Ventry Bay Beach

Ventry Bay Beach (Ceann Trá) in County Kerry offers sheltered swimming, Blue Flag waters, and family facilities in a horseshoe bay near Dingle.

Things to Do

Beach Information

Facilities & Amenities

⚠️ Safety Information

Discover Ventry Bay Beach

If you're searching for beaches near me in County Kerry, Ventry Bay Beach stands out as a sheltered, sandy, family-friendly Blue Flag destination. Located near Dingle on the scenic Slea Head Drive, this horseshoe-shaped bay offers calm waters perfect for swimming and paddling. The beach provides an ideal combination of natural beauty and practical facilities, making it a top choice among beaches in Ireland for visitors seeking a comfortable day by the sea.

Location & Access

Finding this beach in Kerry is straightforward, with the site accessible via the famous Slea Head Drive west of Dingle town. The Local Link bus service stops directly at Ventry Bay Beach, making it reachable without a car. Free parking is available in a dedicated car park, though spaces can fill quickly on sunny days during peak season.

Beach Characteristics

Ventry Bay Beach features a wide stretch of white to golden sand that curves naturally around the sheltered bay. The medium-sized shoreline extends in a crescent shape, providing plenty of space for walks and family activities. This sandy beach offers soft footing underfoot, with shells scattered along the tide line adding to the natural charm of this scenic beach in Kerry.

Swimming & Water Quality

Swimming in Kerry doesn't get much better than the excellent water quality found at this Blue Flag beach. The sheltered bay location keeps waves calm and manageable, making it ideal for safe swimming throughout the season. Seasonal lifeguards are on duty during summer months, with specific times posted on the beach noticeboard for visitor safety.

Surrounding Landscape

The scenic beaches of Kerry are renowned for their natural setting, and this location delivers spectacular views across the horseshoe bay. Beautiful beaches in Ireland often feature dramatic backdrops, and here the village setting combines with rolling hills and coastal scenery. Kerry scenery extends in all directions, with the nearby Slea Head Drive offering some of the most photographed landscapes in the country.

Activities & Things To Do

Beach activities here cater to all interests, from swimming and kayaking to horse-riding along the sand. Coastal walks in Kerry start right from the beach, with pony trekking available for those wanting to explore on horseback. Kitesurfing, canoeing, fishing, walking, and running are all popular activities, with the calm waters particularly suited to paddling sports and family recreation.

Family & Kids

Family beaches in Kerry don't come better equipped than this Blue Flag site with seasonal lifeguards and excellent facilities. Kid-friendly beaches in Ireland need safe conditions and proper amenities, both of which are provided here in abundance. The calm, sheltered waters make it perfect for children to paddle and swim safely, whilst the wide sandy area gives plenty of space for beach games and family activities.

Facilities & Amenities

Facilities include clean public toilets housed in converted shipping containers, though these operate with limited hours and may be locked at certain times. Showers and changing facilities are available on-site, along with wheelchair accessible parking and entrance ramps. A coffee shack provides refreshments during busy periods, while litter bins and recycling facilities help keep the area pristine. 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

This is not a dog-friendly beach, with restrictions in place to maintain Blue Flag status and family enjoyment. Dogs are not allowed on the Blue Flag section between 11am and 7pm from 1st June to 15th September inclusive. For those searching for dogs allowed beaches, alternative locations along the Kerry coast may be more suitable during peak summer months.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible beaches in Ireland include this well-equipped site with dedicated parking and entrance ramps. Accessible beaches in Ireland often lack proper facilities, but here wheelchair users can access both the car park and beach area without difficulty. The accessible entrance provides direct access to the sand, making it one of the more inclusive coastal destinations in County Kerry.

Weather & Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Ventry Bay Beach depends on whether lifeguards are required, as they operate during summer months only. Weather conditions are generally favourable for beach visits from late spring through early autumn. Check the noticeboard at the beach for current lifeguard times during your visit, as these can vary within the seasonal period.

Nearby Services

A coffee shack operates on-site during busy periods, providing essential refreshments without leaving the beach. This beach cafe offers convenient access to hot drinks and light snacks throughout the day. While shops near the beach are limited in the immediate vicinity, the nearby village of Ventry and Dingle town provide additional dining and shopping options within a short drive.

What To Wear & Bring

For a day at Ventry Bay Beach, 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 sheltered location means less wind than exposed Atlantic beaches, but conditions can change quickly on the Kerry coast.

Photography & Scenery

Beach sunset photography captures spectacular colours reflecting across the calm bay waters in the evening hours. Scenic beaches like this provide endless opportunities for landscape photography, with the horseshoe shape creating natural frames for shots. The clear turquoise waters and white sand make for perfect beach wallpaper images, particularly during golden hour when the light enhances the natural beauty of this Kerry location.

Nearby Accommodation

Holiday homes in Ireland near beaches are available in the surrounding Dingle Peninsula area, though not immediately adjacent to the beach itself. Cottages to rent in Ireland with beach access can be found in nearby Ventry village and Dingle town, both within easy driving distance. The area's popularity means booking accommodation well in advance is recommended, particularly during summer months when the beach is at its busiest.

Additional Nearby Information

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