Coumeenoole Beach in County Kerry (Dingle Peninsula), Ireland
#692 European Rank

Coumeenoole Beach

County Kerry (Dingle Peninsula), IrelandAtlantic Ocean Best Season: June, July, August
Photo: Jeff Buck (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
4.05/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
16.4°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
35/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Golden Sand
Deep Water

Sea Temperature by Month

30-year monthly averages for County Kerry (Dingle Peninsula) · NOAA satellite data
Swipe 12 months ⇄
Refreshing Plunge
Jan
9.4°C
Air 8°C
Feb
8.8°C
Air 8°C
Mar
9.1°C
Air 8°C
Apr
10.4°C
Air 11°C
May
12.5°C
Air 14°C
Jun
14.6°C
Air 17°C
Jul
15.9°C
Air 19°C
Peak
Aug
16.4°C
Air 19°C
Sep
15.5°C
Air 17°C
Oct
13.8°C
Air 14°C
Nov
11.9°C
Air 10°C
Dec
10.2°C
Air 8°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Peak 16.4°C in August · cold-water plunge / wetsuit season
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all Ireland Sea Temperatures

Score Breakdown

Scenery & Setting4.2 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.9 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.7 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.1 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.6 / 5

About Coumeenoole Beach

Ireland's most dramatic clifftop cove at the westernmost tip of the Dingle Peninsula, framing panoramic views of the wild Blasket Islands.

Destination Advisory & Classificationcold-water destination (16.4°C peak) — aesthetic/scenic ranking rather than warm swimming; high wave / surf hazard — non-swimmable shorebreak

Key Beach Facts

Official Records
Access: Located along the Slea Head Drive (R559) on the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula with clifftop parking and path.
Protected Status / Environment: Part of the Dingle Peninsula Special Area of Conservation; swimming prohibited due to dangerous rip currents.
Notable Feature: Dramatic cove framed by dark sea cliffs overlooking the Blasket Islands, featured in Ryan's Daughter.
Official Tourism Authorities:discoverireland.ie

Amenities & Facilities

Bathrooms
Yes
Showers
No
Free Parking
Yes
Food / Tavernas
Yes
Good for Kids
No
Dog Friendly
Yes
Lifeguard on Duty
No
Sunbed & Umbrella Rentals
No
Natural Cliff/Pine Shade
No
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Snorkeling & Watersports
No
Nudist / FKK Friendly
No

Getting There & Local Notes

Getting there:

From Dingle town, drive 18 km west along the iconic Slea Head Drive (R559) directly to Coumeenoole.

Filming location for David Lean's 1970 Oscar-winning masterpiece 'Ryan's Daughter'
Look out across the turbulent sound at the Great Blasket Island and the sleeping giant silhouette
Strong Atlantic rip currents mean swimming is prohibited; ideal for breathtaking walks and photography

Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway

INTL · 40m drive

Convenient highway or local transit access across County Kerry (Dingle Peninsula), Ireland.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Coumeenoole Beach

What is the water temperature at Coumeenoole Beach?

The peak summer sea surface temperature at Coumeenoole Beach averages 16.4°C (62°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.

What type of coast or sand is Coumeenoole Beach?

Coumeenoole Beach is classified as a golden sand shoreline located in County Kerry (Dingle Peninsula), Ireland.

Is Coumeenoole Beach good for families with kids?

Coumeenoole Beach has steeper entry or natural coastal features better suited for confident swimmers.

Are there parking and facilities at Coumeenoole Beach?

Free parking is available. Restroom facilities are present.

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