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Inchydoney Beach

Inchydoney Beach

Cork County 0.45 km Sandy

Located on Inchydoney Island, a small island near Clonakilty in West Cork, connected to the mainland by two causeways. It's situated at the northeast of Clonakilty Bay, about 4-6 km from Clonakilty town. The beach is split into East and West sections by the Inchydoney headland (Virgin Mary Point).

Beach Gallery

Location

Access Information

Accessible by road via causeways. Beach access via ramps/steps from car park(s). Public transport to Clonakilty requires further travel to beach.

Beach Details

Activities

  • Swimming
  • Walking
  • Surfing
  • Bodyboarding
  • Windsurfing
  • Collecting shells/rocks
  • Playing in tidal pools

Facilities

  • Public car park
  • Public Toilets
  • Lifeguards (seasonal)
  • Hotel nearby (Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa)
  • Surf School
  • Coffee Van/Kiosk
  • Cold Shower
  • Accessible Ramps/Steps

Environment

Island setting, backed by sand dunes, adjacent to Clonakilty Bay and Muckruss Strand tidal lagoon. The Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa hotel is located nearby behind the headland.

Conservation Status

Part of Clonakilty Bay SAC (Site code 000091), proposed NHA, and Clonakilty Bay SPA (Site code 004081).

Views

Panoramic sea views (Atlantic Ocean),Virgin Mary Headland

Wildlife

Birds commonly seen in the adjacent Clonakilty Estuary (SPA): Grey Heron, Mallards, Black Headed Gull, Stonechat, Herring Gull, Hooded Crow, Black Tailed Godwit, Robin, Redshanks, Wood Pigeon, Curlews.

Cultural & Historical Significance

Island granted to Bishop of Ross by Queen Elizabeth I (1584). Site where 600 Irish forces drowned fleeing after Battle of Clonakilty (1642).

Beach Tags

Reviews

Reviews Summary

Generally very positive reviews praising the beach's stunning beauty, expansive clean sand, clear water, and suitability for walking, swimming, and surfing. The nearby hotel and surf school are noted. Some reviewers mention challenges with parking during busy times and occasional minor litter issues near the dunes. Public toilets are available but sometimes described as basic.

Visitor Review ★★★★★

They say Location is everything and Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa is in one of the best locations in Ireland in my view. But location isn't everything - the facilities and staff of the hotel are what make this a really special experience. We are repeat visitors for a reason and hope to go for many years to come. Des has assembled a great team across Reservations, Front Desk, the bar/restaurant, restaurant and facilities. We know many of them by name and they know all our family - it is such a welcoming place where they go out of their way to make sure you have a great holiday.

Visitor Review ★★★★★

Great beach for walking barefoot or swimming ir surfing Can eat in nearby hotel that us expensive but amazing Lots if coffee van's

Visitor Review ★★★★★

What a stunning beach and the views were spectacular We arrived during a week of sun ☀️ and had 3 visits, the first to find out bearing and then 2 other visits to swim. One day being amazing sunshine and the other a bit cloudy and very choppy with huge waves Lots of surfers and people on boards enjoying the waves, we just enjoyed jumping them. Was still warm enough to swim Free parking is great, a little place to grab coffee and nibbles next to the hotel which must have stunning views A real place of beauty

Visitor Review ★★★★★

Great beach for a good walk. Life guards on duty i was advised re currents. I had a dip in the sea it was beautiful and water so clear. There was parking near the beach. There was a cold shower to rinse afterwards. Top class.

Visitor Review ★★★★★

I went on this strand both for walks and with my grandchildren. It is so beautiful. The children played in the tidal pools and had great fun. The strand is long enough for a decent walk

Visitor Review ★★★★★

Visited Inchydoney Beach in late June and was completely enamoured by its stunning natural beauty. The expansive golden sands were a pleasure to walk on, and the breath-taking views of the Atlantic were simply mesmerising. It offered a serene ambience, ideal for some relaxation and reflection. The water, although chilly, was crystal clear - perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day. The nearby Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa was a boon, offering the opportunity to indulge in their incredible amenities. However, I must say that the beach could get quite busy, particularly during the weekends and parking was somewhat challenging. I'd recommend visiting early in the day or on weekdays to avoid the crowd. Also, while the beach is impeccably clean, some litter was noticeable towards the dunes. It seems some visitors could do with a reminder to respect such a magnificent setting. Overall, Inchydoney Beach is worth a. visit for its striking views, and an authentic taste of Ireland's natural beauty. It loses a star only due to the parking difficulties and some minor cleanliness issues. Can't wait to return!

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