Stretching from Youghal on the south east coast to Barleycove on the south west Mizen peninsula, County Cork has 10 beaches with the coveted International Blue Flag environmental award. Cork County Council is determined to maintain, if not improve on, this number, but this can only be achieved with the help of the public. Cork County Council is committed to providing a safe and clean bathing area for everyone, locals and visitors alike, to enjoy.

The International Blue Flag environmental award ensures the following beach quality criteria:
- Excellence in water quality and a committed monitoring programme
- Provision of adequate safety and services, lifeguard patrol, safety equipment and warning signals of potential hazards
- Beach management programme, good infrastructure, accessibility and litter control
- Information provided on regularly updated notice boards and on the County Council web site
Taking Pride in your Beach

You can help us in the campaign to maintain the large number of Blue Flag beaches in County Cork by giving full support in caring for our coastal environment, by ensuring you do the following on your next beach visit:
- Using litter bins provided and recycling where possible
- Taking home soiled nappies
- Disposing properly of your pet's litter
- Joining in beach activity programmes, such as environmental information road shows advertised on local beach notice boards and web sites
- Obeying safety guidelines
Barleycove - Mizen Peninsula

Barleycove is situated in the Mizen Peninsula, 22 kilometres south west of Schull. The site is situated between two headlands, and comprises an extensive sand dune system, with associated habitats at the rear of the dunes. A small river running through the dunes discharges to the sea at the south east of the site. On the southern side, the area is bounded by open sea. Public car parking, toilet facilities and lifebuoys are provided at the beach. Life guards are on duty during the bathing season.

Claycastle - Youghal

Claycastle is a sandy beach, located within walking distance of Youghal town, off the N25. Public care parking and toilet facilities are provided at the beach. Life guards are on duty during the bathing season. Ballyvergen Marsh, of ornithological and botanical interest, and of regional importance, is located in the area. Wheelchair access is provided at the beach.

Front Strand - Youghal

Front Strand is a sandy beach located beside Youghal town, just off the N25. Public car parking and public toilet facilities are provided at the beach. Life guards are on duty during the bathing season. Front Strand leads into Claycastle, which is also a Blue Flag beach, and onto Redbarn, a designated beach. It is a very pleasant beach for walking, and popular with residents and visitors alike. Ballyvergen Marsh, of ornithological and botanical interest and of regional importance, is located in the area. Access to the beach is by steps and ramps.

Garryvoe - Midleton

Garryvoe is a mixed pebble beach located in the village of Garryvoe. The most direct way to approach it by car is the leave the N25 at Castlemartyr Village, and follow the R632 to Garryvoe. Public parking and toilets are provided adjacent to the beach and a lifeguard station is also in place. Wheelchair access is provided.

Garrylucas - Kinsale

Garrylucas is a sandy beach with sand dunes in part. It is located beside the R604 road and adjacent to Kilcolman Marsh and the Old Head of Kinsale, and a short distance from Ballinspittle by car. Public parking and toilets are provided adjacent to the beach, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer season. Access to the beach is by ramps and steps.

Garretstown - Kinsale

Garretstown is a sandy beach. It is located on the R604, and adjacent to Kilcolman Marsh and the Old Head of Kinsale, and within a short distance of Ballinspittle Village by car. Public car parking, toilet facilities and lifebuoys are provided at the beach. Life guards are on duty during the bathing season. Access to the beach is by ramps and steps. Wheelchair access is provided.

Inchydoney - Clonakilty

Inchydoney is a sandy beach, located on Inchydoney Island a few miles from Clonakilty. Public parking and toilets are provided adjacent to the beach, and life guards are on duty in the summer season. Access to the beach is by ramps and steps.

Owenahincha - Roscarbery

Owenahincha is a sandy beach that backs onto sand dunes. The main route to approach the beach is from Clonakilty on the N71. Turn off at Burgatia Cross onto the R598, which leads down to the beach. It is an exposed beach, and the sea can be quite rough at times. Public car parking and public toilet facilities are provided at the beach. Life guards are on duty during the bathing season. There is a short, pleasant cliff walk between the Warren Strand and Owenahincha.

Tragumna - Skibbereen

Tragumna is a sandy, sheltered beach, situated about four miles from Skibbereen. It can be reached by turning off the R596 at Abisdealy bridge and following the signs for Tragumna. Public car parking, toilet facilities and lifebuoys are provided at the beach. Life guards are on duty during the bathing season.

Warren - Roscarbery

The Warren is a sandy beach located at the mouth of Roscarbery Bay and accessed by turning off the N71 at Warren Cross. There is a pitch and putt club adjacent to the beach. Public car parking, toilet facilities and lifebuoys are provided at the beach. Life guards are on duty during the bathing season.