Growing up in West Limerick, I always spent at least a week every Summer down in Kerry. While my parents beach town of choice was Ballyheigue back in the day, I now go to Ballybunnion when I get the chance.
I hadn’t been down here in almost two years so my friend and I decided to drive on a sunny Saturday afternoon recently as it is less than an hour drive away to do the cliff walk and take in the views (when we were younger there was less taking in the views and a lot more drinking!)
The Cliff Walk is situated on the right hand side of the womens beach. It’s a 1.6km stroll that takes roughly 45 minutes (or longer if you stop to take pictures of the views as much as I do!). The route takes you all the way from ladies beach to an overview of the nuns strand. There are signs along the way that tell you where to go and about the wildlife that you can find in the area, along with a few pieces of history and folklore!
Once you are done the loop of the walk you can visit ‘The Castle Green’. The ruins of the castle itself isn’t much of a sight but they give a fantastic view of the beaches below as it is perfectly nestled between the mens and ladies beach. The history of the castle and the town itself are both really interesting as it dates back as far as the 13th century!
Once you are done exploring the coast you can grab ice cream or food down the main street, or pop into one of the casinos to pass away the time! I actually love this town because it holds so many memories for me and on a sunny day there is nowhere that has a better atmosphere!
Have you ever been here in Kerry? Is it somewhere you would like to go?
Ballybunion is gorgeous! I never got the chance to visit when I was going to UCG 30 years ago. Are the men’s and women’s beaches actually separated by gender?
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They were seperated decades ago! Women and children used bathe in one and men in the other but thankfully those days are long gone!
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I absolutely love Ballybunnion it’s such a lovely place! I’m lucky to live very close to it 😊
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So, there has to be a story behind the men’s and women’s beaches. I am assuming it was in more Victorian times. 🙂 –Curt
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Decades ago it used to be split so women and children would bathe at one and men at the other but unfortunately I can’t find out exactly when this was or when it stopped!
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I was pretty sure that was it. Thanks. –Curt
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It looks wild and windswept – but also interesting. Those ruins fascinate me!
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Thanks! It’s a really nice spot to just get away 😊
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So beautiful! You’re so lucky that you live so close from a beautiful place like that. I love those cliffs and beaches and ruins.
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I know! The beauty of Ireland is that you are never too far from the sea! 😊
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Fabulous pictures!
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Gorgeous gorgeous photos!
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Gorgeous photography! Great writing skills too!
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Thank you! 🙂
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Beautiful nature place and pics are stunning.
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Thank you.. it really is stunning!
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I have never heard about this place till I read your candid post!! It’s just so beautiful ☺️☺️
Cheers, Charu
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