Of all the questions we are asked at reception, by far the most common during the summer months is some variant of “where should we take the kids today?”. Our answer is almost always the same.

Why Derrynane Beach works for families

The beach is a long, sheltered cove with golden sand and turquoise water that stays comparatively calm even when there is swell elsewhere along the coast. It is Blue Flag rated, lifeguarded through peak season, and has a generous, free car park, public toilets and a small kiosk in the summer months — three small things that make a big difference when you are travelling with young children.

The classic morning

Arrive early with the buggy or beach trolley. Set up between the dunes and the high-tide line. Build the standard sandcastle. Walk out the spit at low tide to Abbey Island and the ruined 6th-century abbey — the climb over the rocks is excitement enough for most under-tens. Back by the towels for lunch.

Add a rock pool

At low tide the rocks at the southern end of the beach open up an extraordinary rock-pool world — anemones, periwinkles, the occasional small crab or starfish. A small net and a bucket are easily worth the few euros they cost at the village shop.

And when you are tired

Pack everything up, drive back to the hotel, and head straight for the outdoor swimming pool to wash off the sand. The on-site playground and the open lawn round it work nicely as a wind-down before dinner.