Southern Ireland : Caherdaniel - Derrynane

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Just along from Caherdaniel is Derrynane beach, a stunning series of strips of golden sand with crystal clear water sat deep within Derrynane Bay. The beach itself has three sections, linked together to create a sweeping ‘S’ shape around the left hand side of the bay. The first is at the head of the bay with the beach curving in a moon-like crescent from some high hills on the left hand, eastern end. At the right hand end of this section the beach becomes straighter and runs up parallel with the length of the bay to a collection of small islands scattered around a large island (Abbey Island), which marks the end of this section. Finally the beach continues past Abbey Island and around to the right, following the right hand side of the bay as it opens up to point out to the Atlantic.

These beaches have a huge variety of peaks along their length that can produce some really high quality waves that will entertain any level of surfer. Due to the complex geography and the fact that there are almost three separate beaches here, Derrynane can work in almost any conditions and swell, for all levels of surfer.

To get to the beach you have to park up in the grounds of Derrynane House, a large mansion that is a major visitors attraction in its own right. There is a well-marked path down to the beaches requiring a walk of about a kilometre. The water and scenery here are superb here and it is the sort of place you could quite happily spend hours, even in the unlikely event that there is no surf.

Details
Driving Access: requires careful navigation and approach down a single lane road
Car Park spaces: 200
Price: Free
Beach facilities: Lifeguards and toilets in Derrynane House
Beach type: Sand
Break type: Beach
Pub: Nil
Sort of wave: Spilling
Peaks: Various shifting
Left/Right: Both
Offshore wind direction: North easterly
Local highlights: Derrynane House and the incredible local countryside

Ratings
Ability: Novice - legend
Kids: 2 – Derrynane House, the Tea Rooms and islands to explore
Other stuff: 2 – Derrynane House and local village
Access: 1 – Long walk down to beach
Urban proximity: Peace and quiet
Water quality: Pristine – Blue Flag beach

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