Located on the Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, near Dunquin and just south of Dunmore Head. It is a key stop along the scenic Slea Head Drive section of the Wild Atlantic Way.
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Location
Access Information
Accessed via the narrow Slea Head Drive (R559). Parking is limited (~25 spaces) and can fill quickly in summer. A steep, narrow paved path leads down to the beach from the car park.
Beach Details
Activities
- Walking (including a steep hike up Dunmore Head for views)
- Sightseeing
- Photography
- Sunbathing (when weather permits)
- Playing in shallow waves (with extreme caution)
- Surfing (experienced surfers
- often near low tide)
Facilities
- Car parking available above the beach. Cafés reported nearby on the clifftop. No toilets
- showers
- or lifeguards mentioned on the beach itself. A small waterfall near the beach exit is sometimes used for rinsing feet.
Environment
Wild, remote sandy beach situated in a cove, backed by tall, steep cliffs and green hills. Exposed to strong Atlantic winds and powerful waves.
Conservation Status
No specific SAC, SPA, or NHA designation found directly associated with the beach name.
Views
Spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, Dunmore Head, the Blasket Islands, dramatic cliffs, and surrounding green coastal landscape.
Wildlife
While not specifically documented for the beach itself, the surrounding area (including the Blasket Islands) is known for seabirds (gulls, terns, oystercatchers), seals, and occasionally dolphins or basking sharks. Sheep and cows graze on the nearby hills.
Cultural & Historical Significance
Famous filming location for David Lean's 1970 film "Ryan's Daughter" (commemoration stone erected in 1999). Site where two ships from the Spanish Armada (Santa Maria de la Rosa and San Juan) were wrecked in 1588.
Beach Tags
Reviews
Reviews Summary
Overwhelmingly positive reviews praise the beach's breathtaking beauty, dramatic scenery (cliffs, waves), and iconic location on the Slea Head Drive. Common warnings include dangerous currents making swimming unsafe, limited parking, and the narrow access road. The nearby Dunmore Head walk is frequently recommended.
Peggy1129 (Oct 2024): This is a beautiful place to spend a while. A whole area is breathtaking, and we brought some fresh baked bread and cheese, and a half bottle of red wine a great experience.
Tom E (Aug 2024): A little piece of heaven on earth in the southwest of Ireland, but beware of the strong rip tide which deserves your fullest respect. The Angel who you see sitting on the rocks was just visiting so she will not be there to protect you on your visit.
AlbertSalichs (Oct 2023): Coumeenoole Beach is located in Dingle Peninsula, close to De more Head, the Westernmost point in main Ireland. It is a very nice place to walk and enjoy views. Pitifully, when we came here last October, it was cloudy days, and we could not see wonderful views. However, the place is very beautiful.
Jessica G (Aug 2024): There were amazing views, it’s amazing for bringing kids they can jump the wave and explore a little cave. There lots to do for adults as well, you can swim but don’t go to far or the currents could take you. Also the famous Slea head drive is near. It’s only one stop on the drive I recommend stopping for the bee hive huts, baby lamb feeding, this beach, and cafe na tra which is very close to the beach and has a fabulous view.
Marlee319 (Aug 2024): We left Dingle on a very narrow road towards the beach. This gem of the beach was breathtaking. Parking is somewhat limited so you have to time it well because there's no other place to park. There are cows and sheep, living on the hills nearby and a very long paved walkway to get down to the beach several hundred feet below. We didn't plan to go to the beach, but we just sat on the green hillside taken in the beautiful view. Definitely make it here if you are nearDingle.
Tanya D (Jul 2024): We were lucky to visit on the most beautiful sunny day, the views before reaching the beach were amazing. The cliffs were so impressive, then you see Coumeenoole Beach in like a cove between them. There were surfers and swimmers, the waves were fun. The glorious weather made the water tropical like in colour. This is the best beach I've ever seen.
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