Both Chuanna Thiar
Things to Do
Beach Information
Key Facts
Surface
Mixed
Access Type
Public
Entry Fee
Free Entry
Size
Small
Location & Access
Access Difficulty
Easy
Crowds
Quiet
Area Type
Remote
Facilities & Amenities
Parking & Access
Limited
Roadside parking is likely available along the Barr Na gCurragh road.
Discover Both Chuanna Thiar
Both Chuanna Thiar offers a genuine escape from Ireland's busier coastal spots, tucked away along the Barr Na gCurragh road in Kerry. This mixed sand and rock beach rewards those who seek out its remote location with an undeveloped shoreline that feels worlds away from commercial tourism. Its irregular coastline creates intimate coves and rocky pools, making it one of those beaches in Ireland where you're more likely to encounter seabirds than other visitors. Few people know about this hidden gem, which means you'll often have the entire stretch to yourself. The natural, untouched character here speaks to anyone wanting to experience Ireland's coast as it once was.
Location & Access
Getting to Both Chuanna Thiar requires some local knowledge, as it sits off the Barr Na gCurragh road in what feels like the middle of nowhere. Roadside parking is available along this rural road, though spaces are naturally limited given the remote setting. The approach involves narrow country lanes that wind through typical Kerry farmland before reaching the coast. I'd recommend using GPS or a detailed map, as signage is minimal and the turnoffs can be easy to miss if you're not paying attention.
Swimming & Water Quality
Swimming conditions here remain largely unconfirmed, so you'll need to assess the water yourself on arrival. There's no lifeguard service, which means any water activities are entirely at your own risk and judgment. The moderate wave exposure suggests this isn't the most sheltered spot for nervous swimmers, particularly when Atlantic swells pick up. Water quality information isn't available, though the remote location and lack of development nearby suggest minimal pollution concerns. I'd recommend checking conditions carefully before entering, especially with children, and avoiding the water entirely during rough weather.
Surrounding Landscape
The landscape around Both Chuanna Thiar epitomizes Kerry's rugged coastal beauty, with rolling hills and farmland stretching inland from the shoreline. From the beach, you'll see typical Irish countryside - a patchwork of green fields divided by stone walls and hedgerows. The remote setting means minimal development intrudes on the natural vista, creating an authentic sense of being at the edge of the world. Rocky headlands frame portions of the view, while the open Atlantic stretches to the horizon. This is scenic Ireland at its most unspoiled - the kind of landscape that makes you understand why people fall in love with the Irish coast.
Activities & Things To Do
Activities here center around simple pleasures rather than organized entertainment - swimming for the hardy, walking along the mixed sand and rock shoreline, and potentially kayaking if you've brought your own equipment. The rocky areas provide natural exploration opportunities, particularly at low tide when rock pools reveal their marine inhabitants. Given the remote location and lack of facilities, this is very much a place for those who enjoy unstructured beach time. The peaceful setting makes it ideal for reading, sketching, or simply sitting and watching the Atlantic waves roll in.
Nearby Services
Services near Both Chuanna Thiar are essentially non-existent given its remote location - there's no beach cafe or nearby facilities to rely on. You'll need to stock up on food, drinks, and supplies before heading out, as the nearest shops and restaurants are back in the nearest town. This isolation is precisely what makes the beach special for those seeking an uncommercialized experience, but it does mean careful planning is essential. Pack a picnic and bring plenty to drink, especially on warm days when shade may be limited.
Photography & Scenery
Both Chuanna Thiar offers compelling photographic opportunities with its mix of rugged coastline and pastoral Irish countryside. The irregular shoreline creates natural leading lines and interesting compositions, particularly where rocky outcrops meet sandy patches. From an elevated viewpoint, the beach's intimate scale becomes apparent, nestled between green fields that roll down to meet the Atlantic. The remote setting means you can capture authentic images of Ireland's undeveloped coast, with traditional stone walls and farmland providing context to the coastal scenes. Golden hour lighting particularly enhances the contrast between the warm sand tones and the deep blues of the Kerry landscape.
Nearby Accommodation
Accommodation options near Both Chuanna Thiar are limited by its remote location, with the nearest hotels and guesthouses likely found in the closest town. I'd recommend searching booking platforms for properties in the broader Kerry area and planning for a drive to reach this secluded beach. Self-catering cottages to rent might be your best bet for this part of Ireland, offering the flexibility to stock up on supplies before heading out to isolated spots like this. The rural setting means you'll be trading convenience for tranquility, so plan accommodation that matches the adventurous spirit required to find this hidden gem.
