HIDDEN in the south of Ireland is a gorgeous beach with clear water and golden sand. Barleycove Beach in Dough, Co. Cork , is renowned for its spectacular beauty and a range of activities.
The large beach is backed by sand dunes and sits between the headlands of the Mizen Peninsula. It is designated a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the European Habitats Directive. There is an array of wildlife and plants to be found on the beach, as well as gorgeous scenery.
The sand dunes on the beach were created by a tsunami that hit Lisbon in Portugal in 1755. They are now partially eroded but are protected. There is a car park on site with a road running along a narrow causeway beside Lissagriffin Lakes.
At the north end is a narrow bridge. It is safe to swim in the sea as it is a Blue Flag beach and there is a lifeguard on duty during the summer season. The beach is a two-hour drive from Cork City and there is a range of things to do nearby.
It's the perfect place to relax on a sunny day, with horses and other animals grazing on the hills. A number of visitors have rated their experience at the beach. One person said: "It's the best beach in Ireland.
" Another added: "When the sun shines, there is nowhere nicer! Terrific location and good parking." There is a range of trails for both the Mizen Head and Brow Head, giving guests a view of the rugged coastline. There is also a range of historic sites including megalithic tombs to the east and stones on the north side of the Crookh.
