Green Coast

Ballyrisode

Co. Cork, Ireland
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 Ballyrisode

Ballyrisode is a gem of a beach on Toormore Bay between Ballydehob and Schull, a pair of small white-sand coves with strikingly clear, sheltered, shallow water. Its great advantage is accessibility: the beach sits right at road level, making it one of the easiest to reach in this part of West Cork, though parking gets tight in summer. Rock pools appear at low tide for children to explore, and the clear water makes it a popular spot for snorkelling and scuba. The beach lies within a Special Area of Conservation and Natural Heritage Area, so it is as important for nature as it is lovely to visit. There is no lifeguard, so swim with care, but the calm, dazzling bays make Ballyrisode a firm West Cork favourite.

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 51.4883, -9.6738. Always verify the car park on arrival — access can change.

Map

Verified car-park pin.

Activity suitability

  • Surfing — No surf
  • Walking — Short walk (under 1km)
  • 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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Verified local listings for Cork are coming as we build out our accommodation guide.