various viewpoints along the drive. Public transport options are limited, so renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the peninsula.
Yes, Clogher Strand is a prominent stop along the incredibly scenic Slea Head Drive, offering stunning coastal views.
Yes, there is road access directly to Clogher Strand, with parking available nearby. The drive itself is part of the experience.
Many visitors recommend driving the Slea Head Drive, stopping at viewpoints like Clogher Strand, and exploring the charming town of Dingle.
The nearest major town is Dingle, which offers accommodation, dining, and other amenities. You'll also find smaller hamlets along the Slea Head Drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Clogher Strand is a public beach and there are no entrance fees. You can visit and enjoy the scenery freely.
Clogher Strand is accessible at all times, as it is an outdoor natural attraction. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
Yes, there is parking available near Clogher Strand, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
The main advisory is that swimming is not recommended due to strong currents. Otherwise, it's a public access beach.
Absolutely! Clogher Strand is a perfect stop on a day trip exploring the Dingle Peninsula and the Slea Head Drive.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Swimming is strongly discouraged at Clogher Strand due to powerful and dangerous undercurrents. It's a beautiful spot for viewing, not swimming. +1
Visitors can enjoy the beach for its scenic beauty, take photographs, relax, and explore the nearby cliff walk for stunning panoramic views.
The cliff walk can be challenging in parts, especially in windy or muddy conditions. Sturdy hiking boots are essential.
While not guaranteed, you might spot seals or seabirds along the coast. Some visitors have mentioned seeing seals.
Yes, Clogher Strand is renowned for its photographic potential, especially during golden hour, with dramatic coastal landscapes. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Clogher Strand. You'll find cafes and restaurants in the nearby town of Dingle or small eateries along the Slea Head Drive.
Yes, Clogher Strand is a wonderful spot for a picnic. Remember to take all your rubbish with you to keep the beach clean.
Dingle town offers a wide range of dining, from traditional pubs serving seafood to more contemporary restaurants.
Caife na Tra in Dingle is a popular spot mentioned by visitors for coffee and refreshments.
It's a good idea to bring your own snacks and drinks, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time enjoying the scenery or hiking.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful light for photography at Clogher Strand.
The beach itself, the dramatic cliffs, the 'Sleeping Giant' island (Inis Tuaisceart), and the rugged coastline are all highly photogenic.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A polarizing filter can help enhance the blues of the sea and sky.
Don't miss capturing the waves crashing on the shore and the panoramic vistas from the cliff walk.
The 'Sleeping Giant' is the local name for Inis Tuaisceart, an island visible from Clogher Strand, resembling a sleeping figure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy on the sand (ensuring you take all litter with you). The drive along Slea Head is also an adventure in itself, with many other points of interest for families. Keep a close eye on children near the water's edge due to the powerful waves, even if not swimming.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The dramatic coastline, the crashing waves, and the iconic 'Sleeping Giant' island (Inis Tuaisceart) provide endless opportunities for stunning shots. The Slea Head Drive itself is a treasure trove of photographic moments, with Clogher Strand being a prime stop. Bring your wide-angle lens to capture the expansive vistas and consider a polarizing filter to enhance the vibrant blues of the sea and sky. The cliff walk also offers unique vantage points for capturing the rugged beauty of the Dingle Peninsula from above.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers
Beyond the cliff walk, simply walking along the beach and absorbing the raw, untamed beauty of the Atlantic coast is a rewarding experience. The natural environment here is a significant draw for visitors seeking to connect with nature.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Slea Head Drive
As you navigate the narrow, winding roads, you'll encounter ancient monastic sites, beehive huts, and stunning beaches like Clogher Strand. The landscape is raw and exposed, showcasing the power of nature. It's a journey that demands you slow down, absorb the scenery, and appreciate the wild beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way.
Pro Tip: Allow at least half a day, if not a full day, to truly enjoy the Slea Head Drive. Stopping frequently is key to experiencing its magic. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and have more of the stunning vistas to yourself.
Exploring the Clogher Strand Cliff Walk
Reviewers consistently praise this walk for its breathtaking scenery, noting it as a highlight of their visit. However, it's crucial to be prepared. The path can be muddy and very windy, especially during certain times of the year. Therefore, wearing sturdy hiking boots is non-negotiable for safety and comfort.
This walk provides a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the scale and grandeur of the landscape. It's a chance to feel truly immersed in the wild beauty of County Kerry and offers a different perspective on the coastal environment surrounding Clogher Strand.
Understanding the Swimming Advisory
These strong currents are a natural phenomenon of the exposed Atlantic coast. While they pose a risk to swimmers, they also contribute to the dramatic and wild character of the beach. Visitors are encouraged to appreciate the beach's raw beauty from the shore, rather than entering the water.
For those looking for swimming opportunities on the Dingle Peninsula, it's advisable to research beaches known for calmer waters and lifeguard services. Clogher Strand, however, remains a prime destination for its visual appeal and the adventurous cliff walk.
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