Sea & Coast

Barley Cove Beach

Magnificent sandy beach, huge and pristine with an extensive landscape of sand dunes stretching far inland. Beach lover’s paradise, great for surfing, swimming, walking. Perfect place to walk the dog or take the kids for beach fun. An estuary flows into the sea along the side of the beach making it is safer than a regular beach for younger children. Free car parking and public toilet in the car park near the beach.

Ballyrisode Beach

Located in a sheltered Toormore Bay, very sheltered and calm, ideal for swimming especially for little ones. Plenty of rock pools to discover and little coves to explore. This beach forms part of a Special Area of Conservation and a National Heritage Area.

Schull Harbour

The safe and welcoming harbour, and the many islands off-shore, make this an excellent base for water sports and sailing. It hosts the annual Fastnet International Schools Regatta as well as Calves Week. Ferries depart daily from Schull pier for Cape Clear Island from June to September. Enjoy a cruise to the famous Fastnet Rock and the unspoiled Long Island can be reached by ferry from Colla Pier, west of Schull.

West Cork Islands

Seven inhabited islands and one garden paradise, West Cork’s Islands are strung like jewels along the Southwest shoreline. They are the perfect places to explore the landscape, seascape, heritage and culture of beautiful West Cork. Heir, Bere, Sherkin, Whiddy, Dursey, Long and Garinish offer fantastic activities and intriguing histories. Shaped by the Atlantic waves and their unique island histories, they are fascinating places to experience the exhilarating power of the Wild Atlantic Way.