Ballybunion South offers an expansive, action-packed shoreline that stands as one of the best things to do with kids in Ballybunion. Facing due west directly onto the wild Atlantic Ocean, this broad sandy stretch activity category provides waves perfect for family bodyboarding and surfing adventures. It is a wonderful natural environment where children can run freely alongside high sand dunes while parents take in the dramatic coastal sights.

Prices start from £0.00, as this beautiful beach is a public natural attraction that is completely free to enter and explore year-round. Families can access the wide sands, explore the surrounding walking trails, and make use of the essential coastal amenities without paying an entrance fee. This makes it a highly cost-effective destination for a classic family day out by the sea.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids on the Kerry coast, this dynamic western beach is an exceptional choice. Children can splash around in the refreshing surf, explore tidal rock formations, and build sandcastles right below the historic town cliff paths. It seamlessly combines energetic outdoor sensory play with excellent local town convenience, keeping both little ones and teenagers fully entertained.

Key Features

• Sensory Play and Sights: Hear the deep, roaring Atlantic waves crashing against the sand and feel the invigorating coastal breeze.
• Interactive Exhibits by Nature: Search for local sea life, crabs, and fish inside the shallow rock pools exposed at low tide.
• Educational Day Out: Trace the natural geography of a protected dune system that serves as a vital natural heritage habitat.

What makes Ballybunion South unique?

• The Men's Beach: Historically known as the destination where men traditionally bathed separately from women and children.
• Exceptional Surfing and Angling: The exposed western position creates rugged, rolling Atlantic surf that is highly popular for water sports and bass fishing.
• Protected Dune System: The expansive beach borders a designated Natural Heritage Area famous for its highly delicate sand dune ecosystem.
• Ancient Promontory Border: It is bordered by the high, rugged central cliff that holds up the majestic medieval ruins of Ballybunion Castle.
• The River Shannon SAC Alignment: The clean bathing waters sit within the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation.

Inside the Landscape: What to See

• The Extensive 250m Bathing Strip: A broad, sandy designated swimming area bordered by a narrow strip of coastal vegetation.
• The Castle Cliff Outlook: Looking north up the sand reveals the striking, sheer rock cliff face crowned by the historic 15th-century tower.
• The Cashen Estuary Mouth: Located at the extreme southern end of the beach, this is an excellent spot for family shore angling.
• The Steep Concrete Promenade Access: The dramatic, engineered walkway pavement constructed to connect the high town streets directly down to the sands.
• The Coastal Dune Ridges: Tall, wave-sculpted sand hills that create a dramatic natural wall along the inner edge of the beach.