by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Kerry
Derrynane Beach July 2009 Derrynane beach is a real gem. When we were there last, the sun shone, the sea was blue and it felt and looked like a Greek Island. The beach is a lovely mix of clear sand, rocks to scramble over, coves and small beaches. There are large stretches to walk on and explore. However, steer clear of swimming in the section marked with warning signs for dangerous currents. At low tide you can walk across to nearby Abbey Island where its graveyard is the burial place of Mary O'Connell, wife ofThe Liberator, Daniel. He got a round tower in Glasnevin and Mary ended up in an overgrown and poorly kept graveyard. The beach has access from nearby Derrynane House, Daniel O'Connell's home (open to the public). Beside it there is a nice coffee shop. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer. Blue Flag beach. Directions View Larger Map The beach is located off the N 70 Ring of Kerry Road. When you get to the small town of Caherdaniel watch out for the signpost to Derrynane. You can park at the house car park and walk a few hundred yards to the beach. Alternatively a bit further on there is another car park with an even shorter walk. There are toilets at this car park. Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 83 [...]
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Kerry
Ballinskelligs Beach July 2009 Ballinskelligs is a real family beach with some decent facilities. The beach itself is curved and nice and sandy. The water is clear and there is a gentle slope into the sea. At one end of the beach there is a ruined tower which you access across a stream. It looks like a good place for kids to explore. At the entrance to the beach itself there is a nice coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating Ballinskelligs has lifeguards in the summer, a decent car park and public toilets. The beach appears to be reasonably accessible. Blue Flag beach. Directions View Larger Map Ballinskelligs is located off the N70 Ring of Kerry road. If you are coming from the Caherciveen direction you will take a right turn onto the R566. Follow the signposts which will lead you to the beach Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 83 [...]
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Dublin
The 40 Foot July 2009 Is this Ireland's most famous swimming spot? Dubliners probably think it is. Immortalised in James Joyce's Ulysses (although we can't recall ever seeing snot green se there) and loved by generations of the city's swimmers, the Forty Foot is a Dublin institution. For most of its time the Forty Foot was a men only spot, where the male of the species could strip off in peace without being bothered. Eventually that changed (was it 15-20 years ago?) and now men and women, young and old, swim there, although there is a secluded part around the side where men still congregate and women rarely venture. The entrance still has the men only sign, but this is just a left over from a thankfully forgotten era. The great advantage of the Forty Foot is its depth, so you can always jump in even at low tide. It's a great place to swim, with its clean deep waters. While people dive in from the nearby rocks it is dangerous and you should heed the many warning signs which are obviously there for a reason. This is, of course, a place for year round swimmers and in the depth of a freezing winter all you are allowed to admit to is the water being 'a bit nippy'; wimps need not apply. Although we must admit to being envious on a recent winter visit where a swimmer emptied his hot water bottle over himself after his icy dip. It is also the place where hundreds of people congregate on Christmas Day for an annual plunge. The whole area is nicely maintained, with a changing area, and is a great credit to the Sandycove Bathers Association who keep it so well. The 40 Foot is accessible for buggies, but there are a few steps which prevent wheelchairs. Directions View Larger Map The best way to travel from Dublin city is by DART getting off at the Sandycove / Glasthule stop. From there it's a 10- 15 minute walk and directions will be easily got. [...]
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Donegal
Town Beach, Bundoran April 2010 Bundoran is one of our best known seaside resorts. For some people it means honky tonk and for others it means plenty of life, amusements and the craic. The town beach is a short stroll from the town centre . The beach is sheltered with rocks at either end. This is a good place for kids as the sand is soft and there are also pools to fish in. There are seats behind the beach and a good cliff walk which will lead you out to the more spectacular Tullan Strand. The water here is clear and much less likely to be choppy. There is a good amount of car-parking but its pay and display. Do not be fooled by the photos here which were taken off season. This can be a very busy spot in the summer. So if you want plenty of action and a quick trip across to the amusements nearby then this is the place for you. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. Blue Flag beach. The beach appears to be buggy and wheelchair accessible. Directions View Larger Map From Sligo follow the N 15 signposted Donegal / Bundoran. Follow the signpost which bring you into the town and the beach is located just behind the main street. Ordnance Survey Discovery Series Map No. 16 [...]
by Brian Kenny | Jul 5, 2019 | Donegal
Portsalon Harbour August 2017 Portsalon beach and harbour are a perfect combination. While the beach is wide and sometimes wild, the harbour is sheltered and small. It’s a perfect place for young children to splash, swim and play. The beach itself is small, protected on one side by the harbour pier and by rocks on the other. There are also various nooks for shelter. Older children, supervised of course, can do their jumps from the pier while smaller ones can splash in the shallow waters. There is a gradual wade in and the water is clear and inviting. Decent swimmers can swim across to the harbour steps while others can just enjoy the soft clear sea and look across at the magnificent Portsalon beach. To add to the harbour’s attractions, right behind it are a pub, shop and restaurant, with the shop hiring out various pleasure craft. Porstalon Harbour is an ideal place to spend a day. We had lovely sunshine when we visited, but bring your wetsuit just in case. Directions; From Letterkenny take the R245 to Ramelton and onto Milford. From Milford take the R246 to Porstalon . At the Portsalon crossroads take the right turn to the harbour and follow the road to the carpark. The carpark is small and must get crowded on sunny days. There is a ramp which allows wheelchair access. OSI Map No. 2 [...]