Traigh an Choma

Coumeenoole Beach (Traigh an Choma) in Kerry offers wild Atlantic scenery and cliff walks on the Dingle Peninsula. Free parking but unsafe swimming conditions.

Things to Do

Beach Information

Facilities & Amenities

⚠️ Safety Information

Discover Traigh an Choma

If you're searching for a beach near me with wild Atlantic character, Coumeenoole Beach in County Kerry delivers exceptional scenery on the far west Dingle Peninsula. This tiny ocean cove, known locally as Traigh an Choma, attracts visitors seeking scenic cliff walks and untamed coastal views. The beach offers wild, scenic, and undeniably dramatic surroundings, though swimming conditions make it unsafe for bathing. It's a must-visit stop on the Slea Head Drive for those exploring the best beaches Ireland has to offer.

Location & Access

Located at the end of a tight road near Dunmore Head, Coumeenoole Beach sits approximately 15km from Dingle town via the scenic Slea Head Drive. The approach involves narrow roads that can become congested during peak season, requiring careful manoeuvring. Free parking is available in a clifftop car park accommodating around 25 vehicles, though spaces fill quickly in summer. Visitors should arrive early during busy periods to secure parking and avoid the tightest access conditions.

Beach Characteristics

Traigh an Choma features golden sand mixed with seaweed, shells and stones, creating a natural Atlantic beach surface typical of Kerry's western coastline. The tiny cove sits nestled beneath towering cliffs, offering an intimate setting despite its dramatic surroundings. The shoreline forms a classic curved cove shape, sheltered by rocky headlands on either side. Its compact size means the beach can feel busy even with relatively few visitors, particularly during peak summer months.

Swimming & Water Quality

The Atlantic waters at Coumeenoole Beach are consistently rough and considered unsafe for swimming due to powerful currents, large waves, and deep water close to shore. Local conditions frequently generate very rough wave exposure, making this location unsuitable for safe swimming or water activities. The beach lacks lifeguard supervision, and bathing restrictions effectively apply year-round due to dangerous sea conditions. Visitors should treat this as a viewing and walking destination rather than a swimming beach.

Surrounding Landscape

Set in a rural coastal environment, the beach enjoys exceptional scenic quality with sweeping views across the Atlantic Ocean towards the Blasket Islands. The surrounding landscape features dramatic cliff formations, rolling grassland where sheep often graze, and the rugged beauty typical of the Wild Atlantic Way. Mount Eagle rises nearby, while the headland of Dunmore Head provides elevated viewpoints. This section of Kerry's coastline represents some of the most beautiful natural scenery Ireland offers.

Activities & Things To Do

The primary activities here centre on hiking, walking and photography, with the beach serving as the main access point for the popular Dunmore Head coastal walk. The steep ascent to the headland rewards visitors with unforgettable cliff-top views stretching across the Atlantic. Walking trails lead both up to elevated viewpoints and down to the beach level, offering varied perspectives of this scenic coastline. Photography opportunities abound, from sunset shots to capturing the wild Atlantic waves against the rocky shoreline.

Family & Kids

Coumeenoole Beach is not considered family-friendly due to unsafe swimming conditions, steep access paths, and exposed cliff edges without barriers. The absence of lifeguard services means families with children need to exercise extreme caution around the water and cliff areas. Young children may find the steep descent to the beach challenging, while the powerful waves pose obvious dangers. Families seeking safer beach options in Kerry would be better served by more sheltered, supervised beaches elsewhere along the coastline.

Facilities & Amenities

The beach itself offers no on-site facilities, with no toilets, showers, or changing facilities available at the location. Visitors will find limited services at the beach, with the nearest toilets and amenities located in Dingle town or Dunquin village. The free clifftop car park provides the only formal facility, though space is limited and can become very congested during peak season. No beach services such as cafes or equipment rental operate at this remote location. 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

No specific dog policy is mentioned for Coumeenoole Beach, though the presence of sheep grazing in nearby fields means dogs should be kept under strict control at all times. Responsible dog owners should ensure their pets remain on leads to avoid disturbing local livestock and wildlife. The exposed clifftop location and steep access paths require additional caution when bringing dogs to this area. Local farming activities around the beach area make dog control particularly important for the safety of both animals and livestock.

Accessibility

Coumeenoole Beach offers no wheelchair accessibility due to the steep descent from the car park to the beach level and uneven terrain throughout the area. The clifftop car park sits on relatively level ground, but accessing the actual beach requires navigating rocky paths and steep gradients unsuitable for wheelchair users. No accessible facilities or adapted pathways have been installed at this remote coastal location. Visitors with mobility requirements should be aware that this beach presents significant physical challenges for access.

Weather & Best Time To Visit

Weather conditions significantly affect the Coumeenoole Beach experience, with fog and rain often providing quieter visiting conditions compared to busy sunny days. The exposed Atlantic location means wind and weather can change rapidly, particularly during autumn and winter months. Peak summer sees the heaviest visitor numbers, while early morning or evening visits often provide more peaceful conditions and better parking availability. No seasonal lifeguard coverage operates, so safety considerations remain constant year-round.

Nearby Services

No on-site beach services operate at Coumeenoole Beach, reflecting its remote and undeveloped character. The nearest shops, cafes and restaurants are located in Dingle town, approximately 15km away via the winding coastal road. Dunquin village, slightly closer, offers limited services for visitors exploring this section of the peninsula. Visitors should plan ahead and bring all necessary supplies, as no beach cafe, retail facilities, or equipment rental services exist in the immediate vicinity.

What To Wear & Bring

For a day at Traigh an Choma, 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. Windproof clothing is essential given the exposed Atlantic location, while sturdy footwear helps navigate the rocky paths and uneven beach terrain. Bring all food, drinks and supplies as no facilities exist on-site.

Photography & Scenery

The exceptional scenic quality makes Coumeenoole Beach a favourite location for photographers seeking dramatic coastal imagery suitable for beach wallpaper or scenic landscape collections. Sunset photography opportunities are particularly striking, with the western-facing position providing excellent evening light across the Atlantic waters. The combination of golden sand, dark cliffs, and wild waves creates natural compositions that capture the essence of Ireland's scenic beaches. The elevated viewpoints from Dunmore Head offer additional photographic perspectives of this beautiful Kerry coastline.

Nearby Accommodation

Visitors seeking holiday homes Ireland near beach will find accommodation options within reasonable distance, including Atlantic Rest Stunning Vistas of the Skelligs located 3.09km away. The unique Great Blasket Island Accommodation sits 3.49km from the beach, offering an unusual island-based stay for adventurous visitors. Most cottages to rent Ireland beach in this area provide spectacular ocean views and access to the Wild Atlantic Way. The remote location means accommodation tends to book early during peak season, particularly properties with sea views.

Additional Nearby Information

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