by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Kerry
Ballyferriter Strand, Smerwick Harbour
July 2012
Why this long and attractive beach isn’t properly signposted, when the nearby, much smaller Wine Strand is, must be one of Ireland’s many signposting mysteries. Anyhow, if you do find it, Ballyferriter Strand is worth the effort.
This a wide and smooth stretch of beach with plenty of room for walking, playing and even swimming. There are some rocks where you will find shelter.
The water was clear and calm when we were there and good for a leisurely swim. As you swim you will have nice views across the harbour to the headlands on either side.
There is a small car park with spaces for about 15 cars. Access to the beach is OK for buggies but not wheelchairs.
Directions:
From Dingle take the R559 in the direction of Slea Head. About one kilometre after you pass through Ballyferriter watch carefully for a left turn with a small signpost for Smerwick Harbour.
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Ordnance Survey Map No. 70
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Kerry, Lakes
Glanmore Lake, near Healy Pass
July 2009
Glanmore is one of the nicest locations you will find. It can be seen at its best looking down from the Healy Pass, which is a spectacular mountain pass from Cork to Kerry.
This is a lovely lake which the road follows round and you can walk for a good distance almost by the lake’s shore
We found a nice place for a swim at the Lauragh end near to a stone boathouse. The water here is cool and very fresh. The lake is surrounded by the wild and impressive Caha Mountains. There’s an An Óige hostel at the far end and if you are cold after your swim there are tea rooms, which are signposted, nearby.
Remember, lakes can be dangerous, so swim carefully.
Directions
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Access is off the R574 Healy Pass road and you will need a good map
Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 84
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Kerry, Lakes
Lough Cuim, Glanteerasig Forest Park
July 2012
Even if you never swim here a visit to this out of the way lake is well worth the effort. Located in a Coillte run forest park, Lough Cuim has a fabulous board walk running through its trees and along its shore. With seats dotted along the way this is a lovely place to visit for a walk.
Like many lakes the water here is dark and fresh. Where we got in there were submerged rocks and branches. So pick your spot, swim slowly and BE CAREFUL.
You will definitely enjoy a visit here and it’s a good spot on a nice day for a family outing.
Directions:
From Tralee take the N86 toward Dingle and then the R560 toward Castlegregory. About 4 kilometres before Castlegregory watch out for a left turn signposted for the forest park. Keep going on this road until you arrive at the park entrance. When you get there you have to drive for a further 3 kilometres through the park until you arrive at the lake.
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Ordnance Survey Map Nos. 70 and 71
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Kerry
Valentia Island
May 2011
Note: this suggestion comes from a local resident in Valentia. We haven’t visited it ourselves so can’t vouch for it, but it sounds nice. Check it out for yourself
… I suggest that for regular easy but clean and safe swims, Knightstown harbour works very well… see the pictures of the pontoons that swimmers can swim alongside. A harbour might not sound that nice but actually it’s perfect as very light use and VERY scenic as attested by many seasoned open water swimmers such as Ned Denison and Eilish Burns. Ned actually swam around Valentia Island (to and from Knightstown Harbour) in 2008.
For a more private spot, on Valentia Island there is a small beach beneath Glanleam House (which boasts award winning tropical gardens) from where you can swim towards the Lighthouse – another very scenic swim.
See:
www.flickr.com/photos/29570623@N02/2763739599/
Photos by Fitzzz
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Dublin
April 2010
For a beach that’s only a 30 minute drive from Dublin city, Portmarnock has a nice, get away from it all feel to it. Yes, it’ s very much an urban environment, but when you get onto that long expanse of beach and look over to Lambay Island and Ireland’s Eye you can quickly forget the city stresses.
Portmarnock beach is both long and wide. It must be at least 4 kilometres in length and is great for walkers. There is plenty of space for children to play and it’s also a popular location for kite flyers, horse riders and the occasional wind surfer. The water is shallow and good for children swimming as they aren’t out of their depth too quickly.
As you go up the beach you move more into grassy, sand dune territory where you can find some shelter. Otherwise the beach is open and exposed.
The beach also has the advantage of being backed onto by the world famous Portmarnock Golf Club and you can scramble up the dunes to peek into this still men only domain.
The area is well served with a couple of hotels. There is also a good, free public car park and decent toilets at the entrance . Blue Flag beach.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
The beach is buggy accessible but we didn’ t see a wheelchair access.
Directions
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From Dublin city it’s about a 30 minute drive on the R106 along the seafront and then a sign-posted left turn onto the R105. Follow this road through Portmarnock village and then watch out for a car park on your right just past the Portmarnock Golf Hotel.
Also served by Dublin Bus check www.dublinbus.ie for details.
