Rossbeigh, Sandy beach in Glenbeigh, Ireland.
Rossbeigh (Irish: Ros Beithe, "headland of the birch trees") is a sandspit about 1.6 km from Glenbeigh, County Kerry, with beaches on both sides facing Dingle Bay. It holds a large volume of sand dunes and herbaceous vegetation, and forms one of three natural barriers protecting the bay, alongside Cromane strand and Inch Strand.
Rossbeigh was breached during a winter 2008 storm, when a 1200 ft sand dune collapsed into the sea and split the former two-mile spit, making the outer part a tidal island. The Rossbeigh Strand Tower, a landmark to Castlemaine Harbour for over 100 years, collapsed in February 2011; it was later moved to Glenbeigh and restored.
The Irish name Ros Beithe means 'headland of the birch trees', and the anglicised forms Rossbeigh and Rossbehy both appear on maps and signs. The spit lies on the Ring of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way, about 1.6 km from Glenbeigh, and its dunes are noted as habitat for wildfowl, with salmon and clams farmed in the surrounding waters.
The southern part of the beach has extensive parking and dedicated swimming areas with lifeguards during summer months. Visitors can access water sports directly and find easy pathways to the beach from several entry points.
Rossbeigh is one of three sandspits, with Cromane strand and Inch Strand, that shield the narrow Dingle Bay from Atlantic waves and sediment. A winter 2008 storm collapsed a 1,200 ft dune and split the two-mile spit, turning its outer part into a tidal island. The Rossbeigh Strand Tower, a harbour landmark for over 100 years, fell in February 2011 and was moved to Glenbeigh and restored.
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