Local pier
Oysterbed Pier
5 min from Sneem Sheltered swim
Sneem's own swim pier on the Kenmare River — sheltered, deep on a rising tide.
DirectionsCoast
Beaches & swim spots near Sneem.
Sneem itself has no beach — but you're 5 minutes from a sheltered pier and 20 minutes from white sand. From Castlecove and Derrynane on the Ring of Kerry to Rossbeigh and Inch further north, here are the best places to swim, paddle and watch the sun set.
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Tap a marker for details and directions.
The list
Ordered by drive time from Sneem village.
Local pier
Rossdohan Pier
10 min from Sneem Sheltered swim
Quiet stone pier east of the village with lovely views across the bay to the Beara.
DirectionsCove beach
Castlecove Beach
20 min drive Good swimming
Beautiful white sandy sheltered cove just off the Ring of Kerry.
DirectionsStony beach
White Strand (Cross Strand)
20 min drive Paddle / view
Small stony beach right beside the parking area with stunning mountain views.
DirectionsBlue Flag beach
Derrynane Beach
30 min drive Strong currents — care
Expansive sandy Blue Flag beach in Derrynane Bay. Note: strong currents on the outer strand.
DirectionsVillage beach
Waterville Beach
40 min drive Good swimming
Crescent sand-and-shingle beach on Ballinskelligs Bay.
DirectionsBlue Flag beach
Ballinskelligs Beach
55 min drive Good swimming
Blue Flag golden sand and clear water beach overlooked by McCarthy's Castle ruins.
DirectionsQuiet beach
Dooks Bay Beach
1 hr drive Sheltered swim
Sheltered, shallow sandy beach near Glenbeigh.
DirectionsBlue Flag beach
Rossbeigh Beach
70 min drive Good swimming
6 km Blue Flag beach on the Ring of Kerry with wide views of Dingle Bay.
DirectionsBlue Flag beach
Kells Bay Beach
75 min drive Good swimming
Small Blue Flag beach with fine sand and views across Dingle Bay.
DirectionsBlue Flag beach
Inch Beach
80 min drive Good swimming
Famous 5.5 km Blue Flag beach jutting into Dingle Bay.
DirectionsSwim safely
Check the tide before you swim. Only two of these beaches have summer lifeguards (Derrynane and Rossbeigh). Never swim alone. If in doubt, don't go in — and dial 112 for the Coast Guard.
Call 112Descriptions adapted from The Irish Road Trip and local knowledge.
The Irish Road Trip