County Kerry

15 Surf spots
families beginners
  • j
  • f
  • m
  • a
  • m
  • j
  • j
  • a
  • s
  • o
  • n
  • d
Positives
  • Super-indented coastline
  • Dingle wind and swell flexibility
  • Incredibly long Inch
  • Ring of Kerry empty waves
Negatives
  • Notoriously inconsistent
  • Strong blustery winds
  • Many tidally sensitive spots
  • Slow, winding roads

County Kerry surf travel guide

County Kerry, and especially the Dingle Peninsula, has some great, but notoriously inconsistent waves. The greatest concentration is around Brandon Bay on the north side, an area popular with surfers and windsurfers and host to regular windsurf competitions. Scoring some of these fickle gems requires exacting swell and wind directions, although being a peninsula, there’s always the option of the other side. Inch Reef is a slumbering classic that rarely breaks but is reputedly one of the longest waves in the country, attracting crowds when it’s on. Stunning scenery surrounds the Ring of Kerry and beyond where deep estuaries isolate the land and provide much potential for discovery. Be prepared for flat spells or out of control surf, leaving time to explore this fantastic region that still has a real flavour of old Ireland.

Surf spots in County Kerry

Research the 15 surf breaks in County Kerry and discover what spots suit the current conditions.

Break lowdown

We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in County Kerry.

scroll / drag

When to go

Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to County Kerry

  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

Library

Helpful surf travel videos and articles featuring County Kerry.

scroll / drag

Travel Information

General
Current Time
Tourists
10,926,000
Population
6,786,000
Tourist Info
Tourist Info

Security

Health

Money
Currency
European euro (EUR)
Exchange rate
$1 = 1 Euro European euro (EUR)

Cost of living

Communication
Dialing in
+Republic 353 - North 44
Dialing out
Republic 00 - North 00
Emergencies
112
Language
English, Irish (Gaelic)
Electricity
Plug Type
g
Visas

The Republic of Ireland is part of the EU free travel area but in principle the north is not. Post Brexit has added to the confusion and negotiations continue, but the border between the two remains open and free for travel. Check for any latest news. Many non EU member countries can visit visa free for up to 90 days

Getting There

Flights from selected European cities fly to Kerry airport. From there it's a short drive out to the Dingle Peninsula.

Getting Around

From Tralee there is a ring road which skirts the coastline of the Dingle Peninsula in a couple of hours and another passing around the ring of Kerry to the south taking again a 2hr round trip.

Local Buses cover all routes.

Accommodation

Dingle is a great base to explore the peninsula with easy access to the various breaks that depend on variable wind and swell conditions. It's a very popular touristic destination so places can get booked out for much of the year and prices are high. The Ring of Kerry is pretty much the same.

Activities
cultureoutdoorurbanwatersports

A Dingle sea safari is a great way to see the stunning coastline and Dingle Oceanworld has penguins otters and sharks. Pub life here is a must and live Irish music can be found in many of them. Coastal walks and hiking or driving across Coner Pass is a must, as is the spectacular scenery around the Ring of Kerry.

Hazards & hassles

County Kerry cops the full force of the Atlantic and huge wind-blown days are common. Finding some sheltered corner will mean moving around a lot and the roads are slow so preparation and planning are key. Cold rippy water with no-one around means extra care should be taken.

Handy Hints

Free webcams at Brandon Bay and Inch Strand will give a good clue as to where you should be surfing - Check Onitsurf.com. They also have a cam of Inch Strand but that's behind a paywall. Kingdom Waves surf school operate at Inch Strand and Dingle surf shop in Dingle town has everything you might need.

Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.

Never miss an update

Sign up to our newsletter and get a weekly digest