Beach · County Kerry
Fionntrá (Ventry)
Can I swim here? Outside the bathing season
The bathing season runs from 1 June to 15 September. Outside it the water is not tested weekly and lifeguards are not on duty. The last sample, on 7 September 2026, was excellent. Live status on beaches.ie, which the EPA updates hourly in season.
Fionntrá is a relatively sheltered sandy beach facing due east/southeast onto Cuan Fionntrá. Cuan Fionntrá is a sheltered inlet of Dingle Bay. There is an extensive sand dune system located on the beach which is dominated by marram grass. The land immediately beyond the dune system primarily comprises a mix of wetland and grassland. Activities are regulated under the Kerry County Council Beach Bye-Laws, 2013. Fionntrá is approximately 7km west of an Daingean and is located within the South Western River Basin District.
Excellent (2025): The highest standard: results over four years were consistently very clean.
The record, year by year
| Year | EPA classification | Samples | Excellent | Good | Sufficient | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | Excellent | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Excellent | 12 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Excellent | 14 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Excellent | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | — | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | — | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Facilities
| Lifeguards | Yes | |
|---|---|---|
| Toilets | Yes | |
| Parking | Yes | |
| Wheelchair access | Yes | Ramp |
| Beach wheelchair | No | |
| Public transport | No | |
| First aid | Yes | Available from Lifeguard hut |
| Lifebuoy | Yes | |
| Information board | Yes | |
| Activity zones | No | |
| Litter bins | Yes | |
| Recycling | Yes |
Dogs and cars
- Dogs are not allowedDogs are not allowed on the Blue-Flag section of the Beach (ie. within the Lifeguard Patrol area) between 11am and 7pm each day from the 1st June to 15th September inclusive.
- No cars on the beach
Latest sample (2026-09-07): E. coli <10, intestinal enterococci <1 (cfu/100 ml).
The EPA's bathing water profile
Outdoors in County Kerry this week
Best day outdoors: Fri, 9 Oct — a little daytime rain, windy, up to 13°C
- Fri, 9 Oct13° / 11°Drizzle
- Sat, 10 Oct13° / 11°Grey cloud
- Sun, 11 Oct15° / 14°Light rain
Make a day of it
The nearest trails, beaches, woods and heritage within 25 km.
Trails & walks
Beaches & bathing waters
Forests & woodlands
Parks, gardens & islands
Nature spot · 6.2 km awayMurreagh BeachBeachOne of many sandy beaches surrounding Smerwick Harbour in County Kerry, Murreagh Beach is popular amongst walkers and is also safe for swimming. Some great sunset views can be enjoyed and photographed from here.
Nature spot · 6.9 km awayCeann Sléibhe (Slea Head)BeachDrive along Slea Head (Ceann Sléibhe) in County Kerry and take in incredible views of ancient forts, stunning beaches, historic churches and more.