Green Coast

Ballynamona Beach

Co. Cork, Ireland

Photo: Mark Devine from Dublin, Ireland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Water qualityCouncil-monitored

Blue Flag 2026No

Green CoastYes

DogsYear-round

Always verify the car-park location on arrival. Road and access conditions may change.

About Ballynamona Beach

Ballynamona is a Green Coast beach on the East Cork coast near Ballycotton, a sandy strand backed by low cliffs and forming part of the long Garryvoe-to-Ballycotton run of beaches. The scenic Ballycotton cliff walk starts close by, and the whole stretch is excellent for birdwatching, with the wetlands and shoreline drawing plenty of waders and seabirds. Access is via the Shanagarry side roads with informal parking. There is no lifeguard, so swimming should be taken with care, but it is a popular, relaxed beach for walkers, surfers and dog walkers looking for a natural, uncrowded stretch of the East Cork coast. Ballynamona sits midway along the Ballycotton Bay strand line: at low tide the sand joins into a near-continuous 4-mile walk from Silver Strand at Ballycotton village east through Ardnahinch and Garryvoe to Ballycrenane, with stepping stones across the stream at Ardnahinch. It is only safe on a falling or low tide, so check the tide times first.

Along the Ballycotton Bay strand

At low tide these strands join into a near-continuous 4-mile walk running east from Silver Strand at Ballycotton village through Ballynamona, Ardnahinch and Garryvoe to Ballycrenane, with stepping stones across the stream at Ardnahinch. Only attempt it on a falling or low tide, and check the tide times before you set out.

Get directions to the car park

This opens the verified car-park pin — never the beach itself or a mid-route point.

📍 Get directions to the car park

Pin confirmed at 51.8197, -8.0062. Always verify the car park on arrival — access can change.

Map

Verified car-park pin.

Activity suitability

Surfing — Beginner
Walking — Good walk (1–3km)
Lifeguard (summer) — No
Not yet confirmed: Swimming

Facilities

Toilets — No
Car park — Free
Lifeguard — No
Not yet confirmed: Disabled access, Shower, Café nearby

Facilities confirmed from Cork County Council and Fáilte Ireland Source.

Water quality

This beach is monitored by the local authority as a non-identified bathing water; it does not hold an official EPA annual classification. Check the local county council notices and signage before swimming, particularly after heavy rain.

Where to stay nearby

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