Glenbeigh Village, Rosbeigh Beach, Co Kerry
Glenbeigh Village and the nearby Rosbeigh Beach are easily accessible by car from Millstreet via Killarney and then Killorglin. Situated 10 km west of Killorglin, the village and beach are well worth setting a day aside to spend there, especially if the outdoor experience appeals to you. Glenbeigh Village itself is set at the foot of the wooded Seefin mountain and close to the head of Dingle Bay.
Fishing
It is a pretty fishing and holiday village and whether used as a base or just visited in passing for the day, no-one could possibly be disappointed by the scenery and everything else that this area has to offer.
Relaxing environment
The village itself is peaceful and gentle and has a particularly relaxing environment and welcoming atmosphere. It is a popular holiday destination especially with families due to variety of outdoor activities on offer including the Blue Flag Rosbeigh Beach (easily accessed from the end of the village, approximately 3 km away). There is also some historic and cultural interest in the form of the remains of Whyn’s Castle. The pubs are cosy and traditional with many putting on traditional music, song, dance and even story telling.
Rossbeigh Beach
Rossbeigh Beach or Strand is classed as a Blue Flag beach and is easily accessed from village only a 1.5 km walk away. It is an unusual beach as it is a tendril of sand that protrudes into Dingle Bay, with views of Inch Point and the Dingle Peninsula. It is a breathtaking stretch of sandy beach, more than 6.5 km in length, which is completely unpolluted. On one side the sea is ruffled by the Atlantic winds and on the other it is sheltered and calm - idyllic conditions that make it for safe swimming.
Adventure sports
There is a life guard on duty during the day. It is also a great location for walking, adventure sports, bird watching and surfing. There’s plenty of room for everyone and in fact on some days, you might even have it all to yourself. The views across the bay to the Dingle Peninsula lend themselves fantastically to landscape photography. This particular area is a designated natural heritage area and Special Area of Conservation with important habitat and flora and fauna present.
Horse Trekking
Seeing Horses galloping along Rosbeigh Beach is a common and fantastic sight throughout the year. This ultimate riding experience is provided by Burkes Horse Trekking Centre located 20 minutes from Killarney and on the edge of Rosbeigh Beach. Catering for all levels of riders, the experience of galloping along the edge of the waters of Glenbeigh Beach will be remembered by many for a long time. What could be more exhilarating and unforgettable than trekking set against the ultimate scenery of Rosbeigh Beach and the backdrop of the mountains! Country road and mountain treks as well as along the beach are also available.
Mountain walking
For those with more of an interest in mountain walking and orienteering, there are established Forest Trails through Caragh Lake Forest, Gleensk Wood and Glenbeigh Wood.
Lakes
Seven fishing lakes amongst the mountains provide visitors with excellent opportunities for fishing. Known for its trout fishing, Coomasharn Lake (southwest of Glenbeigh) is the largest lake in Glenbeigh. There is also excellent fishing on Lough Caragh at the eastern end of Glenbeigh village with spectacular mountains as the backdrop. Salmon and trout fishing is available on the River Behy.
Glenbeigh Festival
Glenbeigh Festival and Racing really makes the village come to life. During the festival, which is held every year in August, horse and pony races are held along the beach. This is a big tourist attraction and the festival activities also include a donkey derby, dog show, live entertainment and music, as well as the crowning of the Festival Queen.
Kerry Bog Village Museum
The Kerry Bog Village Museum, located on the Ring of Kerry road between Glenbeigh and Killorglin, provides visitors with a fascinating way to go back in time and see how people lived and worked in Ireland in the 18th century. The buildings are exact replicas due to painstaking research and the result is truly a tribute to the Turf cutters of old Ireland and is the only village of its kind in Europe. There are re-creations of the homes of the turf cutter, blacksmith, thatcher and labourer, and a dairy. Some Kerry Bog ponies are kept in a field behind the museum.