Killimer to Tarbert to Tralee

Killimer to Tralee via the Wild Atlantic Way

This Wild Atlantic Way route starts at the ferry port in Killimer, Clare. The route follows the WAW from Killimer to Tarbert to Tralee in County Kerry.

But either Killimer or Tarbert could be a starting or end point depending on which way you are travelling.

If you had arrived at Shannon airport for example, Killimer is a bit closer to the airport, but if you were travelling south and missing out on county Clare (why would you do that!! ) you would drive straight to Tarbert and take in the Shannon Estuary Route on the way.

This route follows the coast and some lovely wide and sandy beaches (Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points) along the mouth of the estuary, through Fenit and into Tralee, which is at the entry to the Dingle peninsula.

There are also some challenging Wild Atlantic Way golf courses with super sea views along this route.

Wild Atlantic Way Map Kerry

Approx. 97km distance, 2 hr 41 minutes driving time (including ferry)

Read: How to use the route files in Google Maps, before you download the route files.

Download the route map with ALL points of interest included here: Killimer to Tarbert to Tralee (along the WAW).

Killimer Ferry

This is where to catch the car ferry into Kerry. Or where the ferry arrives from Tarbert if travelling North up the WAW.

Ferries are fairly frequent depending on the time of year. They normally depart on the hour and half hour during peak season.

Best to check times and book online (with a discount) at https://www.shannonferries.com/

Tarbert Ferry

The ferry port from Tarbert is about 2km from the town itself. The crossing to Killimer takes about 20 minutes and loading and unloading can take up to 10 minutes.

Boats leave on the half hour every hour from Tarbert and in the summer months every half an hour, when they have two boats running the service. At writing a single crossing costs 22 euros for a car but it is cheaper online. 

Carrigafoyle Castle

This 15th-century castle used to stand alone on an island on the edge of the Shannon.

Now it is connected to the mainland and is opposite the Medieval Church of Carrigafoyle.

The thick stone walls were very well built and have stood the test of time. The castle has a wide spiral staircase which leads to the main rooms. It is 5 storeys high and looks out to Scattery Island across the Shannon.

Littor Beach

This wide sandy beach has a single-tracked road leading to it with no real parking places. It was very quiet when I went and there are fantastic views over the Shannon back to Moneypoint Power station in Clare. 

Beale Strand Car Park

This 3km beach is situated at the entrance to the Shannon estuary.

The beach curves around the headland and is great for walking. This location has some parking spaces available.

There are other entrances to Beale strand that have tracks allowing cars on to the beach.

But make sure you do not get stuck! Remember, the Shannon is tidal!

Ballybunion Beach

Ballybunion is a famous beach resort in the North of Kerry. It is a well-known holiday resort for its cliff walks and beautiful beaches.

There are two main beaches, ‘Men’s Beach’ and ‘Ladies’ Beach’, named as this is where the men and women used to bathe separately in days past.

An outcrop of rock with the ruins of Ballybunion castle on the top separates these two beaches.

Ballybunion also has Nun’s beach which is overlooked by a convent.

Access to nun’s beach is via a steep path with a rope to assist. The walks over the cliffs give a great view of Loop Head in Clare on a clear day. 

Ballybunion Golf Club

This is a gorgeous golf club overlooking the Atlantic.

There are two links courses, the Old Course and the Trent Jones Cashen Course in the Dunes will challenge your skills.

Recently played by Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods before The Open at St. Andrews in 2022.

Meenogahane Pier

This small fisherman’s pier is a good launching pad for a small boat or a shore dive even.

Beautiful surroundings. A nice place for a picnic or to just enjoy the peace.

Ballyheigue Golf Club

An affordable 9-hole golf course with superb views over the sea. Visitors welcome.

Ballyheigue Beach

This sandy beach runs South from Ballyheigue for about 3km.  Popular for swimming, walking and surfing.

There are lifeguards during the summer months.

Banna Strand

This 5km long beach has wonderful views of the Dingle Peninsula and Kerry Head.

There is great walking and surfing and plenty of beach stuff for the kids to do.

The sand dunes are an area of conservation, and offer some protection on a windy day.

Tralee Golf Club

A beautiful links golf course designed and built by Arnold Palmer.

Stunning views over the sea with punishing rough and undulating fairways.

Fenit Island

This inhabited island is accessible via a sand bar if you dare to take your vehicle on here. St. Brendan the Navigator was born on this island.

Fenit Harbour/Sampire Island

Sampire Island is a rock around which the harbour and Marina has been built in Fenit. You can drive to the Island.

A Discovery point, Fenit Strand, is located at the entrance to the bridge out to Sampire Island. A few parking spaces are available at the beach entrance.

There is a monument to St. Brendan the Navigator on the Island.

Situated on Little Sampire Island, Fenit lighthouse was built in 1851.

Tralee

The capital of county Kerry. Plenty of things to do and see. Well worth a visit.

Last Updated on October 13, 2023 by Gav