We swam in Ventry two days in a row. The first was misty and dull; the second sunny and bright. Such are the joys of swimming in Ireland. But on both days the water was clear, sandy underfoot and good to swim in, and there was very little difference in the temperature between the dull and the sunny day.
The beach at Ventry is a bit exposed so you might need a windbreak if you plan to stay for a while. But the harbour does give protection and it was good for a decent swim the days we were there.
Ventry is a Blue Flag beach with lifeguards during the summer months . The car park is small with basic toilets. Access to the beach is via a short ramp/slipway which looks both buggie and wheelchair accessible.
Directions:
From Dingle take the R559 signposted for Slea head. After about 10 kilometres you come to Ventry (Ceann Trá) and just past the village you will see a signpost on your left for the beach.
Rossbeigh is a long and attractive family beach with very good facilities.
A few concrete paths, which look to be both wheelchair and buggy accessible, lead you onto the beach which is a bit open and windy. The water is clear and sandy underfoot. When we were there it was wavy and not easy for swimming. More a place where young people would enjoy jumping in the waves.
When the tide is in the beach almost disappears and when it is out there is good room for walking, playing and even horse riding.
Rossbeigh is a Blue Flag beach and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. The facilities include a playground, basketball and tennis courts and clean toilets. There are also some picnic tables, one of which is in a covered area – a sensible touch. Well done Kerry County Council.
There is plenty of room for car parking , although the area is rough and stony.
From Killarney take the N72 to Killorglin and from there the N70 toward Caherciveen. As you pass through the town watch for the right turn signposted for the beach.
Dromineer is a well known stopping off point for Shannon cruisers and its also a nice place to swim in the soft waters of Lough Derg.
To the left of the harbour is a sheltered area which is good for swimming, albeit somewhat stony. Go slowly as you wade in and be prepared to stand on stones. Once you get in the water is soft and fresh and you will have a refreshing dip. As for all lakes go slowly and be careful. You never know when you will hit some rocks or get entangled in weeds.
Facilities in Dromineer are good. Behind the swimming there are some seats and a car park. Back toward the harbor there are toilet facilities and showers, including one for people with disabilities. Well done to the County Council
Directions: Take the M7 from Limerick city, then take Exit 26. Follow the N52 signs for Tullamore until you come to the roundabout with a signpost for Dromineer. Take that left turn onto the R495 and in Dromineer the swimming place is to the left of the harbour
We don’t know our swimming in Limerick very well, so we were glad to take in a visit to Glin on the way back from Kerry.
This is an attractive spot sheltered in the harbour. The swimming area is well developed with a few small slipway style paths leading you into the water. The water doesn’t look the cleanest but the tides must keep it fresh. It is clearly a well used resource with some regulars there when we passed through. It will be important to time your visit as swimming won’t be easy when the tide is low.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer and nearby there is a nice area with some picnic tables. There is also plenty of room for cars, alongside the pier and in the car park further back.
Directions: From Limerick take the N69 toward Tarbert. As you approach Glin watch for a right turn into a parking area and beyond this is the harbor. We didn’t see a signpost
July 2012
If you want to swim in Kilteery then time your visit. We got there when the tide was on its way out and the seaweed exposed area didn’t leave it looking its best.
Still, this is an attractive spot and must look completely different when there is a full tide. We got in down the steps behind the pier and, despite the low tide, we were out of our depth very quickly. The water was brown and sandy. We stuck close to shore as we didn’t know the local conditions. So , be careful here.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. The area around the harbor is well maintained, with decent parking and a couple of picnic tables and some seats overlooking the water.
Directions: From Limerick take the R69 toward Tarbert. After the village of Loghill watch for a right turn signposted for the pier.
Photos will be added at a later date
