If you’re planning a trip around the renowned Ring of Kerry, Derrynane Beach is 3.5km west of Caherdaniel in Derrynane National Historic Park.

The sheltered dune-backed beach is a crescent of white sand overlooking Abbey Island with its ancient burial ground and ruins of a long-forgotten mediaeval church.

Water safety warning: Understanding water safety is absolutely crucial when visiting beaches in Ireland

There’s free parking (note the height-restriction barrier) right next to Derrynane Beach but it does get busy in the summer. If you visit off-season, chances are that you can have this place all to yourself. It’s signposted from the main road (N70) 3.5km west of Caherdaniel.