social swimming & dipping
Social swimmers and dippers typically use three main locations in Fenit. Lockes Beach (the main Fenit beach), Kelly's Beach and the Fenit Diving Boards. Each location adds it's own unique features and charm to the swimming experience and we've highlighted these below.
Lockes's Beach.
The main beach in Fenit is by far the most popular swimming spot. Plenty of car parking right next to the beach, across the road from Mikes Beach Café, serviced by public toilets and with lifeguards on duty for the summer months makes this an extremely well serviced swimming location.
Sheltered by Fenit pier on one side and the Little Samphire island and reef configuration on the other, this sandy cove provides swimmers of all abilities idyllic swimming conditions, provided the weather plays its part too.
From dawn until dusk you will always find groups of swimmers gathered at Lockes Beach pre or post swim. Great atmosphere, friendly swimming community, good coffee and incredible baked treats from Mikes Café makes Lockes hard to beat as a must visit swimming location.
Kelly's Beach.
Accessed by car or on foot through a narrow road upon entering Fenit Village (you'll miss it if you're not on the look out) is Kelly's Beach. A beautiful quiet cove on the Eastern side of the village. With parking for about 15 cars by the waters edge, this pebble beach with slipway is very popular with families and locals for paddling, swimming and dipping. From Kellys Beach you can enjoy views all the way up Tralee Bay to the Blennerville Windmall. Kelly's beach is a much quieter spot than Lockes and when the weather is right provides magical clear and calm waters. Kelly's beach is also more sheltered than Lockes and can be used if the westerly winds are blowing hard on the far side of the village.
Fenit Diving Boards.
Located a short 5 minute walk from Fenit carpark are the Fenit Diving Boards. Although no longer in use for diving, this area was the traditional bathing and recreational swimming spot for the village. This area offers numerous bathing slips and steps to access the water which is calm and clear due to the protection of the ocean currents and wind by a pier wall. The 'Boards' also provides plenty of room to sit at the waters edge and enjoy the scenery. It is the home of Tralee Bay Swimming Club and hosts numerous club race events during the summer months. It is also the point of departure for most guided swims to the Fenit Lighthouse which is located approximately 900m from the shore.