The incredible Inch Beach in Kerry is hard to bate on a fine day.
Arguably one of the best beaches in Kerry, it’s located along the stunning Dingle Peninsula.
Loved by local and visiting surfers, Inch Strand is a mighty spot for a stroll, regardless of the weather.
Below, you’ll discover everything from the parking situation and where to grab coffee to Inch Beach surfing info and more.
Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Inch Beach in Kerry
Photos via Shutterstock
A visit to Inch Beach 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 a decent bit of parking at Inch Beach (here on Google Maps). I’ve visited here 10-15 times over the years and have never had an issue grabbing a spot, however, it does get very busy during the warmer summer days, so try and arrive early.
2. Swimming
It’s safe to swim on Inch Beach, once you’re clear on these water safety tips and are a competent swimmer. Inch is a Blue Flag Beach and there are life guards on duty during peak season (if in doubt, ask locally).
3. Inch Beach Surfing
As you’ll see in the video below, Inch Beach is great for surfing (the views are also outstanding!). Kingdom Waves is the main surf school operating in the area that have great reviews online.
4. Food nearby
Sammy’s Cafe is located right on Inch Strand. These lads knock up one of the best burgers in the land, and I don’t say that lightly! You can grab a coffee to take away and ramble along the sand, too!
About Inch Strand
You’ll find Inch Beach on the Dingle Peninsula, nestled between Dingle Harbour and Castlemaine Harbour.
Popular with surfers, the beach boasts the ideal setting for an evening stroll or, if you’re unperturbed by the cold, a refreshing dip in the sea.
One of the most popular beaches on the peninsula (especially as it’s one of a few beaches near Killarney) Inch is hailed as the largest uninterrupted sand beach in western Europe.
As you ramble along its sandy shores, framed by Dingle Bay and the mountains of Kerry, you’re hit with the undeniable feeling that you’ve just discovered one of earth’s hidden, unspoiled gems.
If weather permits, grab a cup of coffee in the restaurant just off the strand and sit out on the little patio they have out front.
Things to do at Inch Beach in Dingle
Photos via Shutterstock
Inch Beach is one of the most popular places to go surfing in Ireland, thanks to the reputation the waves here have racked up over the years.
Below, you’ll find out everything you need to know if you fancy spending a few hours or a few days surfing on Inch Beach.
1. Inch Beach surfing
There are several different schools teaching surfing on Inch Beach in Kerry. The popular Kingdom Waves has racked up great reviews online.
It offers a variety of different options for people that fancy giving surfing on Inch Beach a shot, with classes on offer to suit all levels.
The Magicseeweed site has up-to-date info on the Inch surf forecast, with details on everything from wind and waves to the best time to visit and more.
2. Scenic strolls
On a clear day, a walk along the sand at Inch Strand really is hard to beat. As you stroll with Sammy’s Cafe behind you, you’ll be treated to stunning mountain views.
On the days when the surfers are battling the waves, you can watch on from afar as the Wild Atlantic puts them through their paces.
3. Pre/post-stroll coffee/feed
Sammy’s is a great little spot on good and bad days. When it’s lashing down, it’s a handy spot to get some respite from the rain.
On a fine day, you can grab a seat outside and much away while watching the waves come thundering in.
Things to do near Inch Beach in Kerry
One of the beauties of Inch is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Kerry.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Inch Beach (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).
1. Explore the Dingle Peninsula
Photos via Shutterstock
There’s an almost endless number of things to do in Dingle, many of which are a stone’s throw from Inch. Here are a few suggestions:
2. Food and fun in Dingle Town
Photos by The Irish Road Trip
Dingle Town (22-minute drive) is a fine spot to refuel. There’s loads of great restaurants in Dingle and there’s plenty of great pubs in Dingle, too.
If you fancy spending the night in the town, here’s some guides to dig into:
- 11 hotels in Dingle you’ll love
- 10 Central B&Bs in Dingle
- 9 unique Airbnbs in Dingle perfect for a weekend away
3. Beaches galore
Photos via Shutterstock
Some of the best beaches in Kerry are within easy reach of Inch. Rossbeigh Beach (47-minute drive) and Coumeenoole Beach (42-minute drive) are two of the most popular.
FAQs about Inch Strand
We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from if you can go surfing on Inch to where to stay nearby.
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.
Is it easy to get parking at Inch Beach?
Yes – there’s a good bit of parking at Inch. The only time you’ll have hassle grabbing a spot is during the summer months when the weather is fine.
Is it safe to swim on Inch Beach?
Inch Beach is a popular spot for swimming. However, caution is always needed when entering the water, so make sure to use common sense and only enter when safe to do so.
What is there to do near Inch Strand?
Slea Head Drive, Rossbeigh Beach, Dingle Town, Dun Chaoin Pier, The Blasket Islands and the incredible Valentia Island are all a short drive away.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 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.