Where to Go Wild Swimming in Kerry – Best Outdoor Swim Locations

• Wild Swimming usually refers to swimming in remote, natural settings—think mountain lakes, sea coves, and rivers—often without any formal access points or facilities.
• Open Swimming, on the other hand, can include more accessible spots such as beaches, bays, and marked swimming areas where people swim freely in open water but with some amenities or monitoring.

Kerry offers a bit of both—and we’ve gathered some of its most beautiful and lesser-known locations to inspire your next dip.

Just three kilometres outside Cahersiveen, Cuas Crom is a small secluded beach and pier. Perfect for sea swimming, pier jumping and crab-catching! It’s a small, scenic inlet surrounded by cliffs, offering deeper waters and little foot traffic. There are no safety features or lifeguards, so it’s best for experienced swimmers who are comfortable in open water.

Nearby: Leacanabuaile Ring Fort,Cahergal Stone Fort, or Cahersiveen.
Access: Reachable via a narrow road with limited parking. Short walk required.

This long, sandy beach near Ballylongford is perfect for a peaceful swim with shallow entry points and good visibility. Suitable for all levels, but it’s unsupervised, so always swim with a buddy. Littor Strand stays quiet even in summer, making it a hidden gem.

Nearby: Visit Carrigafoyle Castle or take a trip to Ballybunion.
Access: Parking close to the beach; follow signs from Ballylongford.

Glanmore Lake, located in the Beara Peninsula, is surrounded by forest and hills and is great for confident swimmers who prefer freshwater. There are no marked swim areas, safety rails, or lifeguards, so it’s best for those with some wild swimming experience.

Nearby: Drive the Healy Pass or explore Cathair Bhán Ringfort.
Access: A track leads to the lake. Park off the road near Lauragh.

Kells Bay, found near Cahersiveen, is a family-friendly Blue Flag beach with soft sand and gentle Atlantic waves. It’s safe for beginners and children, especially in calm conditions. In summer, lifeguards are usually on duty. A marked sea-swimming route has also been set up.

Nearby: Kells Bay Gardens and the Rainforest Trail, Cahersiveen town.
Access: Well-signposted with ample parking right by the beach.

Located in the wild heart of the Beara Peninsula, the Cloonee Loughs offer a serene freshwater escape surrounded by rugged hills and complete stillness. Ideal for wild swimmers seeking solitude - the the upper, middle, and lower lakes provide peaceful, crystal-clear waters with breathtaking mountain backdrops.

Nearby: Gleninchaquin Park, The Naked Sheep - Alpaca Trekking, Uragh Stone Circle(Ciorcal Cloch Uragh), Sunset Sauna Kerry & Beara (Coorna Cafe)

Access: Cloonee Lough is located on the Beara Peninsula, about 16 km southwest of Kenmare. Follow the signpost to Gleninchaquin Park from the R571 to pass the lake.

Carragh Lake is known for calm freshwater and beautiful views. Located near Killorglin in Mid-Kerry , it’s ideal for beginner to intermediate swimmers who want a relaxing swim without waves or tides. No lifeguards, so swim with a partner or small group.

Nearby: Explore Killorglin’s cafés and take a stroll to old Killorglin Bridge .
Access: Parking available near the lake just off the N70.

Muckross Lake, right in the heart of Killarney National Park, is a gorgeous spot that lots of people love for swimming and exploring. The lake is big and pretty deep, so it’s best if you’re a confident swimmer — there are no lifeguards or marked swimming areas, so just be careful. If you want to know where the local's favorite swimming spot is, head to Dundag. It’s got a lovely sandy area and plenty of flat rocks where you can relax after a dip. There’s a little headland right beside it that’s great for a peaceful walk and some beautiful views. Zones.

Nearby: Muckross House, Torc Waterfall, Dinis Cottage, bike rentals.
Access: Several access points by foot or car from the Muckross area. Definitely  suggest parking  at the Muckross House car park — from here, it's a short walk to Dundag along the lakeshore. There’s also a smaller, less obvious car park closer to the lake (near the start of the Kerry Way trail), which offers quicker access to the water, though it can be tricky to find without local knowledge.

