Overview
Rossbeigh Strand Tower was a prominent landmark on the sandspit of Rossbeigh, a seven‑kilometre white‑sand beach on the Ring of Kerry. For more than a century the tower marked the entrance to Castlemaine Harbour, helping mariners navigate the often‑treacherous waters of Dingle Bay. In February 2011 the original structure collapsed after a series of severe storms that breached the spit in 2008. Volunteers and local authorities rescued the stonework, rebuilt the tower, and now it proudly overlooks the village of Glenbeigh, just a kilometre south of the original site.
History & Restoration
The sandspit at Rossbeigh has long acted as a natural barrier against the Atlantic, protecting Dingle Bay and creating a rich habitat for wildfowl. The tower, erected in the late 19th century, became an essential visual cue for ships entering the harbour. Over the decades the dune system eroded, and a winter storm in 2008 ripped a 1,200‑ft section of the dune away, turning the outer part of the spit into a tidal island. The weakened tower finally gave way in February 2011.
Rather than consign the tower to the sea, the community rallied. Local volunteers dismantled the remaining masonry, transported it to Glenbeigh, and reconstructed the tower using original stones where possible. The restored Rossbeigh Strand Tower now stands on a small plot near the village centre, serving as a tangible link between the historic coastline and the present‑day community. It is a replica – the lantern‑style roof is decorative only and the tower does not function as an active lighthouse.
Activities
- Explore the replica tower – The rebuilt tower is open to the public year‑round. Its stone façade and lantern‑style roof echo the original design, offering a perfect photo opportunity against the backdrop of the Iveragh Peninsula.
- Walk the Rossbeigh Strand – From the tower, a short walk leads back to the beach. The sandspit stretches for several kilometres, with a Blue Flag‑certified stretch ideal for swimming, surfing and sunbathing during the summer bathing season.
- Tír na nÓg Playground – Near the southern end of the strand, a purpose‑built playground provides a safe space for children while adults enjoy the sea view.
- Birdwatching and dune exploration – The dunes and salt‑marshes surrounding the tower are part of the Castlemaine Harbour Special Area of Conservation. Look for curlews, Brent geese and occasional red‑billed choughs.
- Rossbeigh Hill Loop Walk – A 10 km loop that begins at the south end of the beach climbs to the 274 m summit of Rossbeigh Hill, delivering panoramic vistas of Dingle Bay, the Dingle Peninsula and neighbouring beaches.
- Horse‑riding on the beach – The Rossbeigh Beach Horse‑Riding Centre, a stone’s throw from the tower, offers lessons and beach rides, and hosts traditional horse races each summer.
Practical Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free entry – the tower and surrounding beach are open to the public year‑round. |
| Opening Hours | The tower can be visited at any time; lifeguard‑supervised swimming is available June – August, typically 10:00 – 18:00. |
| Parking | A large free car park sits at the south end of Rossbeigh Strand, with step‑free access to the beach and the tower area. |
| Facilities | Public toilets are located about 100 m from the promenade; a picnic area and a small café in Glenbeigh are within walking distance. |
| Accessibility | The replica tower is set on level ground; the nearby parking includes spaces for limited‑mobility visitors. |
| Getting There | From the Ring of Kerry, follow signs to Glenbeigh and continue south on the R561 for roughly 5 minutes. Public transport is limited – the nearest Bus Éireann stop is in Glenbeigh village (check current timetables). |
| Contact | Kate Kennelly, Kerry Arts Officer – arts@kerrycoco.ie – +353 66 7183541 |
Seasonal Highlights
- Summer – Lifeguard‑supervised swimming, surf lessons and beach‑horse‑riding are in full swing. The tower’s lantern roof catches the long daylight, making evening photography especially rewarding.
- Winter – Storms can reshape the sandspit, occasionally exposing the remains of the old tower’s foundation on the beach. Scientists from University College Cork monitor the dune system, noting that displaced sand often re‑deposits further out and may eventually rebuild the lost dunes. Off‑season walks are quieter and the Atlantic surf is dramatic.
Nearby Attractions
- Kells Bay House & Gardens – 20 minutes north, offering subtropical gardens and historic estate tours.
- Kerry Bog Village Museum – 30 minutes away, a living museum of traditional Irish rural life.
- Killarney National Park – 40 minutes drive, home to lakes, waterfalls and the Gap of Dunloe.
- Banna Strand – Another Blue Flag beach a short drive east, known for its dunes and historic links to the 1798 rebellion.
The Rossbeigh Strand Tower stands as a testament to community resilience and the ever‑changing Irish coastline. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a beach lover, or a casual wanderer, the tower provides a focal point for exploring one of County Kerry’s most dynamic coastal landscapes.
Plan your visit: combine a stroll along the strand, a climb up Rossbeigh Hill, and a stop at the restored tower for a full‑day experience of natural beauty, cultural heritage and Atlantic adventure.