Garrettstown and Garrylucas, West Cork

June 2011

Two for the price of one. Garrettstown and Garrylucas are side by side and, although different, are worth describing as a pair.

First Garrettstown. When we were there the water was choppy, windy and full of surfers. Swimming was difficult but grand if you like jumping into and over waves. This is a large beach with plenty of room for running and playing. Rocks at either end will give you some shelter.

Access can be found at either end and there is a good amount of car parking. At one end there is a disabled car parking space and then a ramp which finishes with a 12 inch drop. Why? It is, however, accessible for buggies.

Lifeguards are on duty during the summer . There are toilets and a couple of picnic tables in a nice location overlooking the beach. Blue flag beach.

Next to Garrylucas, which is just up the road. When we were there the water was calmer, the beach quieter and it was a much more attractive place to swim. There is a gradual wade in but good depth as well.

The beach is soft and there is plenty of room. Altogether it appears to be more sheltered than its neighbour.

Garrylucas has lifeguards in the summer.

There is a large car park and some seats and picnic tables. It is also good to see a ramp which allows wheelchair and buggy access to the beach.

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Directions:

From Kinsale you take the R600 signposted for Ballinspittle and then take a left turn onto the R604 signposted for ‘Old Head’. Along this road you will pick up signposts for the beaches.

Ordnance Survey Map No: 87