Rossbeigh Beach: Swimming, The Hill Walk + Map

Rossbeigh Beach stretches 7km along Kerry’s coast, a sandy finger pointing into Dingle Bay that is arguably one of the best beaches in Kerry.

The Blue Flag beach sits outside Glenbeigh village along the Ring of Kerry, where Atlantic waves crash against the shore with a rhythm that draws both swimmers and surfers.

Part of the Castlemaine Harbour conservation area, the beach’s protected status keeps development at bay while seabirds wheel overhead.

Visiting Rossbeigh Beach

As Rossbeigh is one of the most popular of the many places to visit in Kerry, there’s a few ‘need-to-knows’ that’ll make your trip all the more enjoyable.

1. Parking

There’s loads of parking at the south end of Rossbeigh Beach. It’s close to the water with good access for those with limited mobility – you can even watch the waves while sitting in the car. It’s also handy for unloading watersports gear. 

2. Swimming

Rossbeigh’s Blue Flag waters are popular for swimming. There’s a gently sloping sandy bottom with summer lifeguard service. Heed local water safety guidelines – Irish waters demand respect even on calm days (see these water safety tips).

3. Surfing

You’ll hear from many that Rossbeigh is one of the best places to go surfing in Ireland, and for good reason. The steady SW prevailing wind and gentle gradient of the beach makes Rossbeigh an ideal spot for surfing with plenty of constant swell. The break offers both left and right hand waves and the quality of surf is not affected by the tide.

About Rossbeigh Strand 

Most beaches give you sand and sea – Rossbeigh throws in mythology, horse races, and views that make photographers weep into their expensive lenses!

Rossbeigh’s golden strand doesn’t just stretch – it unfurls like a welcome mat to the Dingle Peninsula mountain backdrop

Rossbeigh: More than just sand

The beach transforms with the seasons: summer brings families to the Tír na nÓg playground (aptly named after the Land of Eternal Youth), while winter delivers moody solitude for photographers and wave-watchers.

Local legend claims this exact spot is where Oisín and Niamh rode their white horse into the waves toward Tir na Nog.

Don’t miss the annual horse races where hooves thunder across wet sand – a spectacle straight from old Ireland.

One of the more popular beaches near Killarney, it rivals nearby Inch Beach and Derrynane Beach beaches without the same crowds.

Rossbeigh Hill: One of Kerry’s finest viewpoints

The Rossbeigh Hill Loop Walk delivers the kind of panoramas that make you forget you’re wheezing from the climb

This 10km moderate trail begins at the south end of the beach and rewards your 4.5-hour investment with views that digital screens can’t do justice.

In the photo above, you’ll see the views from the hill – you can drive up it, too, but be EXTREMELY CAREFUL as the road is very narrow and there are LOTS OF BLIND SPOTS.

Things to do nearby

Rossbeigh’s neighbours offer everything from subtropical gardens to time travel – all within a 40-minute drive.

1. Kells Bay House and Gardens: Wander through 17 hectares of unexpected subtropical plants, cross Ireland’s longest rope bridge, and follow three distinct trails (River, Cliff, and Bog) at this “Jewel of the Ring.”
2. Kerry Bog Village Museum: Step into authentic 19th-century thatched cottages with working tools, meet rare Kerry Bog ponies, and come face-to-face with Irish wolfhounds – the gentle giants of the canine world.
3. Lough Caragh: Fish for wild brown trout or cruise quietly through protected waters at this dammed freshwater lake, where silence is the main attraction.
4. Killarney: Escape to Ireland’s original tourist town, where you’ll find Killarney National Park, Torc Waterfall, the Gap of Dunloe and more