How to Visit Inch Beach
Read our travel guide on Inch Beach in Ireland. Includes tips on what to expect, how to get, when to go, or where to stay.
Inch Beach, situated in the southeast of Dingle Peninsula, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland.
Jutting out into Dingle Bay, this amazing stretch of sand is about five kilometers long and offers all kinds of opportunities for water sports and activities.
With amazing views of the sand dunes, MacGillycuddy Reeks, and the Atlantic Ocean, this beach is one of the highlights of every Ireland road trip.
Most of the time, the visit to Inch Beach is very straightforward.
Still, there are a few things you should know about Inch Beach before you go.
Inch Beach
Without any doubt, Inch Beach is one the best things to do on Dingle Peninsula.
This is a Blue Flag Beach, which means it has good water quality, it's clean, and is usually safe for swimming, as there are lifeguards during the bathing season.
However, you need to check whether Inch Beach still keeps its Blue Flag status each season.
Furthermore, numerous activities can be arranged on Inch Beach, including surfing, kayaking, and fishing.
The beach also offers surf schools, water sports equipment, and wetsuit rental. In the summer, it is an ideal place for outings with your family or friends. The beach is also dog-friendly.
There is also an ice cream stand, plus a restaurant, a cafe, showers, and bathrooms.
How to Visit Inch Beach
After road-tripping the Ring of Kerry and seeing some of its finest attractions, such as Killarney National Park, Skellig Ring, or Cahergall Stone Fort, we were ready for the Dingle Peninsula.
We woke up early in the morning in a small bed and breakfast only a few kilometers from Inch Strand, so the journey was short and vastly uneventful.
Despite the dark clouds rolling in and strong gusts lashing the coast, our mood was great and positive.
We had a feeling that the beach during this weather and this early in the day would be pretty much empty. And our hunch was right.
Aside from a few campervans staying on the beach, the parking area was pretty much empty, and the sandy strip was deserted.
If it weren't for the winds, waves, and seagulls, the solitude would be overwhelming. Admittedly, this was not a typical beach day.
Although the weather didn't cooperate, this was still, in some sense, a beautiful morning, and we walked along the beach for at least a couple of kilometers.
We have already visited some beaches in Ireland, such as Derrynane or Ballinskelligs, and this was yet another spot to explore.
Luckily, the visibility was still relatively good, and we could recognize the mountains dominating the Iveragh Peninsula in the distance.
Half of the beach is covered by grassy sand dunes that help to protect the beach from being blown and washed away.
And the views of the Atlantic Ocean extending as far as you can see are simply spectacular.
When we were planning our trip along the Wild Atlantic Way, this was the kind of place we dreamed of visiting.
A never-ending stretch of sand framed by the mountains that makes you forget about your everyday chores and worries.
And unlike our hiking adventure at Dunmore Head, we returned to our car dry as the rain held off.
Opening Hours
Inch Beach is a natural attraction that is open 24/7 but is especially beautiful during the sunset.
Entrance Fee
There is no entry fee to Inch Beach. This is great for all travelers visiting Ireland on a budget.
How Much Time Do I Need
The amount of time you need to explore Inch Beach depends mainly on your itinerary and activities.
If you just want to stroll along it, give yourself 30 to 60 minutes.
If you want to really experience Inch Beach, you should allow yourself at least a few hours.
Obviously, enthusiastic beachgoers can easily spend all day on the beach.
When to Go
You can visit Inch Beach any time of the year, but only the summer season delivers the true beach experience.
Dingle in summer is magical as you will have the highest chance of seeing clear skies and warm temperatures.
There is plenty of daylight, so you can basically visit as many places as you want during this period.
However, the summertime attracts crowds, and the beach gets busy.
Late spring and early autumn might very well be an even better time to visit Inch Beach.
As a downside, you will most likely need to wear your trusty windbreaker instead of your favorite swimwear.
Visiting Inch Beach in winter is arguably not the most pleasant experience, but if you come prepared, you should be able to have this beach almost for yourself.
Here you will also find more tips on when to visit Ireland.
What to Pack
Your packing list for Inch Beach mainly depends on the season you choose to visit Ireland.
