One of Ireland’s longest beaches that’s perfect for surfing with stunning views, golden sand, whales and dolphins
THIS stunning stretch of coastline is one of Ireland’s longest beaches and is popular among swimmers, surfers and sea life enthusiasts.
But Brandon Bay in the Dingle Peninsula has plenty more to offer to those who visit.
The beach is situated on the northern side of the Co Kerry peninsula and at the foot of Mount Brandon.
The area features a number of strands and beaches and is 2.5 hours from Shannon Airport, or a 40 minute drive from Tralee.
Cappagh Strand is adjacent to Cloghane Village and sandy beach Fermoyle Strand, also near the village, is ideal for walking, swimming, surfing and other watersports.
And Kilcummin, Stradbally and Gowlane Strands are twelve miles of stunning, unbroken sandy beach.
The strands all boarder Brandon Bay and are again popular for water sports.
Brandon Bay in particular is extremely popular among surfers.
The huge strand is reliably windy which provides for great surfing conditions, while peaks vary with the swell and tide.
For those who want to see some exciting aquatic life, the bay is the perfect location for dolphin and whale watching.
Several different Dingle boat companies run tours of the coastal area and allow passengers an up close experience with sea life.
And visitors could also catch a glance of basking sharks, which frequent the coastline.
If you want to get closer to the water, there are also several companies that run kayaking tours of the Dingle region.
Customers on these trips are often lucky enough to glide past dolphins, sharks or even whales – all from the safety of their kayak.
On these tours, punters are brought in and around the cliffs and caves of the coastline.
DOLPHINS & WHALES
Tickets for the boat tours cost between €70 and €85 per person. While kayaking costs between €45 and €60 per person.
The town of Dingle is the perfect base for those looking to visit Dingle Peninsula and Brandon Bay.
Brandon Bay is connected to Dingle town by Conor’s Pass, a single lane mountain route with twists and turns and stunning scenic views. The drive takes about 20 minutes
The eclectic town of Dingle is filled with cosy pubs, family run businesses and quaint fashion and jewellery stores.
The town has a population of around 2,000 but is bustling with visitors and tourists during peak season.
The town is known for good quality food, great pubs and a vibrant street life.
There are plenty of accommodation options, with bed and breakfasts, campsites, holiday rentals, hostels, hotels and guesthouses.
However rooms in all accommodation options for the summer months are already selling out.