| The beach at the seaside town of Ballybunion, | | | | the weather is inclement) and an ice cream shop |
| Ireland, provides a great family day out in the | | | | (for when the sun is shining). |
| summer season. It is a picture postcard village | | | | For those adventurous types who like spelunking |
| located just off the traditional tourist path in | | | | (venturing into underground caves) the cliffs to |
| County Kerry that is usually overlooked by those | | | | the north of beach have shallow caves that can |
| rushing off to see the Cliffs of Moher or drive the | | | | be explored. In addition, the promontory by the |
| Ring of Kerry and visit Blarney Castle. But the | | | | beach has some tidal caves that may be explored |
| local Irish have long been visiting the beach to | | | | at low tide (check with the locals when low tide is |
| while away relaxing sunny summer days on one | | | | on the day of your trip). |
| of its beaches. | | | | Those looking for a scenic walk after lunch in one |
| There are two main beaches at Ballybunion. The | | | | of the local Ballybunion hotels should follow a route |
| water at these beaches is safe for swimming and | | | | up to the cliffs and the ruins of Ballybunion Castle. |
| has lifeguards on duty during summer. The local | | | | From this starting point, with its panoramic views |
| surfing scene has developed over recent years in | | | | out to sea, there is a pleasant walking path that |
| parallel with the rise in popularity of the sport | | | | hugs the coast around to the "Nun's Beach". The |
| along the west coast of Ireland. The water | | | | beach was named because it sits alongside an old |
| temperature may put some people off venturing | | | | convent. |
| out into the water but the calm mid-size waves | | | | The walk itself should only take 20 minutes in one |
| are ideal for those who wish to improve their | | | | direction and is a favorite with locals when the |
| surfing. | | | | main beaches are crowded. This beach is a lot |
| For those staying on dry land, the beaches are | | | | quieter but just as picturesque as the others. |
| divided by a small cliff. The south beach is locally | | | | On route back to Ballybunion village make sure to |
| known as "the Men's Beach" and the north beach | | | | take in the photo opportunities at the several |
| is "the Ladies' Beach". These naming conventions | | | | sea-stacks located alongside the cliffs. The view |
| hark back to a time when men would bathe on a | | | | of the strata from the Ladies Beach is particularly |
| separate beach from women and children. This | | | | good. As with the oddly named beaches, the local |
| statute has long since gone, but the beach names | | | | rock formations have also been given quirky |
| have stayed. | | | | names such as 'The Devils Castle' (a sea stack) |
| The women's beach has some local amenities | | | | and 'The Virgins Rock' (a rock formed archway). |
| including a cafe, a hot seaweed baths (for when | | | | |