Baginbun Beach

4.8 (909)

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About

A sheltered, sandy cove on the Hook Peninsula, famous as the spot "where Ireland was lost and won" after the Norman landing of 1170. Low cliffs keep the bay calm, making it a quiet, family-friendly swim and picnic beach.

Things to Do

Swim in the sheltered bay

The cove's shape and the low cliffs behind it keep the water usually calm and protected from the wind, which makes it a popular spot for a dip. There are no lifeguards, so only capable swimmers should enter, and the beach partly submerges at high tide.

Walk and picnic on the sands

About 300m of soft golden sand fronts the bay, ideal for paddling, beach games and picnics. Take in views across Bannow Bay and the Keeragh Islands, then sit back and watch the sun go down over the Hook Peninsula.

Kayak or coasteer the coast

The Irish Experience runs guided sea-cave kayaking, coasteering and paddleboarding from its beach hub at Baginbun. Book ahead; experiences start from about €27.99 for a 1.5-hour mini kayak tour.

Visit the Martello Tower

A 19th-century Martello tower stands on Baginbun Head at the southern end of the beach. It is easily reached on foot, but the tower and the surrounding land of the head are private property.

Coffee at Cliff Top Coffee

Cindy and Catherine's cliff-edge coffee spot sits right above Baginbun, with benches and wild gardens overlooking the bay. It is open seven days a week from 9 to 5.

Wood-fired sauna at Sweathouse

Sweathouse Sauna brings a wood-fired outdoor sauna to Baginbun beach, with 45-minute bookable slots and optional cliff-top yoga. Bring swim gear and a towel, then cool off in the sea between rounds.

Plan Your Visit

Parking: A small beach car park at the end of the road from Yoletown, fitting roughly 10 cars; it can fill on fine days.
Food: Cliff Top Coffee, perched on the Baginbun cliffside, serves coffee and light bites seven days a week, 9am-5pm. Sweathouse Sauna also operates from the beach.

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