Wild Atlantic Aways · Things to Do in Kerry · Castlegregory
Maharees Peninsula
Beach & watersports · 5 min from our homes · Best for beaches & watersports
A sandy spit between two bays, surf, swim, kite and walk the dunes.
The Maharees is a sandy spit about five kilometres long, reaching north from Castlegregory between Brandon Bay and Tralee Bay. There is a beach on each side for most of its length, so on a windy day you can usually find a sheltered one by crossing the road.
The Brandon Bay side faces the open Atlantic and takes long swells, which is why the surf, kitesurf and windsurf schools are based here. The Tralee Bay side is calmer and suits swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. Maharabeg, one of the beaches here, is on Kerry County Council’s list of Blue Flag beaches. The dunes in between are home to the rare natterjack toad, so keep to the paths.
Three hamlets sit on the spit: Fahamore, Kilshannig and Candeehy. At the tip, Scraggane Pier is a working fishing harbour about twelve minutes by car from Castlegregory, with a dive centre and boat trips to the Magharee Islands, also known as the Seven Hogs. The largest island, Illauntannig, holds the remains of a 7th century monastery, with stone oratories and beehive huts.
The Maharees Heritage Trail follows the outer part of the peninsula from Sandy Bay. Come at dusk and walk the dunes for the sunset over Brandon Bay.
Highlights
- Beaches on two bays, with a Blue Flag at Maharabeg
- Kite-surf, windsurf, kayak & SUP hire nearby
- Sunset walks along the dune paths
Stay nearby
Holiday homes of ours with Maharees Peninsula on their doorstep: Elfin House (Castlegregory), West Bay House Aughacasla (Castlegregory), East Bay House Aughacasla (Castlegregory), Lough Gill Lake House (Castlegregory), Woodside House (Castlegregory), Bedrock House (Castlegregory).
More around Castlegregory: Castlegregory Beach, Castlegregory Golf Links, Brandon Bay, Castlegregory Village
More beaches in Kerry: Fenit Beach, Derrynadivva Bay, Aughacasla Bay Beach, Derrymore Strand. All beaches