Rock pooling at low tide
As the tide drops, the exposed rocks and pools at either end of the bay reward a slow wander with small sea life and easy scrambling for kids.
Red Strand Beach
4.7 (375)
About
A small, sheltered horseshoe bay in West Cork where red-tinged sand, clean water and a view straight to Galley Head Lighthouse make it a favourite with families.
Things to Do
Admire Galley Head Lighthouse
The lighthouse on the headland to the west is the beach's signature view, framed across the water from the sand.
Swim in the sheltered bay
Wedged between two green headlands, Red Strand has a gently sloping shoreline and mostly smaller waves, making it the calmer neighbour of Long Strand and generally suitable for a swim in good weather. There is no lifeguard, so check conditions before entering the water.
Catch a wave
The beach is popular for surfing with reasonably consistent surf all year round, though it is noticeably more sheltered than Long Strand just around the coast.
A family day on the sand
The safe, shallow water and clean golden sand suit young children. Parking sits right beside the beach, there are dunes to climb and low rocks to jump from, and at low tide there is more to explore and clamber over.
Combine with Galley Head and the cliff walk
Pair your visit with the nearby Galley Head Lighthouse and the short, scenic Dundeady Cliff Walk, which looks west over Long Strand and out to the Stags off Toe Head.
Plan Your Visit
- Admission: Free - no admission charge
- Parking: Roadside parking only - there is no designated car park, just a few free spaces along the road at the back of the beach. It is level, but the roadside fills quickly on busy summer days.
- Food: None at the beach. There are no shops, cafés or other businesses nearby, so bring supplies and stock up in Clonakilty or Ardfield before you arrive.
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