Blue Flag Beaches
Barleycove Dough, Cork
Garrylucas, White Strand Ballinspittle, Co. Cork
Popular with surfers Garrettstown Kinsale
Barleycove Beach is one of West Cork’s most scenic and unspoilt coastal gems, set between two headlands on the Mizen Peninsula. Its extensive sand‑dune system, formed dramatically by the 1755 Lisbon tsunami, makes it a Special Area of Conservation rich in wildlife and rare flora. Visitors can wander through the dunes, enjoy the sweeping Atlantic scenery, or swim in lifeguarded waters during the summer season. Known for its tranquillity and natural beauty, Barleycove is ideal for families, walkers, photographers and anyone seeking a peaceful day by the sea.
Garrettstown is a sandy beach. It is located on the R604 and adjacent to Kilcolman Marsh and The Old Head of Kinsale and within a short distance of Ballinspittle village by car. Public car parking, toilet facilities and lifebuoys are provided at the beach. Lifeguards are on duty during the bathing season. The beach is popular with surfers.
Garrylucas, White Strand is a sandy beach with sand dunes in part. It is located beside the R604 road and adjacent to Kilcolman Marsh and the Old Head of Kinsale and within a short distance of Ballinspittle by car. Public parking and toilets are provided adjacent to the beach and lifeguards are on duty during the summer season. Access to the beach by ramps and steps.
www.discoverireland.ie/ cork/barleycove-beach
www.discoverireland.ie/cork/ garrettstown-beach
www.discoverireland.ie/ cork/garrylucas-beach
Inchydoney East and West Beaches Inchydoney Island, Inchydoney, Co. Cork, P85 AT27
Owenahincha Rosscarbery, Co. Cork
Tragumna
Skibbereen, Co. Cork
Inchydoney East and West beaches are beautifully sandy stretches on Inchydoney Island, just 4km from Clonakilty. Known for its sweeping dunes, rocky cliffs and expansive shoreline, it’s a popular spot for swimming, bathing and windsurfing. Visitors can wander the extensive dune system or relax on the soft sands while enjoying views across Clonakilty Bay. The beach is family‑friendly, offers free access, and is lifeguarded during the summer bathing season. Its proximity to Clonakilty also makes it easy to pair a beach visit with nearby attractions such as the Model Railway Village and Michael Collins House.
The Beach of Owenahincha is sort of divided into 2 sections by rocks on the shore and a set of rocks at the tip of a sand spit right (only visible at low tide) in front of the lifeguards house. The longer section to the east (Galley Head Lighthouse direction) is much sandier and is divided from the road by dunes. The beach can be good for surfing but just like Long Strand, beware of some strong currents and rip tides. It has a great view of Galley Head Lighthouse.
Tragumna Beach is a small, sheltered sandy beach located about 6km from Skibbereen. Backed by marshland and the small lake Lough Abisdeally, it offers a peaceful setting with views across to Drishane Island just 100m offshore. The beach has public parking, toilets and lifebuoys, making it an accessible and family‑friendly spot. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer bathing season, and visitors can combine a beach trip with nearby activities such as hiking or kayaking at Lough Hyne.
www.discoverireland.ie/cork/ inchydoney-east-beach
www.discoverireland.ie/cork/ owenahincha-beach
www.discoverireland.ie/ cork/tragumna-beach
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