Beach · County Kerry
Rossbeigh, White Strand
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.
Rossbeigh Beach is an exposed sandy beach, with a shingle ridge, facing due west into Dingle Bay and to the Atlantic Ocean beyond. There is an extensive sand dune system which supports a variety of vegetation including rare and important plant and animal species. There are areas of salt marsh and mudflats which support a variety of bird species. Rossbeigh Spit is located within the greater Castlemaine Harbour Special Area of Conservation (Site Code 000343). In accordance with the EU birds directive parts of Castlemaine Harbour and Dingle Bay are Special Protection Areas and also designated shellfish areas. Activities include pony trekking, golf, angling, etc. Activities are regulated under the the Kerry County Council Beach Bye-Laws, 2013
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 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Excellent | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Excellent | 13 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Excellent | 13 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | — | 13 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | — | 13 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | — | 13 | 13 | 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 · 3.7 km awayDooks BeachBeachDooks Beach is a coastal beach just a short distance from Glenbeigh Village in County Kerry. Part of the Wild Atlantic Way driving route, it can be found as a short detour just off the Ring of Kerry road.
Nature spot · 4.9 km awayStad an tSléibheMountain StageBeachGlenbeighTake a break from your drive along the Dingle Peninsula to soak up incredible views of the surrounding mountains at Mountain Stage in County Kerry.