Walk the cliff track to Ballyandreen
A foot-worn track runs about 7km from the end of Ballycotton village past Ballytrasna to Ballyandreen beach, meadows inland and the ocean below. Allow roughly 2-2.5 hours for the return trip.
Ballycotton Cliff Walk
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About
A foot-worn cliff track runs from the fishing village of Ballycotton west along the Atlantic, with meadows on one side and the sea, hidden coves and a black lighthouse on the other.
Things to Do
The easy out-and-back
For a gentler outing, follow the level first stretch from the trailhead car park. Benches along the way face the bay and lighthouse, and you can turn back whenever you like.
Detour down to hidden beaches
Side paths drop to rocky inlets and small beaches such as Ballytrasna. The descents are steep and slippery in wet weather, so take care.
Watch for wildlife
Peregrine falcons and oystercatchers patrol the cliffs, Chough are coastal regulars, and dolphins or whales sometimes pass offshore.
Ballycotton Island lighthouse tours
An open-topped boat runs from the harbour to Ballycotton Island, then a guided hike climbs to the summit of one of the world's few black lighthouses.
Swim and explore the shoreline
In the village you'll find the lifeboat strand by the pier, the Men's Bathing Area steps, and 'The Cow' slipway with rock pools great for children.
Village playground and harbour
A playground sits at the entrance to the village overlooking the bay, and the working harbour is a short walk downhill from the trailhead.
Plan Your Visit
- Parking: A car park sits at the trailhead — type 'Ballycotton Cliff Walk' into Google Maps and you'll be taken straight to it. In busy summer months the narrow village streets can clog up, so some visitors park at the village entrance and walk up.
- Food: Ballycotton village, a short walk from the trailhead, has pubs and restaurants including The Blackbird and its TrawlerBoyz seafood shack, Schooner Bar, McGrath's, Bayview Hotel, Salty Dog on the pier, Sea Church and Big Blue Pizzeria, with Ballymaloe House nearby.
Getting Around
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