Spanish Point Beach

Spanish Point is named after the fleet of ships that formed the Spanish Armada. Many of these were shipwrecked nearby during a storm in the year 1588 on the return from their unsuccessful attempt to invade Britain. Most of the survivors who made it to shore were executed by Queen Elizabeth I’s government in Dublin.

The beach itself is sandy with a rocky shoreline, and becomes very wide at low tide, but narrows considerably when the tide is in. It is popular with swimmers and is a good beach for surfing, with a number of surf schools operating in the area and equipment available for hire. During the summer months there is a lifeguard service here.

Spanish Point is a great starting point fore a walks along the coast around the headland, where there are spectacular views over the seascape.

There is a car park, as well as parking spaces along the road alongside the beach, which is accessed via a slipway from the car park, or by one of a number of gentle paths from the road side. Toilets are available by the car park.

Behind the beach there are a number of hotels and lodges as well as Spanish Point Golf Club, one of the oldest in Ireland. Just over 2 kilometres from the beach is the town of Milltown Malbay which offers visitors a range of pubs, bars, shops and places to eat. Every July, the town hosts the Willie Clancy Summer School, the largest school of traditional music in Ireland.