Beaches in Beautiful Cork

Beaches in Cork

There are so many beautiful beaches to choose from, but we have managed to narrow a few of them down for you which we love.  What is it about a beach that gives us those happy, healthy and soothing moods? Is it the lapping sound of the waves, the squishy feeling of sand on bare feet, the gentle sea breeze…..who knows?  On Cork Beaches you may not find the answer but you will enjoy all those wonderful beach moments and all the fun that goes with sand and sea.

Ballycotton Bay

Ballycotton is the hidden gem of East Cork. It is a small picturesque fishing village which sits on a rocky-ledge overlooking Ballycotton Bay and is surrounded by sandy beaches. Only 40 minutes from Cork airport and Cork City, You can enjoy the freshest of fish served in award winning restaurants or from the local gluten free chippy straight from the boats in Ballycotton Harbour. You will receive a warm local welcome in our traditional pubs, there is live music in the village every weekend and the more energetic can enjoy our cliff side Pitch n Putt course or Ballycotton’s internationally acclaimed cliff walk.

Ballycotton is surrounded by wonderful beaches. In the village there is a small beach called the Conger by Ballycotton Pier. For the more adventurous swimmers you can swim from “The men’s bathing area” which is accessed by steps down to a rocky platform on your left going towards the Cliff Walk. In the middle of the village there is a slipway known locally as “The Cow” and here you will find a rocky beach which is great for rock pools.

Ballycotton Beaches: –

When the tide is out you can walk for miles from one beach to the next (but you will have to cross little rivers). It really is amazing

Silverstrand beach can be accessed from Ballycotton village on foot.
Ballynamona is a very safe beach for children to swim in and there is plenty of sand to built sand castles.
Ardnahinch has a car park and slip road to the beach. Between here and Garryvoe beach there are some great rocks for children to climb.
Garryvoe is a mixed pebble beach and a great destination for families. It has a children’s playground, shop, picnic area, car park, wheelchair access to the beach, public toilets & Garryvoe Hotel which serves seafood, steaks and more, as well as a children’s menu.
Ballywilling is the perfect beach it you want a quieter time. There is a car park and slip road to the beach.
Ballycrenane has a car park with good access to the beach. This is also a good spot for beach fishing.

Youghal Front Strand

Front strand is a 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.  The town of Youghal is designated an Irish Heritage Town with its rich history and well preserved medieval town walls.Here you will find plenty of shops and cafes.  It is a pleasant beach for walking and joins up with neighbouring Claycastle and Redbarn beaches to form a 3 mile (5km) stretch of beach.. Nearby Ballyvergen Marsh is a site of ornithological and botanical interest and of regional importance.

Redbarn Beach

Redbarn is a breath-taking wide open strand with miles of blue flag beach. At any time of the year, to walk along its length is a wonderful thing to do, with all that peace, quite and fresh air. After working up a hunger and/or thirst and because you are situated so close to Youghal, we highly recommend taking in one of the many great restaurants in the town.

Cork may not always have the most idyllic weather conditions, but it certainly has many great beaches for a fun day out. Whether you are looking for a romantic walk on the beach, or just somewhere to bring the kids and the dog for some fresh air, Redbarn Strand is a splendid stretch of land for all to enjoy.

Myrtleville Beach

Myrtleville Beach in Crosshaven is the closest beach to Cork City and ideal to get to the coast for an hour. Although there’s no official beach car park the approach road is wide and can facilitate lots of cars on either side.