Derrynane Beach

Derrynane sits on the southern side of the Iveragh peninsula where the coast breaks into a series of sheltered coves of very pale sand behind a dune system. The water is exceptionally clear and the beaches are more protected than most on this coast, which makes them among the better swimming places on the Ring of Kerry. Derrynane House above the strand was the home of Daniel O'Connell, the lawyer and politician who led the campaign that won Catholic Emancipation in 1829 and who was known as the Liberator; the house is now a museum with much of his furniture and possessions. At low tide a sand causeway leads out to Abbey Island, where a small ruined church and a graveyard still in use sit above the shore - the crossing floods on the incoming tide and people are cut off there regularly. The dunes are fragile and fenced in places.

What you actually see

• The coves - pale sand and clear water, sheltered by the headlands.
• Abbey Island - the ruined church and graveyard, reached at low tide.
• Derrynane House - O'Connell's home, kept as a museum.
• The dune system - extensive and fenced in the fragile sections.

When to go

May to September for swimming; lifeguards cover the main beach in high summer. Check the tide before crossing to Abbey Island - the causeway floods.

Honest expectations

The Abbey Island causeway cuts off with the tide and catches people every year. The graveyard is in active use and should be treated accordingly. Beach parking fills in August; the dunes are not for walking on.

Nearby

Caherdaniel and the Ring of Kerry road are above; Sneem and Waterville are either side.