Located in North Kerry, approximately 12 km north-west of Tralee, within Tralee Bay. It stretches for about 12km from Smallrock/Blackrock in the north to the Carrahane lagoon at its southern edge.
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Location
Access Information
Accessible via R551 from Tralee. Large car park (~100 spaces) available, including disabled spots with ramp access to the beach. Parking sometimes possible on beach/nearby fields in peak season.
Beach Details
Activities
- Swimming
- Walking
- Surfing
- Kite Surfing
- Birdwatching (lagoon)
- Fishing
- Horse Riding (via external providers)
Facilities
- Lifeguards (Seasonal: June-August)
- Toilets
- Outdoor Showers
- Car Park
- Cafe (Salty Souls - seasonal/pop-up)
- Surfboard Rental (Kingdom Waves)
Environment
Extensive shifting sand dunes (up to 12m high) backing the entire length of the beach, Carrahane lagoon (noted for birds) at the southern end, located within Tralee Bay.
Conservation Status
Natura 2000 site (Part of Tralee Bay Complex SAC 000226 / SPA 004188), Sand Dunes designated SAC.
Views
Views across Tralee Bay towards the mountains of the Dingle Peninsula on the south-west horizon. Sunsets noted in reviews.
Wildlife
Migrating birds (Carrahane lagoon), Basking sharks (occasionally spotted off Kerry coast).
Cultural & Historical Significance
Site of the 1916 landing of Roger Casement, Robert Monteith, and Daniel Julian Bailey from a German U-boat during an arms importation attempt for the Easter Rising. A commemorative monument is located near the dunes. Inspired the song 'The Long Banna Strand'.
Beach Tags
Reviews
Reviews Summary
Overwhelmingly positive reviews praise Banna Strand for its vast expanse of clean, golden sand, stunning views, beautiful sunsets, and suitability for long walks, swimming, and surfing. Its Blue Flag status and facilities like lifeguards and parking are noted. Some reviewers advise checking tide times.
This beach is wonderful on a sunny day. It's very peaceful while walking along the sea. It's best to go when tide is out as there is more space to walk on.
Beautiful beach, check tides as best avoid at high tide. Not busy at all and well worth a trip! Bring everything you need, amazing sunsets if weather permits.
Beautiful Sandy Beach stretching for miles. Carpark and toilet facilities nearby. Life guards on duty and a surfboard rental. Pop up coffee trailer and other trail type businesses
This is my childhood beach where I spent many a summer's day with friends and siblings having fun. I had a recent trip Banna last Thursday & Friday and it is just as beautiful as every. Grab a few photos of Banna as the back drop. Tourists to Kerry should visit this golden sandy beach, have a walk along the sand or pop in for a swim.
Beautiful beach, very clean and nice and spacious. Took our dogs for a nice long walk, understandable how it’s a blue flag beach! Grabbed a tasty coffee after! Would recommend to reconnect with nature and natural beauty
Lovely beach if you get the weather! A shirt drove from Tralee or from Ballyheigue or Ballybunnion further along the coast,there's a narrow road down to it and you can park on the beach itself pretty much. There are a few food trucks in the summer but nothing permanent. Parking was available on our visit to the left in the fields by the coast guard. Wide expanse of sandy beach, well kept and beautiful views.
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Derrynane Beach
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