by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Kerry
July 2012
Small but perfectly formed. Is this Ireland’s smallest beach? When we were there it measured about 45 yards long and 25 yards deep. Despite that this a very nice place for a cooling dip.
The ‘beach’ is located just to the side of the pier and the water is both deep and sheltered. This is a good place to cool off on a sunny day. Out at the end of the pier young people practice their jumping skills into the deep water.
Parking is very limited but there is a pub just at the pier where you can warm up if you need to.
Directions:
From Tralee take the N86 toward Dingle. Then you branch off for Castlegregory onto the R560. You bypass Castlegregory and go through Stradbally and Kilcummin. Watch out then for a right turn onto the R550 signposted for Cloghane and Brandon. Keep on this road through Cloghane and you will come to a right turn signposted for the pier.
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Ordnance Survey Map No. 70
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Galway
June 2010
Gurteen is a very nice mix of a couple of smaller beaches and one longer one. So, if you want somewhere protected you can head for the smaller ones either side of the car park, and if you want somewhere more isolated, where you can stretch your legs, then the bigger one is for you.
The usual Connemara beach rules apply – the sand is glistening white, the water is clear and turquoise blue. Boring, we know, but true. All in all a lovely swimming, sunbathing and walking spot. Do take note of the warning sign about the danger of paddling in the inlet stream
Directions
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From Clifden take the R341 and the beach is signposted to the right after the turn for Dogs Bay but before you reach Roundstone.
There is a decent sized car park. The beach to the left requires you to make a small scramble down the grass. The one to the right has steps which lead you onto the sand. You could lift a buggy down onto this one but neither is wheelchair accessible.
Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 44
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Galway
June 2010
This is one of only two coral strands that we know (the other is in Carraroe) and it’s a real gem.
The beach here glistens white and shines in a lovely contrast to the clear turquoise waters. There are small clumps of rocks for shelter and for kids to play around. The views across the water to the equally white beaches of Mannin Bay are spectacular.
The one drawback of coral is that it can be hard underfoot, so don’t expect to be running around here in your bqre feet. And coral is not good for making sandcastles. However, the swimming is great and the freshness and clarity of the water more than compensate.
Directions
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From Clifden you travel on the R341 and the strand is the first place you come to with parking on your right hand side. There are two small car parks and the second one has a small gap in the wall where you can manoeuvre a buggy down to the beach.
Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 44
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Galway, Lakes
June 2010
We should declare our bias about Connemara. To us it’s the nicest place in the whole country and it also has the nicest swimming places. And if you get the beaches in good weather then it’s quite spectacular.
So Lettergesh is just one of Connemara’s great places to visit and swim. The water here on a fine day is crystal clear and not too deep. Like many places on the west coast the water can be a couple of degrees colder than other parts of the country. However, it’s clearness and freshness make up for that.
Apart from the lovely water there are great views across to the Mweelrea mountains in Mayo and behind you are the impressive mountains of Benchoona and Garraun.
The beach itself is quite well sheltered and at one end you can scramble across a small promontory which leads you to another equally nice stretch of beach
We’re not sure but was part of ‘The Quiet Man’ filmed here?
There is a large, gravelly car park and you would be able to carry a buggy across a small rocky stretch to the beach. There isn’t wheelchair access.
Directions
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From Leenane take the R 59 for Clifden. After a few kilometres take the right turn for Tully Cross. You pass two lakes and keep on this road until you pass Connemara Camping on your right. Soon after this there is a signpost for Lettergesh Angling which, in true Irish fashion, brings you to the beach
Ordnance survey Map No. 37
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Galway
June 2010
Dogs Bay is another of Connemara’s fine beaches and here you get two for the price of one.
The beach is crescent shaped and well protected, with rocks at either end. The water here has the usual Connemara crystal clarity and is good for kids to swim in as you get into your depth gradually.
This is a really nice family beach and if you are prepared to walk to the end and do a little bit of walking across the grass, you will come to a lovely small beach which we christened’ puppy’s cove’.
Its real name is Trà Mhantàn and it’s a little gem. We have been here quite a few times and it’s nearly always deserted. This small beach is well sheltered by the rocks on either side. It’s a really nice spot to sunbathe or to do some snorkelling. While the water is lovely and clear do be careful as you are out of your depth very quickly.
Directions
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Dogs Bay is on the R341 from Clifden and there is a signpost to the beach not long before Roundstone.
There is a reasonable sized car park but this fills up quickly on a fine summer’s day. There is a rough bumpy track to the beach which you would just about manage with a sturdy buggy. When we were there in June we saw a family struggle up this path with a wheelchair. What a difference a simple tarmacadamed path would make.
Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 44
‘Puppy’s Cove’
‘Puppy’s Cove’
