Looking for things to do in Inch? Here’s our selection of the very best Inch has to offer.
Surf or kitesurf on Inch Beach
Around 6km (3.6miles) long, iconic Inch Beach’s vast, sandy expanse is backed by towering dunes that act as wind-breakers, while views extend over Dingle Bay to the towering MacGillycuddy’s Reeks topped by Carrauntoohil, the roof of Ireland. Surprisingly, this amazing stretch of sand never feels overcrowded and there’s more than enough room to catch the breakers coming in off the Atlantic. No knowledge, or no board? No fear Kingdom Waves surf school, right on the beach, is open most of the year and hires out boards and wetsuits, as well as offering reasonably priced surfing lessons. Alternatively, why not have a go at kitesurfing? H2O offers kitesurfing discovery courses at Inch. As the water glistens and the mountains loom, there is surely no better place to surf or kitesfurf in Ireland.
Take in the views from the Seafront Inn
Formerly The Strand, the Seafront Inn sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the magnificent stretch of sand that is Inch Beach. A magnate for surfers thanks to its laid-back atmosphere, 1970s styling and the option of bunk rooms, it also has a magnificent terrace that looks right onto the beach. Wrap up warm, take a pint of Guinness or a cocktail from the bar and gaze out over Dingle Bay and Castlemaine Harbour to the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks beyond.
Have a drink in Foley’s Bar
If you’re paying a visit to Inch, make sure to pop into Foley’s Bar, a couple of hundred metres from the beach on the right hand side as you approach Inch on the R561 from the direction of Castlemaine. This family-run pub-with-rooms offers a traditional atmosphere backed up with hearty home-cooked food and regular live music sessions. If you want to stay over, some of the rooms have fab sea views. On colder days, the fires are always lit to take off the chill – but you’re sure of the warmest of Irish welcomes whenever you visit.
Inch Heights Loop walk
There’s some great walking in the Reeks District and while this may be one of our gentler affairs at just 3km long, the Inch Heights Loop Walk offers some jaw-dropping views out to Dingle Bay (above), the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and beyond. Start at the Seafront Inn (above) on the R561 and take the first road past it on the right uphill following the sign that says Lios Dana, keeping an eye out for Kerry Camino signs. After a few hundred metres, the path will meet another, where a left hand turn should be taken and followed to enjoy magnificent views. After about 1km, a sharp left turn will bring you back to the Seafront. The whole walk can be completed in around an hour.
Wake up to beach views
Inch Beach Guesthouse is a luxury B&B set in an elevated position to afford magnificent views over the beach itself. Bright, airy rooms are equipped with king-sized beds, en suite bathrooms, luxury toiletries, flat-screens and tea and coffeemaking facilities. For a more relaxed affair, Inch Beach Camping offers caravan/mobile home spaces and ten pitches just a few hundred metres from the beach. Facilities include a toilet/shower block, washing up facilities and free Wi-Fi.
Read more stories on our Notes from the Reeks blog
