Derrynane Beach in Kerry is a showstopper—a dazzling arc of white sand kissed by turquoise waters and framed by rolling dunes.
Tucked within Derrynane National Historic Park in Caherdaniel, this Blue Flag beach is backed by history, with the atmospheric ruins of Abbey Island just offshore.
This is one of the most breathtaking beaches in Ireland, and if you’re exploring the Ring of Kerry, it’s a must-stop.
Visiting Kerry’s Derrynane Beach
A visit to Derrynane Beach in Caherdaniel is one of the most popular of the many things to do in Kerry, but there’s a few ‘need-to-knows’ that’ll make your trip all the more enjoyable.
1. Parking
There’s parking (note the height-restriction barrier) right next to Derrynane Beach here. Just not that, as this is one of the more popular beaches near Killarney, it’ll be busy during summer.
2. Swimming
Parts of Derrynane Beach are great for a dip but please note:
- You CAN ONLY SWIM in the dedicated areas
- There’s a section known locally as ‘Danger Beach’ with strong currents (look out for the signage)
- Lifeguards are only on duty during the summer
- Read these water safety tips before entering any water
3. Use caution on the road to the beach
The road that leads to the beach is narrow and bendy in places. Please use great caution when driving along it as you’ll be sharing the road with walkers and cyclists.
4. Camping
Please note, camping is not permitted at Derrynane. See more places to go camping in Kerry.
About Derrynane Beach
Photos via Shutterstock
Said to be one of the best beaches in Ireland, Derrynane Beach in Kerry is a curving bow of white sand and Blue Flag waters on the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula.
Nestled along the Ring of Kerry, this Blue Flag beach sits at the edge of Derrynane National Historic Park, offering a stunning mix of rugged beauty and serenity.
Derrynane House
As you make your way to the beach, you’ll pass Derrynane House, which was once the home of Daniel O’Connell. Nestled in 120 hectares of coastal parkland, it’s now a museum filled with relics from O’Connell’s life.
Visitors can tour the house, explore its grand library, and admire the 19th-century chapel inspired by nearby Derrynane Abbey.
Derrynane Abbey
Perched on Abbey Island and only accessible by foot at low tide, Derrynane Abbey is a hauntingly beautiful ruin steeped in history.
Dating back to the 6th century, this overgrown relic holds the graves of Daniel O’Connell’s wife, Mary, and poet Tomás Rua Ó Súilleabháin.
Its weathered stone walls and arched windows frame the Atlantic, creating an eerie yet peaceful resting place. Time and tide have softened its edges, but the abbey remains a striking link to Ireland’s past.
Watersports
Derrynane Beach is perfect for all types of water-sports including stand-up paddle-boarding, sailing, snorkeling and diving. Derrynane Sea Sports has been operating for 26 years and offers tuition along with canoes, sailing boats and windsurfing equipment for hire.
It’s also a good place to give body-boarding, water-skiing and wake-boarding a try.
Things to do nearby
When you finish up at Derrynane, you have two choices:
- Continue along the N70 (follow my one day Ring of Kerry itinerary for a logical route to follow)
- Pick and choose nearby stops (like the nearby Skellig Ring, Staigue Stone Fort or head back up to Kenmare or Killarney)
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.