4 Best Sights in The Southwest, Ireland

This dramatic, windswept stretch of rocks and sand visible below the coast road to the north of Slea Head is not a safe spot to swim, but it's a good place to watch the ocean dramatically pound the rocks when a storm is approaching or a gale is blowing. It may be familiar from David Lean's 1970 film Ryan's Daughter.Amenities: none. Best for: walking.

Despite its diminutive name, Inch is a 5-km (3-mile) stretch of sand and sea that extends as far as Dingle Bay. Its vast and glorious setting created pivotal backdrops for movies like Ryan’s Daughter (1970), Excalibur (1981), and Far And Away (1992)---but in Ireland it’s famous for its summer surf schools and the 3-meter-high waves that can approach its westerly coastline.

On the coast, Rossbeigh consists of a tombolo (sand spit) of about 3 km (2 miles) backed by high dunes. It faces Inch Strand, a similar formation across the water on the Dingle Peninsula. Popular with families for its safe swimming, it also attracts walkers. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee). Best for: swimming; walking.

Ventry Beach (or Ventry Strand) is just southwest of the village of Ceann Trá (Ventry). This lovely stretch of golden sand, said by many to be one of Ireland's most beautiful beaches, runs for 8 km (5 miles) and is part of the Dingle Way walking route. There is a dune system with a small lake, wetlands, and a reed swamp, and abundant wildlife. In July and August it attracts families and swimmers. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (no fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: surfing; swimming; walking; windsurfing.