A quiet and secluded strand near Caherdaniel in South Kerry , Bealtra Beach is a hidden coastal treasure perfect for a peaceful open water swim. Its golden sands and clear, shallow waters make it ideal for a relaxing dip, especially at sunrise or sunset when the bay glows with soft light. 

Nearby: Just minutes from Derrynane House, the Kerry Way walking trail, and departure points for Skellig boat tours—making it an ideal swim stop on a day of adventure and exploration.

Access: Reachable by a small local road, with limited roadside parking—best for those in search of solitude and scenic beauty.

Located in Killarney National Park, this isn’t a typical swim spot, but more of a refreshing plunge after a forest walk. The water is cool and shallow near the cascade. Best for confident dippers rather than full-on swimmers. No facilities, so go prepared.

Nearby: Tomies Wood, Gap of Dunloe, Kate Kearney’s Cottage 16 min away; Killarney Falconry 13 min away by car.

Access: There’s a small car park at the entrance to Tomies Wood, with space for around 29 cars. It closes in the evening, so plan your visit accordingly. From here, you can access O’Sullivan’s Cascade with just a short walk through the woods. For the quickest route, keep left at the fork in the path. It’s a lovely, shaded stroll and well worth it for the peaceful waterfall at the end.

Cromane Beach sits near Killorglin  and offers shallow entry and clear waters—great for beginner and casual swimmers. It’s safe and relaxed, but like most beaches in Kerry, lifeguards aren’t always present, so swim smart.

Nearby: Walk the strand, or visit Jack’s Coastguard Restaurant for lunch or enjoy coffee at the small café The Boathouse Cromane.
Access: Easy parking right next to the beach.

Nestled on Tralee Bay and just a short drive from Tralee town, Fenit Harbour is one of Kerry’s most beloved spots for open sea swimming—especially for beginners or those seeking a supportive community. Thanks to its naturally sheltered waters, calm conditions, and panoramic views across the bay, Fenit offers a safe and inviting space to swim all year round.

The area is home to a thriving swimming community, with Tralee Bay Swimming Club often organising group swim sessions. During the summer months, lifeguards are on duty, and dedicated swim zones and safety rails provide peace of mind for all ages and abilities.

What truly sets Fenit apart is its community spirit—whether you're swimming solo at sunrise or joining a coached open water session, there’s always a friendly face nearby.

For a more immersive experience beyond the harbour, Wild Water Adventures in Fenit specialising in wild swimming experiences. Led by passionate local guides, these excursions take you off the beaten track to some of the county’s most stunning and secluded swim locations—places you'd never find without local knowledge.

You’ll spend the day exploring hidden lakes, quiet coves, and remote inlets—often with no one else around but your small group of like-minded adventurers. It’s the perfect way to slow down, savour the beauty of Kerry’s wild waters, and connect deeply with nature.

Whether you're dipping your toes into open water for the first time at Fenit, or diving headfirst into a remote mountain lake, Kerry has a swim for every soul.

Nearby: Walk the pier, see the St. Brendan statue, or grab coffee at local Café, take a boat trip to Fenit Lighthouse.
Access: Plenty of parking close to the water.

Coming Soon: A Water Sport Facility  will provide year-round amenities, including hot showers, changing rooms, toilets, secure storage and equipment washdown areas – all designed with accessibility and sustainability in mind.

Essential Water Safety Resources

1. Open Water Swimming – Safety First
   A comprehensive guide covering key safety tips, including the importance of acclimatising to cold water, swimming with a buddy, and recognising hazards.
   🔗 Download the guide
    

2. Open Water Swimming Brochure
   A concise brochure offering practical advice for swimmers, such as avoiding alcohol before swimming and understanding the difference between pool and open water conditions.
   🔗 Access the brochure
    

3. Safe Swimming Leaflet
   An informative leaflet that outlines safety measures like swimming in designated areas, avoiding the use of inflatables in open water, and the importance of not swimming alone.
   🔗 View the leaflet

Additional Guidance

• Water Safety Ireland – Open Water Swimming
  An overview of open water swimming, including tips on recognising rip currents and the significance of swimming between red and yellow flags.
   

• Be Summer-Ready – Water Safety Ireland

A booklet providing information on staying safe during summer activities, including swimming in open water.