First things first:

As it is a beach walk, please take care of the following:

1. Low tide isn’t only a recommendation here, because some parts of the walk might be flooded and in worst case impossible to be used. Though please have a look at the tides before you start to go there. A nice app that works for me perfectly fine is the app:
   for iOS: “Tide Times : “republic of ireland”
   for Android: “Tides Near Me”
   
2. Where’s the wind coming from? The easier task is to have the wind in your back. Most of the times the wind is coming from the West. When you start at the beginning with the path to the right, you’ll have the wind in your back.
   As it is a circular walk you can decide, if you go around clockwise or anti-clockwise.
   
3. On warm days it might be an unnecessary question if you want to put off your shoes and walk through parts of remaining mud, but on other days it might be essential. That’s why good walking shoes is the best insurance on this walk.
   
4. There are several carparks available, but when it is busy this one is the best to avoid the crowds.

And now let’s go! It’s time to come out of the house after the new virus kept us inside for a long time.

When I parked the car, I was not sure which direction I should start with. But as I’m a 150% right hander, I intuitively went to the right. That it was the right decision, I found out later on that walk.

It starts comfortable on an old tiny road, which is also the approach to the Island House and Gardens.

You pass it by and walk up the hill. Once up the hill you have already a wonderful view to the beach.

It isn’t that steep, but when you feel it is too steep for you, only slow down your pace. Once up the hill you have already a wonderful view to the beach.

Hold on to the right until you meet the road. Cross the road and walk to the left now until the road splits up on the Y-junction. Follow the street right down to the parking area and through the dunes to the beach.

The beach area is divided in 2 areas:
One in front of the hotel and one behind the hotel, separated by the cliff, but also connected by a few stairs.

Spend as much time on the beach as you want. It is one of the nicest beaches in County Cork or return another time only for the beach as such.

At the end of the first beach part take one of the stairs up, cross the parking area and take one of the walks down to the 2nd part of the beach.

Before you go on, check the tide times. The water can return back faster than expected!

When you feel save to go on enjoy this beautiful beach walk. After the next corner the beach changes a bit and can be a bit challenging . It’s not everywhere simple sand. And it’s not always a stable underground.

Sometimes you can sink into the sand deeper than expected and also the muddy parts aren’t only muddy on the surface.

After 5 km you end up at the road again and now you have only 100m over the bridge to your car.

Most probably you first have to clean your shoes 🙂

Directions

From Cork City take the N40 towards West Cork and leave at Exit 3 (Direction to Skibbereen and Bandon). Follow the the N71 until Clonakilty. It’s about 60 km or pretty much an hour to go.

Once arrived in Clonakilty take the 2nd exit on the first Rdabout to stay on the N71 and take on the 2nd Rdabout the 2nd exit to leave. Pass by the Railway Museum and follow the street. Take care the harbour is always on your left side. When the main street turns to the right, follow the tiny street to go straight on.

GPS: 51°36′14″ N  8°52′19″ W

If you want to join me for a walk or hike, please click here for guided walks in Co. Cork