Ventry Beach In Kerry: Parking, Views + Swimming Info

Ventry Beach is one of the most popular beaches near Dingle.

A sprawling golden sand beach, it boasts calm waters that are great for water sports and also has great facilities, ensuring a top day out at the seaside.

There’s a lot to love about this fantastic beach, and you’ll discover everything you need to know below.

Some quick need-to-knows about Ventry Beach

Before you set off on your Ventry Beach adventure, let’s take a wee look over the basics.

1. Location

The Gaeltacht village of Ventry is located on the southwestern edge of the fantastic Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. It’s around a ten-minute drive from the town of Dingle, or around an hour from Tralee.

2. Parking

Parking at Ventry Beach can be a pain come summer. There’s a car park beside the beach (here on Google Maps) that can hold 15 – 20 cars, depending on how people park. There’s very limited parking in the town itself.

3. Swimming

As a Blue Flag beach, Ventry boasts excellent water quality and a lifeguard service throughout the summer months. The bay is also fairly sheltered, making it a superb place for swimming and water sports such as windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking.

4. Part of the Slea Head Drive

The mighty Slea Head Drive is a fantastic looped route around the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula. It boasts an array of incredible sights that’ll knock you off your feet and is definitely one of our favourite roads in Kerry. Ventry is right on the loop and a great place to stop and get some fresh, sea air in your lungs.

About Ventry Beach

Known as Ceann Trá in Irish, Ventry Beach is an overlooked gem of a beach on the Dingle Peninsula. But for those who know, it’s one of the best in the land.

The crescent-shaped beach stretches for around 3 miles beyond the village, making it the third biggest in Ireland.

Amazing walks and fun on the sand

Ventry Beach is a fine spot for stretching your legs and enjoying the fresh air. You can saunter along the sands from one end to the other, then loop back through the varied hinterland.

The beach is backed by a system of sand dunes, a small lake, marshlands, and an extensive reed swamp. The entire area is rich in flora and birdlife and you’re sure to see some curious creatures along the way.

Other walks include a hike up Mount Eagle, which looms behind the beach, or a simple strolling along the sands when the tide is out.

There’s also plenty of space for flying a kite, building sandcastles, or just laying back and enjoying the views.

Great for swimming and watersports

The sheltered bay enjoys beautifully calm waters that are ideal for swimming in. There’s a lifeguard service throughout the summer months, with timings listed on the board at the car park.

If you fancy giving windsurfing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding a go, you can normally rent equipment and arrange lessons at the beach.

Additionally, you’ll find a number of boat trips leaving from Ventry Harbour, including excursions to the Blasket Islands and whale and dolphin watching trips.

Things to do nearby

One of the beauties of Ventry is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Dingle.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Ventry Bay.

1. Food in Dingle (10-minute drive)

Dingle is a bustling little town and it’s packed with great places to grab a bite to eat (see our Dingle restaurants guide). You’ll find a huge variety of cafes and restaurants offering everything from takeaway fish and chips to gourmet burgers and everything in between.

2. Coumeenoole Beach (15-minute drive)

The gorgeous Coumeenoole Beach is located on the very western edge of the Dingle Peninsula. It enjoys great views out to the Blasket Islands and the Skelligs, and across the craggy cliffs of Dunmore Head. WARNING: Do not swim here!

3. Dunquin Pier (15-minute drive)

Dunquin Pier is another absolutely stunning little place to visit. You can jump on a boat to the Blasket Islands from the pier, but even if you’re not going sailing, it’s worth checking out. The views are astounding, taking in bright blue waters, crashing waves, jagged stacks, and endless rocky cliffs.