7 Beaches to Explore in County Cork

Checkout places to visit in County Cork

County Cork

County Cork is the largest and the southernmost county of Ireland, situated in the province of Munster and named after the city of Cork, Ireland's second-largest city. It is one of Ireland's main tourist destinations, known for its rugged coast and megalithic monuments and as the starting point for the Wild Atlantic Way.

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Beaches to Explore in County Cork

Ballydonegan Beach Allihies

A beautiful beach which was down the hill from Allihies and is the best beach in the locality. While the area provides spectacular views and there are marvellous coves, most of the coves are stony and sandy beaches are relatively rare. The whole coastline here is rugged and rocky and apparently too wild for sand to accumulate.

Barley Cove Beach

This frontline beach land is a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire a breathtaking piece of West Cork. It consists of 2 beaches, each approximately 150m in length.This beach forms part of a Special Area of Conservation and a National Heritage Area Ballyrisode Beach is an extremely valuable resource to both residents and visitors for a number of reasons, including its scenery and landscape and for its safe and sheltered location for swimming and other recreational activities.

Fountainstown Beach

Fountainstown beach is located on the South Cork coast, west of the entrance to Cork Harbour and on the northern side of Ringabella Bay. The Front Beach is located at the entrance to the village, facing east towards Ringabella, and is the more frequently used. The beach can be pebbly or sandy, depending on the tides. The Back Beach, which also faces east, is located on a promontory in Ringabella Bay and is generally sandy, though the water is shallow.

Inchydoney Beach

This vast, sandy beach is one of the most beautiful to be found along this stretch of the coastline. The beach has two separate sections, divided by the rocky Virgin Mary Headland. The swell here can be excellent and there are good opportunities for surfing. The beach is also popular with families who come here to play in the sand, picnic and hunt for shells or marine life in the rockpools around the headland.

Owenahincha

Owenahincha is a beach located in Rosscarbery in County Cork. It is a Blue Flag beach. It is an exposed beach and the sea can be quite rough at times. Public car parking and public toilet facilities are provided at the beach.

Red Strand Beach

Red Strand is Green Flag Beach located in a horseshoe bay near Rosscarbery in County Cork. It is quite popular for surfing and has reasonably consistent surf all year round. Nestling between two lush green headlands, one of which contains the iconic Galley Head lighthouse, the water here is exceptionally clean and suitable for swimming in good weather.

Youghal Beach

A beautiful sandy beach located within walking distance of Youghal town just off the N25. The beach is located just to the west of the mouth of the great River Blackwater. It is a pleasant beach for walking and joins up with neighbouring Claycastle and Redbarn beaches to form a 3 mile stretch of beach.

Map of Beaches to explore in County Cork