IF you’re looking for a new beach to enjoy the summer weather on, there’s one in the south of the country that’s not to be missed.
Banna Strand is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunshine, or hop in for a swim.
The Kerry beach is popular with both locals and tourists, with crystal-clear waters making for the perfect views.
The Blue Flag beach is just 13km from Tralee and is a favourite within the county.
It stretches 10km, and is one of Ireland’s largest beaches, reaching from Ballyheigue Beach in the north to Barrow Beach in the south.
It’s perfect for swimming, as the waters are warm from the Gulf Stream.
Located in Tralee Bay, tourists can enjoy views of Kerry Head to the north, the Dingle Peninsula to the southwest and Mucklaghmore Rock straight ahead to the sea.
There are stunning views from the dunes which tower 10m high, which have views of Mount Brandon and the Dingle Hills to the southwest.
The stunning stretch has golden sand that spans 10km along the Kerry coastline.
It’s perfect for families, with a perfect environment for swimming, sunbathing and building sandcastles.
Lifeguards are on duty every day from June until August.
There is a surf school located on the beach, making it the perfect place to learn something new, or you can take part in some kite surfing.
And you can even spot dolphins when looking out towards the bay – which is sure to be a thrill for the kids.
The beach has a large amount of car parking available, including disabled spaces.
There is also disabled access down a short slipway and toilets on site.
To reach the beach, visitors should turn off the R551 at Banna Cross.
Behind the sand dunes are several holiday parks and a Leisure Centre, ensuring your day is fully packed.
You can also travel to the nearby town of Ardfert or to Tralee for a range of other amenities.
While there, you can visit Tralee Golf Club that sits at the southern end of the beach.
HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE
It also has historic significance, as this was where the rebel Roger Casement landed in 1916 from a German U-boat after attempting to secure weapons from the Germans for the Easter Rising.
He was then caught and sentenced to death by the British government, and you can see a memorial to him near the beach.
Dogs are allowed on the beach, but must be on a leash.
There are also a number of B&Bs and hotels nearby, providing an array of accommodation for visitors.
On Tripadvisor, the beach has a 4.8 star rating and many rave reviews.
It is even rated as the number one thing to do in Tralee, and it’s easy to see why.
One person wrote: “What a wonderful beach – a blue flag beach – the best in Europe! Great to walk along. Lots of people swimming and surfing.
“A lovely place to get a hot drink and a cake – well worth trying. A must to visit – highly recommended.”
‘WONDERFUL WALK’
Another visitor said: “Banna beach is about 8 km long, fine sandy and invites you to swim safely in warm weather. But even in colder temperatures it is worth a visit.
“You can take a wonderful walk on the beach here. The history of the beach is also very interesting.
“During the First World War, German weapons were to be smuggled into the country on Banna beach to support the Irish struggle for independence.
“The mission failed, and the leader, Roger Casement, was arrested and then executed. A well-known song still tells its story today.
“Numerous parking spaces are available, the largest parking lot has changing rooms, toilets and a snack cart selling coffee and snacks.”
