Overview
Inny Strand – Trá na hUíne in Irish, and also known as Reenroe Beach – is about a mile (1.6 km) of sand on the south-west-facing shore of Ballinskelligs Bay, roughly 2 km from Waterville on the Skellig Ring. It’s a big, open, dune-backed beach with no development on it, which is much of the appeal. Come for the space and the sunsets over the bay rather than for amenities, because there are none.
The Reenroe Hotel
The landmark you’ll clock first is the derelict Reenroe Hotel on the rise above the beach, once also known as the Waterville Beach Hotel. It went up in the late 1960s or early 1970s, closed by the late 1980s or early 1990s, and has stood empty for more than 30 years since. A plan to redevelop the site was refused planning permission in July 2025, so the weathered shell looks set to keep watching over the sand a while longer.
What to do
The beach is flat, fine sand with rocky outcrops toward the northern end that form tide pools worth poking around at low water. It faces the open Atlantic, so the swell and cross-shore winds make it a reliable spot for experienced surfers and windsurfers, with plenty of room to launch. Dog walkers get a wide, off-lead expanse, and on a clear day the Kerry mountains and the Skelligs sit out on the horizon.
For families, the standout is Sea Synergy, the marine awareness centre in Waterville. Its guided seashore safari is run right here at Inny Strand, led by a marine biologist and suited to children aged six and up (about €21, an hour and a half). The same outfit runs snorkel tours out in Ballinskelligs Bay – a separate, deeper-water trip for ages eight and up (around €58, two hours) – so don’t confuse the two when booking.
Wildlife and water quality
The dunes support marram grass and coastal flowers, and the bay draws gulls and terns. On water quality the beach does well: it’s monitored under the EPA’s bathing-water scheme and has been classified Excellent in recent years. Note there’s no lifeguard, so a good rating isn’t a substitute for judgement about the surf.
Practical information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Parking | Free public car park at the southern end, with a concrete ramp straight onto the sand. Spaces fill quickly on a fine summer day, so arrive early. |
| Facilities | None on site – no toilets, café or lifeguard. Bring your own food, water and gear. The nearest shops and toilets are in Waterville, about 2 km away. |
| Water quality | Monitored by the EPA and rated Excellent in recent years. |
| Access | From the N70 Ring of Kerry near Waterville, follow signs for ‘Inny Strand’ or ‘Reenroe Beach’. |
| Accessibility | The ramp is usable year-round and takes small mobility aids; the sand is uneven near the northern rocks, so wear sturdy footwear for a long walk. |
Safety and tides
The tide here covers and exposes large stretches of sand within minutes, so check local tide tables before a long walk or a swim, especially in winter when the swell is up and the water is cold. With no lifeguard, only confident swimmers should go in, and keep children supervised. The rocks at the north end need careful footing when wet.
A longer walk
If you’d rather earn the beach, there’s a promenade path running north from Waterville village to Inny Strand, which makes a decent coastal stroll with the sunset views thrown in.
Nearby
Inny Strand sits on the Skellig Ring, so it drops neatly into a day exploring the wider area. Within a short drive are the ruins of Ballinskelligs Castle, the village and abbey at Ballinskelligs, and the sea-pool at the Butler’s Pool. Further north, the cliffs of Hog’s Head look out over the Atlantic. Time your visit for a couple of hours before sunset on a dry evening and walk up from Waterville – that’s the beach at its best.