A beloved Kerry resort beach with two sandy strands flanking dramatic sea stacks and caves. Bill Clinton famously played golf here and the beach has a traditional funfair, entertainment, and excellent seafood restaurants nearby.
Ballybunion Beach in County Kerry is made up of two sandy strands, North and South, divided by a rocky headland riddled with sea caves and topped by the ruins of Ballybunion Castle. The sand is fine and pale gold, and the water is clean and Blue Flag-rated, with moderate Atlantic swell that makes the beach popular with both swimmers and surfers depending on conditions on a given day. Unlike remote west-coast strands, Ballybunion has the feel of a traditional Irish seaside resort town, with amusement arcades, a funfair, ice cream parlours, and seafood restaurants lining the streets just above the beach. The dramatic sea stacks and caves at the headland can be explored at low tide, and the world-famous Old Course golf links sits on the clifftop overlooking the strand, a course Bill Clinton played during his time as US president. The beach itself has lifeguard cover during the summer season, public toilets, and direct access to the town's cafes and restaurants just a short walk from the sand. Parking is available in several car parks in the town, within easy walking distance of both North and South beaches. Ballybunion is reached via the R551 about an hour from Limerick, with no direct rail link, so most visitors arrive by car or bus.
Amenities
- lifeguards
- parking
- toilets
- restaurants
- cafes
- surfing
Good to know
- Best for
- families, swimmers, surfers, photographers
Highlights
- Twin North and South strands divided by sea caves and a ruined castle headland
- Blue Flag water with lifeguard cover during summer months
- World-renowned Old Course golf links on the clifftop above the beach
- Traditional seaside resort atmosphere with a funfair and seafood restaurants
- Sea caves and rock pools exposed at low tide around the headland
Tips for visiting
- Explore the sea caves at low tide only, as the passage floods when the tide comes in
- Book a tee time well in advance for the Old Course, which draws golfers from overseas
- Try the seafood restaurants along the main street after a day on the beach
- Park in the town car parks rather than circling for street parking on summer weekends
- Swim between the lifeguard flags on North Beach during the June-to-August season
When to visit
June through August brings lifeguard cover, warm weather, and the full range of open cafes and amusements, while shoulder-season weekdays offer a quieter, still-scenic visit.
Accessibility
The town promenade and main car parks offer step-free access down to North Beach, though loose sand beyond the promenade and the rocky headland around the caves are not suitable for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between North and South Beach at Ballybunion?
North Beach is the main strand with the funfair, promenade, and most amenities, while South Beach across the headland is quieter and backed by the Old Course golf links.
Is Ballybunion Beach lifeguarded?
Yes, lifeguards are on duty at North Beach during the summer bathing season, typically June through August.
Can you visit the sea caves at Ballybunion?
Yes, the caves at the headland between the two beaches are accessible at low tide, but should be avoided as the tide rises since the passage can flood quickly.
Is Ballybunion known for golf?
Yes, the Old Course at Ballybunion Golf Club sits on the clifftop above the beach and is ranked among the world's top links courses; Bill Clinton famously played there.