Best beaches in County Cork

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Below are a list of the top 12 beaches in County Cork as selected by the users of the Beach Guide website.

The current most popular beach in County Cork is Inchydoney. If you would like to have your say on which are the best beaches in County Cork just follow the link to the beach and vote by clicking the star ratings at the top right of the page.

  • 1. Inchydoney Beach

    Inchydoney © Alexkonon

    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 beach has two separate sections, divided by the rocky Virgin Mary Headland. The swell here can…

  • 2. The Warren Beach

    The Warren © Caitlin Ferguson-mir | BY-SA

    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 harbour wall which protects the entrance to the rivermouth. A…

  • 3. Garretstown Beach

    Garretstown © Jonathan Thacker | BY-SA

    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 Garrettstown is also accessible. This is one of the most popular surfing beaches in…

  • 4. Barleycove

    Barleycove © Klaus Hausmann

    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. When the sun shines this can be one of the loveliest beaches you’ve ever visited.  Whatever…

  • 5. Garryvoe Beach

    Garryvoe © John M | BY-SA

    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 here are good, as you would expect. There is access to…

  • 6. Tragumna Beach

    Tragumna © A Mccarron | BY-SA

    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 island can be seen about 100 metres from the shoreline. Tragumna beach has been awarded…

  • 7. Owenahincha Beach

    Owenahincha © Caitlin Ferguson-mir | BY-SA

    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 it was back in the 70s and 80s, and there is a bit…

  • 8. Garrylucas Beach

    Garrylucas © John Darch | BY-SA

    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. Kilcolman Marsh lies just north of the beach, beyond the…

  • 9. Youghal Front Strand Beach

    Youghal Front Strand © Youghalcc

    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…