Why Dooks Beach Near Glenbeigh Is Worth A Visit (Even With Its Parking Pains)

Dooks Beach can be a tricky one.

It’s secluded and there’s no real parking area (see photos below), so it’s often the case that you’ll end up driving here and having to turn around.

However, it has plenty going for it, including breath-taking views.

Find info on everything from parking and swimming to nearby beaches below.

Some quick need-to-knows about Dooks Beach

Getting to Dooks Beach can cause confusion for some, so its worth taking 20 seconds to read the points below, first:

1. Location

Dooks Beach is located in County Kerry, near the village of Glenbeigh. It’s just off the Ring of Kerry road, around 15 minutes from Killorglin and 45 minutes from both Killarney and Tralee.

2. Parking

Parking is very limited for Dooks Beach. In fact, there isn’t any official parking. If you look at the photo above, you’ll see an example of some of the places where you can pull in and park. NEVER block the road or any gates nearby (location here on Google Maps).

3. Swimming

Unfortunately we haven’t been able to find any solid information regarding the safety of swimming at Dooks Beach. There’s definitely no lifeguard service and, as the beach is very secluded, we’d advise against swimming.

4. The closest beach to Killarney

While there’s a handful of beaches near Killarney, at 45 minutes away Dooks Beach is the closest. However, as parking is very limited, it rarely gets too busy.

5. Safety

Understanding water safety is absolutely crucial when visiting beaches in Ireland. Please take a minute to read these water safety tips. Cheers!

About Dooks Beach

Dooks Beach is a sheltered, sandy cove. More often than not you’ll find yourself alone on the gorgeous sands, and it seems to be somewhat of a hidden gem amongst the many beaches in Kerry.

This is perhaps due to the fact that it’s not very easy to find. However, they do say that Dooks Beach is hard to find but harder to forget. 

For me, I’m glad to have found it, but it’s especially good if you’re staying in the area and like a little solitude and peace.

Breath-taking views

It’s an excellent beach for relaxing with a good book, taking a little paddle in the cool waters, and admiring the views.

From the cove, you can see the spectacular Inch Beach across the bay, as well as views of the mountainous Dingle Peninsula, and on a clear day you can even see the Blasket Islands off in the distance.

Amazing walks

Dooks is an excellent beach for taking a stroll and there are some good walks in the area.

When the tide is out, you can even walk across the bay over to Reennanallagane Beach, which is good, since it’s even more difficult to find parking for that beach!

You can even keep walking until you reach the popular Rossbeigh Blue Flag Beach.

Things to do near Dooks Beach

After enjoying the sights of Dooks Beach, you’ll find plenty more things to see and do nearby.

Below, you’ll find everything from beaches and hikes to charming towns and more.

1. Rossbeigh Strand (15-minute walk)

You can either walk to Rossbeigh Strand or since there’s a rather extensive car park, park up here. It’s another great beach. The Blue Flag beach is ideal for swimming, but it’s also a popular surfing spot. In addition, you can try horse riding, or simply stroll along the 7 km stretch of gorgeous soft sand.

2. Kells Bay (25-minute drive)

Kells Bay is a fantastic spot to visit and it’s packed with things to see and do. First, check out Kells Bay House and Gardens, a gorgeous spot that will make you feel as if you’ve somehow wandered into an exotic jungle. Afterward, the beach offers a mix of sand and rock, and it’s ideal for swimming, sandcastles, and rock pooling.

3. Ballaghbeama Gap (30-minute drive)

Ballaghbeama Gap is perhaps one of the most underrated things to do in Kerry. It’s an absolutely stunning drive that takes you through the mountains of the Iveragh Peninsula. Along the way, you’ll pass through some other-worldly scenery and rugged landscapes.

4. The Gap of Dunloe (30-minute drive)

If the Ballaghbeama Gap leaves you hankering for more, check out the mighty Gap of Dunloe. Squeezing between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain, the road is extremely narrow, windy, and amazingly scenic.

FAQs about visiting Dooks Beach near Killorglin

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘Can you swim?’ to ‘How do you get here from Killarney?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.