WITH gorgeous blue waters, golden sand and wildlife – it’s no wonder people reckon this beach makes you feel like you’re not in Ireland. Barleycove in West Cork is situated between the headlands on the Mizen Peninsula. Designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the European Habitats Directive, this beautiful beach boasts wildlife, flora and golden sand.
Soak up the sun at this remote beach, listening to the sounds of the Atlantic Ocean. The blue flag beach is a top spot for swimming , surfing and paddle boarding. There’s a lifeguard on duty during the bathing season.
Explore the famous sand dunes - which were made by a tsunami that hit in Portugal in 1755. Pack a picnic or hit one of the four restaurants close by. Attractions in the area include Three Castle Head, Mizen Head Signal Station and Mizen Head Visitor Centre.
Make a day of it with a whale and dolphin watching tour at nearby Baltimore. Take N71 from Bantry and then take the R591 south west towards Toormore. Once you arrive at Toormore, follow the signs for Goleen (R591).
After a few miles you will come to a junction with one road heading for Crookhaven - so the other road will take you to Barleycove. Visitors hailed the remote beach as “fantastic” and “spacious”. People took to Tripadvisor to rate their experience at the Cork beach.
One person said: “Spectacular, safe, clean, spacious and well worth a visit. "Highly recommended and why not go to Mizen Head after soaking up the views a.