by Brian Kenny | Jun 6, 2011 | Cork
June 2011
Owenahincha is a fine expanse of beach, with plenty of room to walk, run, play and swim. Just round the corner is The Long Strand which is good for walking but dangerous for swimming. Take notice of the signs which warn of Rip Currents and Dumping in Waves.
When we were there in June there were strong winds and waves which made swimming difficult. However, if that’s your thing then Owenahincha will suit you. There are some rocks for shelter, but the beach can be quite exposed, depending on the direction of the wind.
Blue Flag beach 2012.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
There are portaloos located near to the road. There is a car park which gives you access across a rough path to The Long Strand and then you will need to walk to Owenahincha. You can also park roadside nearer to the beach, where there is a small pathway to the strand. It isn’t wheelchair accessible, but you will manage a buggy.
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Directions:
From Cork you travel on the N71 and pass through Clonakilty. Then watch out for a left turn signposted Owenahinca
Ordnance Survey Map No: 89
by Brian Kenny | Jun 6, 2011 | Cork
June 2011
Redbarn is a classic holiday beach- long , open and somewhat windswept. When we were there it was low tide. The water was calm but it was a bit of walk in to have a swim. Still, this is a good family beach, with lots of room for walking and playing. As it is quite open a windbreak will come in very handy
The beach is long and stretches all the way to Youghal which is a couple of kilometres away. So if you are looking for a place to run as well as swim, this is a good spot.
Lifeguards are on duty in the summer and there are public toilets. There is also a hotel and campsite just as you come to the beach. One big drawback, in the absence of a car park, is that parking cars is allowed on a section of the beach. Blue Flag beach .
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Directions:
From Youghal take the R634 toward Killeagh and the N25. After a couple of kilometres you come to a left turn onto the R633 and signposted Redbarn. After another 2/3 kilometres you will come to another left turn signposted for the beach.
Ordnance Survey Map No: 81
by Brian Kenny | Jun 6, 2011 | Cork
Jarley’s Cove, Kinsale
June 2011
Jarleys Cove is a small beach located just a couple of kilometres outside Kinsale town. When we visited the tide was out and we didn’t see it at its best. The beach was covered with scruffy seaweed and looked the worse for wear.
However, even at low tide there is good depth to the water which is well sheltered and calm. The water doesn’t have the clarity of the beaches further west, but this is still a handy place for a swim. Rocks at either end will give you added shelter.
From the small and rough car park there is a tarmacadem path to the beach which gives both wheelchair and buggy access. Well done Cork County Council.
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Directions:
From Kinsale take the R600 signposted for Ballinspittle and Old Head. After a kilometre you cross a bridge and then take the immediate left turn. A further kilometre on this road leads you to the cove.
Ordnance Survey Map No; 87
by Brian Kenny | Jun 6, 2011 | Cork
June 2011
If you want to swim here make sure you check the tides first. We didn’t, and ended up arriving at low tide to see a vast expanse of not very white sand, and not a lot of water. We had to content ourselves with looking at the sea in the distance, rather than plunging into it.
However, this is a fine wide beach with lots of room for kids to play. It is quite open and there isn’t much shelter, so bring a windbreak if you can. The water looks nice and clear and we are only sorry we didn’t get to sample it at first hand.
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Directions
From Bantry take the N 71 toward Skibbereen and then the R591 right turn signposted for Mizen Head. You stay on this road all the way through Goleen until you come to sharp bend on the road with a signpost for Crookhaven . You will then see the beach on your left hand side.
Parking appears to be on the side of the road.
Ordnance Survey Map No. 88
by Brian Kenny | Jun 6, 2011 | Cork, Lakes
Lough Hyne, West Cork
June 2011
Lough Hyne is Ireland’s first marine nature reserve and a lovely place to swim into the bargain.
This lake is home to over 1000 underwater plant species along with a number of rare fish. The water is clear, fresh, salty and perfect for swimming. When we were there a number of wet suited swimmers were doing distance swims, so it’s clearly a place where swimmers congregate. The lake is surrounded by woodland so as you swim out into its clear waters you have a calming, tranquil view.
Access to the water is via a slipway or you can get in off a low wall.
There are places to park across from the lake along with a couple of picnic tables.
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Directions:
From Skibbereen take the R595 toward Baltimore and after a few kilometres watch out for a left turn signposted for Lough Hyne
Ordnance Survey Map No; 89
