Introduction
Red Strand, West Cork, Ireland. Images(©) by Michel Colaci Photography @michelcolaci
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.
Impressions
Red Strand, West Cork, Ireland. Images(©) by Michel Colaci Photography @michelcolaci
How to get there
What’s to love?
Shallow water, gentle sloping shoreline, view of Galley Head Lighthouse.
Top Tip
Combine with a visit to Galley Head Lighthouse and Dundeady Cliff Walk
Also Nearby
Timoleague Abbey is one of West Cork’s featured points on the Wild Atlantic Way and a special spot for history lovers! The Abbey is a magical place full of stories from the past. This ancient Abbey is nestled on the scenic coast road from Kinsale to Clonakilty.
If you are a history enthusiast or have a penchant for ancient wonders, then a visit to Drombeg Stone Circle in West Cork is an absolute must. Nestled amidst picturesque countryside, this mystical site unravels the mysteries of Ireland's past.
A wonderful, scenic walk that brings you up to the High Cross, overlooking Castlefreke, Rathbarry old churches, onward through Castlefreke Forest, past Kilkeran Lake and along above the Dunes of Long Strand with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean with Galley Head Lighthouse to the east of the strand.
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.
Red Strand, near the village of Ardfield is only about 15 minutes from Clonakilty in West Cork on the Wild Atlantic Way.
This quite short but very scenic walk along the cliffs boasts some spectacular views West over Long Strand and out as far as the “Stags” off Toe Head in the far distance.
A very long beach, renowned for surfing, only a few kilometres from Clonakilty and Rosscarbery on the Wild Atlantic Way in West Cork, Ireland.
Castlefreke is a wonderful collection of woodlands that are linked by a number of trails. The best view of the Castle is from the Owenahincha entrance.
Galley Head Lighthouse near Castlefreke is a short drive from Clonakilty or Rosscarbery. There are some stunning views of it from a headland north east of it.
A steep hill was that holds a magnificent reward for the effort - with views over a vast expanse of coastline from the Old Head of Kinsale, Galley Head Lighthouse, Cape Clear, Mount Gabriel to Mushera mountain.
This little gem, very close to the main road is a great “nature immersion” or picnic stop whilst on a road trip in West Cork or as a destination for a short walk if you’re in the area.
More in Beaches
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.
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.
Red Strand, near the village of Ardfield is only about 15 minutes from Clonakilty in West Cork on the Wild Atlantic Way.
A very long beach, renowned for surfing, only a few kilometres from Clonakilty and Rosscarbery on the Wild Atlantic Way in West Cork, Ireland.
One of West Cork’s most beautiful beaches, only a few kilometres from Clonakilty on the Wild Atlantic Way in West Cork, Ireland
A stunning beach nestled between rocky outcrops on the Wild Atlantic Way in West Cork, Ireland
If you're a history enthusiast or just keen to learn more about Ireland's past, a visit to Michael Collins House in Clonakilty is a must.