In summer, you will need good sunscreen, a beach towel, swimwear, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.
In the off-season, you will most likely need a windbreaker and often a rain jacket to stay nice and warm.
We also brought our trusty waterproof dry bag to protect our valuables from sand and sea spray.
Here you will also find more tips on what to pack for Ireland.
How to Get There
Inch Beach is located on Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. Without any doubt, the best way to get to Inch Beach is by driving.
While public transport exists at Dingle Peninsula, we would stay away from this option. It's not convenient and usually requires too much time.
Car
Renting a car in Ireland is easy, and this mode of transport gives you much-needed freedom to reach all attractions you want at your own pace.
Inch Beach is about a 30-minute drive from Dingle and about 45 minutes from Killarney.
It takes at least two hours to get to Inch Beach from Cork, which is about the same amount of time you will need to reach this area from Limerick.
The journey from Dublin to Inch Beach will require about four and a half hours.
Here you will also find more tips for driving in Ireland.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Public Transport
Bus 276 (Bus Eireann) from Killarney to Dingle stops at Inch but usually runs only between July and August.
A regular local bus service also connects Inch, Castlemaine, and Tralee.
However, we would still consider other options unless you have plenty of time and a flexible itinerary.
Tours
In case driving is out of the question, we would probably opt for an organized trip, which also includes Inch Beach, among many other stops.
Here you can reserve a Dingle Peninsula Tour.
Parking
There is a free parking area right at the entrance to the beach.
Despite the popularity of Inch Beach, it's fairly small, though, and its inadequate capacity can be a problem during the peak season, especially on weekends.
If the weather forecast promises pure sun and an especially hot day, you will need to arrive super early to secure a spot in the sealed parking area.
However, it's still allowed to drive and park along Inch Beach.
On some summer days, the beach can turn into a massive parking lot, and we would probably try to avoid these times.
Also, don't forget to check the current tide table before you go so you don't get trapped in the tide.
A big advantage is also to have some experience when driving and parking on the sand.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of accommodations within driving distance of Inch Strand. You can stay directly at the beach, but the accommodation has a limited capacity.
When it comes to accommodation on Dingle Peninsula, the general rule of thumb is to book early, especially in the peak season.
Another popular place is Dingle, the largest town on the peninsula.
We can't fail to mention that there is nice camping just across the road from Inch Beach with sites for tents and campervans.
We also included the Castlemaine area in this list, as it serves as a starting point for the entire Dingle Peninsula.
Here are the best hotels near Inch Beach.
Inch | Inch Beach House - Thanks to its beach location, this small bed and breakfast is probably your best bet when it comes to accommodation at Inch Beach. The rooms are bright and offer panoramic views, the staff is friendly, and free private parking is available.
Dingle | Dingle Bay Hotel - Situated in the heart of Dingle, this cute hotel features cozy rooms, a fantastic location, a hearty Irish breakfast, and a welcoming staff.
Castlemaine | Murray's Mountain View - This charming little bed and breakfast is located in a quiet area near Castlemaine and offers spacious rooms, homey vibes, and free private parking.
Staying Safe
In general, Inch Beach is a very safe place to visit.
The beach has been repeatedly awarded a Blue Flag status, meaning it has a lifeguard during the summer season.
Don't forget that there is basically no designated parking area on the beach, so watch out for moving vehicles, especially if you bring kids along.
Also, make sure you have a backup plan in case your car gets accidentally stuck in the sand. A shovel or a traction mat is usually recommended for beach trips.
Here you should find more tips on staying safe in Ireland.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Inch Beach Worth Visiting?
Inch Beach is one of the top sights on Dingle Peninsula, and we believe it's definitely worth seeing.
Just be prepared that the beach gets busy and you won't have it for yourself during the summer.
This can also greatly impact your overall experience, as some days are simply busier than others.
If you prefer beaches without cars, head to Coumeenoole Beach on Slea Head Drive.
Still, the scenery is beautiful, and even if you're pressed for time, this is a great place to stop and stretch your legs after a few hours of driving.
And we can only recommend including Inch Beach in your Ireland road trip itinerary.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
