Gowlane Strand
About Gowlane Strand
Gowlane Strand is the north-eastern end of Brandon Bay, the 12-mile arc that is the longest beach in Ireland, curving round towards Fahamore and the Maharees peninsula. Steady Atlantic wind and swell have made this Kerry's great wind- and kite-surfing beach, part of the watersports cluster centred on the Maharees. For walkers it offers a huge, open expanse of firm sand with the Brandon and Slieve Mish ranges framing every view. There are no real facilities here and no lifeguard, and the same wind that makes it such a draw for kite-surfers means the sea can be lively — so swimmers should take care and know their limits. It is a beach for the active and the wind-loving rather than for a lazy paddle.
Along the Brandon Bay strand
Fermoyle, Kilcummin, Stradbally and Gowlane are four stretches of a single unbroken strand — the 12-mile sweep of Brandon Bay, the longest beach in Ireland — running from the foot of Mount Brandon near Cloghane round to the Maharees peninsula. On a low, falling tide you can walk mile after mile of it; always check the tide times and the currents before you set out.
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Activity suitability
- Walking — Long walk (3km+)
- Lifeguard (summer) — No
- Not yet confirmed: Swimming, Surfing
Facilities
- Lifeguard — No
- Not yet confirmed: Toilets, Car park, Disabled access, Shower, Café nearby
Facilities confirmed from Kerry County Council and Fáilte Ireland.
Water quality
Where to stay nearby
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