Ballybunion – Beaches, History and Experiences

In Ballybunion, beaches and dunes meet history and a varied range of cultural and leisure activities. So different interests may influence your choice of holiday rental: walks by the sea, surfing, golf or insights into the town’s history. There are also practical considerations for a holiday with children, such as the playground, which is designed for children up to the age of 12.

Beaches, Dunes and Trails

Ballybunion South Beach, also known as Men’s Beach, is part of the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation and is considered one of the best surf spots in North Kerry. The Ballybunion Beach Loop Walk area includes a designated natural heritage area with an extensive dune system. You can experience the local landscape while enjoying the beach, surfing or walking, each offering a different focus.

The Ballybunion Beach Loop Walk is an easy, two-hour circuit along the north and south beaches and the Ballybunion Links Golf Course. If you want to make a walk a set part of your day, the stated duration gives you a concrete guide. The Bromore Cliffs are also visible nearby on the southern section of the Wild Atlantic Way as you approach Ballybunion; they are part of the Lower Shannon SAC.

Local History and Culture

The ruins of Ballybunion Castle stand on cliffs above the sandy beaches. The castle, also called Castle Bale Bonan, was built around the beginning of the 16th century. It was a four-storey, vaulted tower house. These historic features give this coastal town a distinct historical dimension alongside its beaches and natural attractions.

The Ballybunion Heritage Museum features exhibitions on local history, the Marconi station and the Lartigue monorail system. The Tinteán Theatre regularly presents plays, pantomimes, Irish dancing, comedy shows and concerts. The theatre is also home to the North Kerry Art, Cultural and Heritage Society. The museum and theatre offer different ways to explore the area: one focuses on local history and technology, the other on the performing arts and events.

Activities Between the Waves and the Golf Course

Ballybunion’s beaches offer waves for beginners and advanced surfers; the Atlantic Cliff Break is for very experienced surfers. Ballybunion Surf School offers lessons from complete beginner to intermediate level and rents surfboards and wetsuits. If you’d like to try surfing, you can take into account the different experience levels as well as the availability of lessons and equipment locally.

Golf is also part of the town’s appeal: Ballybunion Links comprises two links courses, the Old Course and the Trent Jones Cashen Course. Both are set on sand dunes overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Golf enthusiasts will find two named course options in a dune landscape. At the southern end of Ballybunion Beach, you can also fish from the beach and in the surf for sea bass and flounder.

Another seaside attraction is Collins’s Hot Seaweed Baths. Founded in 1932, they are located at Ladies Strand. Ballybunion also hosts an annual angling festival in March. The playground for children up to the age of 12 adds a place specifically described for a particular age group to this range of options.

More Travel Ideas

Other destinations include Portmagee, Muckross, Sneem, Beaufort, Farranfore, Faha, Ballyduff and Cahersiveen.

For the broader travel overview: County Kerry.