Wine Strand In Dingle: Parking, Views + Swimming Info

Wine Strand is one of several beaches near Dingle that’s well worth a visit.

Kerry’s Dingle Peninsula is home to an incredible mix of seaside areas, taking in long stretches of golden sands, craggy cliffs, and tiny coves tucked out of sight.

Wine Strand falls into the latter category and over the years has become one of my favourite spots for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Some quick need-to-knows about Wine Strand

Before you pack up the yoga mat and meditation music, there’s a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit easier:

1. Location

Wine Strand Beach is hidden away in the far northwest corner of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Dingle Town.

2. Parking

There’s a small car park right at the edge of the beach (here on Google Maps). Access is down a series of narrow, single-lane, two-way roads, so take care when driving. There’s space for about 10 cars or so.

3. Swimming

We’ve had a good look online for official information, but so far we’ve not turned up anything solid about swimming at Wine Strand Beach. We know for sure that there aren’t any lifeguards here, and while the bay is fairly sheltered, it is a remote area. It’s worth checking locally before entering the water here.

4. Part of the Slea Head Drive

Wine Strand is just a short detour from the epic Slea Head Drive. If you’re planning to enjoy the road, the beach makes for a nice stop-off for a picnic and to admire the magnificent views.

About Wine Strand Beach

Wine strand is a small, beautiful beach tucked out of sight, making it something of a hidden gem. It’s a fantastic area for walking, with a small yet pretty stretch of dark orange, almost wine red, sand to explore.

This is backed by secluded grasslands and occasional sand dunes that you can saunter along, exploring a number of other small stretches of sand, and taking in the views across the bay.

Breath-taking views

And for us, it’s the views that really make Wine Strand Beach a must-see, paired with the tranquillity of the place.

You’ll often find yourself alone on the beach, even on a fine day, making it a great place to unwind and soak in the views of the surrounding hills and rugged rocks that jut out from the sea.

The sand itself is smooth and soft, with a gorgeous colour, while the sea is often still and crystal clear.

Flora and Fauna

You’ll often be able to see sea critters and marine plants under the surface, and you can easily lose yourself in thought.

A clatter of rocks dot the beach and as the tide goes out a number of rock pools appear, brimming with sea life.

Ideal for a picnic

On a calm day, there are few better places to stop for a spot of lunch. Pitch up either on the sands or the grassy area behind and enjoy a top view with your sandwich.

It’s also not a bad place to wild camp, with plenty of flat areas to pitch a tent, looking out over the bay.

Just be aware that there aren’t many facilities, like toilets or showers. As always, be sure to take your rubbish with you and leave no trace.

Things to do nearby

One of the beauties of Wine Strand 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 Wine Strand.

1. Drop by Tig Bhric Brewpub for a local beer

Just up the road from Wine Strand, you’ll find this epic pub and brewery. They brew a range of beers on site, with a mix of traditional and progressive styles to choose from. The pub itself is rustic and cosy, with an open fireplace and plenty of nooks and crannies to relax into.

2. Gallarus Oratory (5-minute drive)

This 7th-century stone chapel is an outstanding example of ancient building techniques living on. Well over a thousand years old, the small place of worship stands proud and more or less fully formed to this day. It remains watertight and weather-proof and offers a fantastic glimpse way into the past.

3. Mount Brandon (20-minute drive)

Standing at 952 metres, Mount Brandon is among the ten highest mountains in Ireland. It’s a superb mountain to climb and with car parks on both the east and west sides. However, some hiking experience is needed for this one.

4. Dunquin Pier (20-minute drive)

You can take in some incredible sights from the mighty Dunquin Pier. A long, windy, and steep path takes you from the top of the cliffs to sea level, where you can jump on a boat to the Blasket Islands.