Banna Strand is also known as Banna Beach and is located around twelve kilometres north west of Tralee, and is an ideal beach holiday destination. This stunning blue flag beach is pristine and stretches for miles and miles with sandy shores. The sand dunes feature along the entire length and can be up to twelve metres high, they are magnificent and are a designated area of conservation being a natural habitat for a great number of rare plants and animals. They also offer the perfect cover from the winds to enjoy picnics on the beach. It offers all the delights of a typical beach with swimming, rock pooling, sand castle making, shell collecting and much more, children will love running along the wide stretches of sand. It is a fabulous family spot and owing to its vastness never gets too crowded.
Surf boarding is popular here with lessons available during the summer season, the waves from the Atlantic are perfect for this sport. Or just take a boogie board along and have fun catching the waves. Another popular activity here is shore fishing, there are several spots that are recommended, one being “an Poll Gorm”.
It is a haven for walkers owing the the magnificent views, you can see the mountains of the Dingle Peninsula on the south west horizon, Kerry Head and the Maulin Mountain to the north west and if you look straight out to sea you can see Mucklaghmore Rock. Whatever the season you will enjoy a walk here, just layer up against the wind and cold and let the fresh air clear your head, invigorating!
There is ample free car parking available. During the summer season, food and snacks are also available in the car park area. There are toilets beside the main car park and they are clean and well maintained.
Close to the beach is the pretty heritage village of Ardfert, here you will find a good choice of quality restaurants and pubs.
Banna Strand is a wonderfully natural and unspoilt beach, a peaceful and relaxing spot, and is not to be missed. If you stay late enough to catch a sunset you are in for a treat, they are simply magnificent.