A well-known Kerry beauty spot has been closed to the public following a significant rock fall.
Tonnes of earth and rock are blocking the only access route to Binn Bán beach near Daingean Uí Chúis.
The dramatic collapse, which occurred shortly after 4pm on Sunday, was captured on video by swimmers who were on the beach at the time.
Kerry County Council has sealed off the pathway leading to the beach.
Council officials say they are currently assessing the situation and hope to begin clearing the debris as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
There are concerns that further rockfall may occur as parts of the cliff appear unstable.
Local councillor Breandán Fitzgerald said there have been smaller cliff falls in the area in the past and that urgent action is required.
"It's very dangerous at the moment. It was the luck of God that nobody was walking or sitting on the path when the cliff collapsed.
"It's the main beach used by the people of Dingle. Kerry County Council must act and do whatever is required to make this beach safe both for locals and tourists.
"The land on the cliff-top is privately owned and the landowner says he is willing to work with the council to make the place safe."
There were up to 20 swimmers, walkers and children on the beach at the time of the collapse.
One local man had a lucky escape as he had left his clothes and bags on the path where the landslide occurred while he was swimming.
Two Irish college students, Cara Ní Choirc and Siobhán Ní Mharcaigh, were within 50 metres of the collapse and captured the dramatic event on video.
"We were down by the sea when we heard a loud noise. We got the phones out and started filming. Then a huge part of the cliff fell. It was very frightening," said Cara.
"People were lucky. Everybody who was on the beach would have walked past that spot," she added.
The picturesque Binn Bán beach is situated within 3km of Daingean Uí Chúis. town and is the main bathing area used by the people of the town.
Binn Bán is also a popular destination for tourists, with breathtaking views of Dingle Bay, the old lighthouse and the Iveragh Peninsula. It was also a convenient vantage point form which Fungie, the famous dolphin, could be observed before his disappearance.
A spokesperson for Kerry County Council said the walkway would remain closed pending a full assessment by engineers.
"That will happen over the coming days. Any such assessment has to have regard to any potential for further destabilisation and any possible risk to members of the public. It is not clear at this point how long the closure of this area to the public will be in place," said the spokesperson.
Local man Tim Collins said the beach is of immense importance to the town.
"It's where generations of Dingle people have learnt to swim and it's where hundreds gather every Christmas Day for the annual swim. It was also where local farmers got their sand and seaweed. It’s very important amenity for the town.
"I hope that something can be done. It would be a tremendous loss for the community if they have to close it permanently," Mr Collins said.
