Banna Beach (Banna Strand)

Banna Beach (Banna Strand) in County Kerry - long sandy beach with dunes, Blue Flag status, free parking, seasonal lifeguards, dog friendly with Atlantic Ocean swimming.

Things to Do

Beach Information

Facilities & Amenities

⚠️ Safety Information

Discover Banna Beach (Banna Strand)

If you're searching for a beach near me in County Kerry, Banna Beach (Banna Strand) offers one of the best beaches Ireland has to offer along the Atlantic coastline. This long sandy beach with popular appeal and natural dunes provides an excellent destination for families and beach enthusiasts alike. The expansive shoreline near Tralee makes it a top choice among beaches in ireland for both day trips and extended stays.

Location & Access

Located near Tralee in County Kerry, this beach offers straightforward access with multiple free parking areas available year-round. The parking facilities include several car parks, though some have height barriers that may restrict larger vehicles. During peak times and bank holidays, the parking can become congested and feel somewhat chaotic, so arriving early is recommended for the best experience.

Beach Characteristics

Beach activities here include swimming, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and walking along the extensive shoreline. Surf and wetsuit rentals are available on-site, along with surf school instruction for beginners. The moderate to strong wave conditions make it particularly suitable for various water sports, whilst the long sandy stretch is perfect for coastal walks Kerry enthusiasts.

Swimming & Water Quality

Swimming is available year-round in the Atlantic Ocean waters, with a gentle, shallow slope making entry particularly safe for families. The beach maintains Blue Flag status, indicating excellent water quality and environmental standards. Safe swimming conditions are enhanced by the presence of seasonal lifeguards and rescue teams during the summer months, making it one of the more secure swimming spots near me in Kerry.

Surrounding Landscape

Set within Kerry's rural coastal environment, the beach offers high scenic quality with expansive mountain and peninsula views. The natural setting provides beautiful beaches ireland experiences with the dramatic backdrop of the Kerry landscape. As a sunset spot, the western exposure creates particularly stunning evening views across the Atlantic Ocean waters.

Family & Kids

This family-friendly beach provides excellent conditions for children with its shallow water entry and gentle slope into the sea. Seasonal lifeguards operate during summer months, providing additional safety supervision for families. The expansive sandy area gives children plenty of space to play, making it one of the top family beaches Kerry has to offer for a safe and enjoyable day out.

Facilities & Amenities

On-site facilities include public toilets and outdoor showers, though toilet availability can vary seasonally with some closures reported during off-peak months. The beach maintains several free parking areas, with disabled parking spots and ramps providing direct access onto the sandy beach. Seasonal food vendors operate from the car park area, including coffee, ice cream and food trucks during busy periods. There is no beach umbrella or beach chair rental on-site, so bring your own. Pack a beach bag with essentials: beach towel, beach shelter for windy days, beach accessories like suncream.

Dog Policy

Dogs are allowed on the beach with off-leash use commonly reported by visitors. This dog friendly beach provides excellent space for dogs to exercise and play in the surf and sand. However, some complaints about lack of cleanup have been noted, so responsible dog ownership and waste removal is particularly important when visiting with pets.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible beach facilities include designated disabled parking spots with direct ramps onto the sandy beach surface. The accessible beaches Ireland features make it possible for wheelchair users to reach the shoreline with relative ease. The flat approach from the car park areas provides good wheelchair access to the main beach area.

Weather & Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit includes summer months when lifeguards are present and seasonal food vendors operate regularly. Weather conditions can be windy and cold during off-season periods, though the beach remains accessible year-round. Tide times affect the amount of available sand space, with low tide providing the most extensive beach area for activities and walks.

Nearby Services

Salty Souls Cafe operates from the car park area, providing on-site refreshments for beachgoers. Seasonal coffee, ice cream and food trucks also serve visitors during peak periods, particularly in summer months. Kate Browne's Pub and Restaurant in nearby Ardfert offers additional dining options within a short drive of the beach.

What To Wear & Bring

For a day at Banna Beach (Banna Strand), pack these beach essentials: beach towel, beach dresses or beach cover up, beach shoes, beach bag. Consider beach umbrella or pop up beach tent for shade, beach chair for comfort. The exposed Atlantic location can be windy, so bring warm layers and wind protection even during summer visits.

Photography & Scenery

The scenic beaches Kerry location provides excellent photography opportunities, particularly for beach sunset shots with mountain backdrops. The high scenic quality includes expansive coastal views that make striking beach wallpaper images. The combination of sand dunes, Atlantic waters and Kerry's mountain landscape creates some of the most beautiful beaches ireland scenery for photography enthusiasts.

Nearby Accommodation

Holiday homes ireland near beach options include Shanadune at 4.8km distance and O'Neill's Bed & Breakfast just 3.1km away. For cottages to rent ireland beach holidays, Barrow House provides accommodation 13km from the shoreline. The proximity to Tralee also offers additional accommodation choices for those seeking convenient access to this Atlantic coast location.

Additional Nearby Information

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