County Cork Swimming beaches

The beach guide has 13 swimming beaches listed in County Cork. Check here for all swimming beaches in the UK

Contents
  1. Inchydoney
  2. The Warren
  3. Garretstown
  4. Barleycove
  5. Garryvoe
  6. Tragumna
  7. Owenahincha
  • Garryvoe ©

    1. Garryvoe Beach

    Garryvoe beach is a mix of pebbles and rock set in the beautiful south-east of Cork. It lies on the R632 a short drive up the coast from Shanagarry. In summer this Blue Flag beach is a popular destination for families and the facilities…

  • Youghal Front Strand ©

    2. Youghal Front Strand Beach

    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…

  • Owenahincha ©

    3. Owenahincha Beach

    Owenahincha is an extensive sandy beach which for much of its length is backed by dunes. This area is a popular holiday destination with lots of camping and caravan sites in the vicinity. However, the resort isn't quite the height of popularity…

  • Garretstown ©

    4. Garretstown Beach

    Garrettstown is a popular sandy beach. Despite this it still retains a rural feel and has not been over developed. It's a great family beach with all the facilities including a seasonal lifeguard service. With a ramp down to the beach…

  • Inchydoney ©

    5. Inchydoney Beach

    This vast, sandy beach, on Inchydoney Island, a short drive from Clonakilty, is one of the most beautiful to be found along this stretch of the coastline.  The pale, pristine sand is backed by dunes and gentle rolling countryside. 

    The…

  • Tragumna ©

    6. Tragumna Beach

    The tiny village of Tragumna is found about 5km from Skibereen, along the County Cork coastline. The small, attractive beach here is mainly sandy, flanked by rocks and cliffs which offer some shelter from the prevailing winds . A small…

  • The Warren ©

    7. The Warren Beach

    The Warren is a small sandy rural beach backed by dunes and situated at the mouth of the Roscarbery River. The Rosscarbery Estuary is a sea inlet fed by small rivers from the north and north-west. At the southern end of the beach is a…

  • Barleycove ©

    8. Barleycove

    Barleycove is a stunning, sandy beach in a sheltered bay between Mizen Head and Lyroe peninsulas close to the Southwesterly tip of Ireland. The pristine sand is cleaned regularly and the beach has been awarded coveted Blue Flag status.…

  • Garrylucas ©

    9. Garrylucas Beach

    Garrylucas Beach lies just next to the Old Head of Kinsale, about 24 miles south-west of Cork. This Blue Flag beach has a good expanse of clean, white sand with some areas of grassy dunes. On either side of the beach there are rocky cliffs.…

  • Youghal Claycastle ©

    10. Youghal Claycastle Beach

    This popular long and sandy beach lies walking distance of the historic town of Youghal in County Cork, Ireland. There is a lifeguard during the summer season, and wheelchair access to the beach is good. There is also a ramp in addition…

  • Garnish Beach ©

    11. Garnish Beach

    Tucked just around the craggy headland from the tip of the Beara Peninsula is the pretty little Garnish Beach. With near-white sands, the clear blue of the Atlantic and a backdrop of rolling green countryside this is a place of real…

  • Red Strand ©

    12. Red Strand Beach

    The sandy beach of Red Strand sits in the horseshoe-shaped Dirk Bay, protected to the west by Galley Head. With its soft golden-white sand, clear waters and views to the lighthouse this is a pleasant spot for a family beach day.

    Largely…

  • White Bay ©

    13. White Bay

    This secluded patch of sand and rocks is located on the eastern side of the mouth of Cork Harbour. Despite its proximity to the city White Bay is something of a hidden gem.

    Being…