5 of our favourite beaches in West Cork

With summer just around the corner, we want to share with you some of our favourite beaches in West Cork. Boasting some of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland, there is a huge choice of beaches all along the coast of West Cork. From the rugged coastline around Barleycove Beach to the secluded coves of Nun’s Cove and Simon’s Cove, there is something for everyone. Inchydoney Beach, a blue flag beach, is a popular spot for surfers and swimmers alike, while Red Strand Beach offers a breathtaking view of Galley Head lighthouse. For those seeking something more peaceful, a visit to Long Strand Beach provides a sense of tranquility and serenity that is perfect for a long walk along the vast beach. No matter which beach you choose, the stunning natural beauty and fresh sea air of West Cork's coastline are sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. So, in no particular order…

1 - Long Strand

On a warm summer evening with the sun setting, the waves crashing on the shoreline, surfers dotted along the lineup in the water…it could be California - just waaay less busy. Long Strand, as the name suggests, is a long stretching beach, just a few kilometres off the N71, between Clonakilty and Rosscarbery. The beach, which is also referred to as “Castlefreke” is not suitable for swimming due to currents, the steep incline of the beach as it meets the water and the often strong shore break. It is however a great spot for long walks along the beach, to explore the dunes and surfing (not suitable for beginners though). It also often gets beautiful sunsets due to its westerly orientation and has its own soundtrack with the waves crashing onto the shoreline. This is another beautiful beach to visit whether on holidays in West Cork, on your Staycation or for those lucky enough to be living in West Cork.

2 - Red Strand

Red Strand, near the village of Ardfield is only about 15 minutes from Clonakilty. Unlike its longer neighbour Long Strand, to the West, it is generally suitable for swimming thanks to its gently sloping shoreline and mostly smaller waves (there are exceptions of course). The beach has a great view of Galley Head Lighthouse and is another beautiful beach to visit whether on holidays in West Cork, on your Staycation or for those lucky enough to be living in West Cork.

3 - Owenahincha Beach

The Beach of Owenahincha looks like it is 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 section to the West of the lifeguards house is mostly stoney and there are some handy picnic benches on the grass overlooking the beach there. The much longer section to the east (Galley Head Lighthouse direction) is much sandier and is divided from the road by dunes.

You can also reach Owenahincha via the Cliff Walk by Warren Strand

Like Long Strand, Owenahincha can be good for surfing but just like Long Strand, beware of some strong currents and rip tides. If you are looking for a nearby beach more suitable for swimming, check out Warren Strand or Red Strand.

The beach has a great view of Galley Head Lighthouse and is another beautiful beach to visit whether on holidays in West Cork, on your Staycation or for those lucky enough to be living in West Cork.

4 - Inchydoney Beach

Inchydoney Beach, just a few kilometres outside Clonakilty, on the Wild Atlantic Way is a beautiful fine-sand beach and a great spot for surfing, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, kitesurfing, ocean swimming and other water sports. Virgin Mary’s point - which, in anything but a very low tide, divides the long blue flag beach into 2 sections, is itself a great place from which to enjoy the wonderful views. This is a stunning beach to visit whether on holidays in West Cork, on your Staycation or for those lucky enough to be living in West Cork.

5 - Warren Beach, Rosscarberry

Warren Strand (Beach) near Rosscarberry, on the Wild Atlantic Way is both my local beach and one of my favourite beaches in West Cork, mainly because of its stunning views, super fine sand and its micro- climate (at least I am convinced there is) which often means it’s sunny on the beach and cloudy pretty much any directions you look. A wonderful place to visit whether on holidays in West Cork, on your Staycation or for those living in West Cork that may not have discovered this gem yet.