Hidden in the south of Ireland is a stunning beach with clear water and golden sand.
Barleycove Beach in Dough, Co. Cork, is renowned for its spectacular beauty and various activities. The large beach is backed by dunes and nestled between the headlands of the Mizen Peninsula.
Designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the European Habitats Directive, Barleycove Beach boasts an array of wildlife, plants, and breathtaking scenery.
The dunes, partially eroded but protected, were created by a tsunami that hit Lisbon, Portugal, in 1755.
Visitors can enjoy convenient on-site parking with a road running along a narrow causeway beside Lissagriffin Lakes. At the north end, there’s a narrow bridge.
Swimming is safe at this Blue Flag beach, with a lifeguard on duty during summer. Located a two-hour drive from Cork City, the beach offers a variety of nearby activities.
It’s an ideal spot to relax on a sunny day, with horses and other animals grazing on the surrounding hills. Visitors have praised their experience at the beach, with one saying, “It’s the best beach in Ireland,” and another adding, “When the sun shines, there is nowhere nicer! Terrific location and good parking.”
Guests can explore Mizen Head and Brow Head trails, offering views of the rugged coastline. The area also features historic sites, including megalithic tombs to the east and stones on the north side of the Crookhaven Inlet.
The Beach Bar restaurant provides a gorgeous view of the landscape and offers lovely food, focusing on fresh seafood, with a hotel on site as well.
Mizen Head, just 10 minutes away, is famous for its rugged coastline and dramatic cliffs, where you can spot dolphins, whales, seals, gannets, kittiwakes, and choughs.
Brow Head, the southernmost point of mainland Ireland, offers scenic walks and historic ruins of old mining houses, active from the mid-19th century until 1906. The Brow Head Signal Tower, which was built 200 years ago due to the threat of a French invasion, is a noteworthy sight.