Why Ballyheigue Stays With You Long After You Leave
Ballyheigue Beach had long been on my list of places to explore, yet for one reason or another I never quite made it there—until now. Tucked away on the rugged west coast of County Kerry, Ballyheigue is a charming seaside village where life revolves around its sweeping stretch of golden sand. The beach itself is breathtaking: miles of soft sand framed by the Atlantic, perfect for a leisurely stroll, a summer swim, or simply breathing in the fresh sea air. On clear days the views stretch out across Tralee Bay and beyond to the Slieve Mish Mountains, making it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the soul.
But Ballyheigue is more than just its beach. The village has a welcoming, traditional Irish feel, with lively pubs and local shops at its heart. Towering above the shoreline stands the historic Ballyheigue Castle, or what remains of it now houses a beautiful golf course, surrounded by parklands that invite exploration. For history lovers, the area has links to the Spanish Armada and stories that echo through the centuries.
Just inland stands the twelve-foot bronze statue of Roger Casement, handcuffed and gazing away from the sea. Created by renowned sculptor Óisín Kelly, the statue was unveiled in 1984 and commemorates Casement’s dramatic 1916 landing at nearby Banna Strand from a German U-boat—a pivotal event in Ireland’s history.
While a short walk from the centre of the town will bring you to Our Lady’s Well and Grotto, a sacred site dating back decades. The statue of Our Lady, placed in the 1930s, draws pilgrims particularly on Pattern Day (September 8th).
White Sands Hotel Ballyheigue
When it comes to places to stay in Ballyheigue, you’ll find no shortage of cosy B&Bs and self-catering cottages. But I opted for the White Sands Hotel, drawn by glowing word-of-mouth and the promise of a location you simply can’t beat—it really is as close to the beach as you can possibly get.
Overall, the hotel delivers a solid experience. The bar and restaurant are definite highlights, serving hearty food alongside a lively atmosphere, with traditional music sessions in the evenings adding a real Kerry charm. Stepping outside, the beach is only a short stroll away through the car park, making it effortless to dip in and out of seaside walks.
That said, the rooms themselves are basic—comfortable enough, but nothing particularly memorable. My biggest issue was the noise. If your room faces the front of the hotel, be prepared: the street below comes alive from as early as 5:30 a.m., and the clatter of traffic makes a restful night’s sleep hard to come by.
At a price point of over €600 for three nights, the value didn’t quite balance out for me. While I loved the unbeatable location and the warm buzz of the bar, the constant early-morning noise means I wouldn’t choose to stay here again.
Whether you’re chasing the waves, soaking up Kerry’s famous sunsets, or simply looking for a peaceful escape along the Wild Atlantic Way, Ballyheigue has a magic that lingers long after you’ve left. I felt it the moment I stepped onto the beach—the wide, golden stretch of sand seemed to slow time, the Atlantic breeze sweeping away any lingering stress. In the evenings, I would sit and watch as the sky melted into shades of orange and pink, even the thunder and lighting show on my last night was a spectacle that felt almost private, as if Kerry was putting on a show just for me.
Without doubt , Ballyheigue is a beautiful place to visit if only to unwide after a full day of touring.
Why Ballyheigue Stands Out
Natural Beauty: A long, sandy beach paired with Atlantic vistas.
Historical & Cultural Layers: From prehistoric relics and the castle ruins to a poignant national monument.
Spiritual Traditions: The living pilgrimage centred on the Grotto and annual community rituals.
Atmospheric Blend: Coastal life that’s at once restful, stirring, and meaningful.
Martina has been writing travel blogs since 2004, having spent all her life living in Ireland she has travelled the length and breath of the emerald Isle and still to this day finds some new to see and do.