Carroll’s Cove is on the doorstep, and Derrynane Beach is the famous one. But within a short drive of the hotel there is a quiet ribbon of coves and strands that most visitors never see. Here are five we would recommend you find time for during your stay.

1. Carroll’s Cove — on the doorstep

A two-minute walk from reception. Smaller and quieter than Derrynane Beach, sheltered enough for a morning swim, and the perfect first beach of your trip. Pop down before breakfast on the first morning to set the tone.

2. Derrynane Beach — the famous one

A five-minute drive away. Blue Flag, golden sand, lifeguard cover in the summer months, and a long, low-tide spit that walks you out to Abbey Island and a 6th-century ruined abbey with a walled graveyard. Bring an hour spare; you will lose track of time on it.

3. White Strand, Castlecove

Twelve minutes east along the Ring of Kerry. Wide, flat, almost always empty, brilliant for a long walk at low tide and one of the better local spots for body-boarding when there is a swell.

4. Ballinskelligs Beach

A twenty-minute drive west. Backed by sand dunes with a 15th-century McCarthy Mór castle ruin standing out into the water at the southern end. Sheltered Atlantic swimming, and a particularly photogenic sunset if the timing works.

5. St Finian’s Bay

The bay just round the corner from the Skellig Ring. A pebbly-sand beach, dramatic cliff backdrops, and the famous Skelligs Chocolate factory and café a five-minute walk inland. Make a half-day of it.

Tides matter

All five of these beaches are at their best around low water, when there is more sand and the rock pools open up. Ask reception for the day’s tide times; we keep a little tide table behind the desk and it shapes more guests’ days than you might think.