Visitors to Ballybunion have a number of outdoor activities all within walking distance of most Ballybunion hotels.
Ballybunion Beach and The Cliffs
The promontory at the beach has some interesting tidal caves that can be explored at low tide. Be sure to find out locally (from the tourist office) when low tide is on the day of your visit.
There are two main beaches in Ballybunion which you access via large, steep concrete pavements. The beaches are divided by the cliff upon which stands the ruined castle. The castle itself is merely a few walls these days.
The beach to the south of the castle is the Men’s Beach and the north beach is named the Ladies Beach. This is a throw back to the days when men used to bathe on a separate beach from women and children. Rest assured, this rule has not been observed for a long time.
At the women’s beach there is a cafe, a hot seaweed baths and a nice ice cream shop. The cliffs north of the women’s beach have shallow caves.
Venturing up to the cliffs over the beach is worth it for its scenic walking path, which features a blowhole and several sea stacks. The walking path takes about 20 minutes to walk and follows the coast around to the Nun’s Beach that sits alongside an old convent. This beach is often a quieter spot than the two principal beaches in the high season, and just as picturesque.
The cliffs around Ballybunion and the general area are notable for their rock formations, sea stacks and other geological features. The view of the strata from the Ladies Beach is particularly good. There is sea stack called The Devils Castle, a blowhole called the Nine Daughters Hole, and an arch onto the Nuns Beach called the Virgins Rock.
The Tintean Theatre
The Tinteán Theatre on Church Road is a 500 seat theatre that opened in 2006. It regularly hosts plays, pantomimes (in Winter), Irish dancing fleadhs (music & dance concerts), comedy shows and small music concerts (usually of a traditional Irish or showband nature).
Golfing
For the avid golfer, the main reason of a visit to the area will be to play the Ballybunion Golf Club. The course has two courses to play of championship standard. The Old Course regularly ranks in the top 25 courses in the world and is certainly one of the finest links style courses.
While green fees are available for the public, you should aim to book a tee-time well in advance.
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