Inch Beach (Guileen)

Co. Cork, Ireland

Water qualityNot monitored

Blue Flag 2026No

Green CoastNo

DogsTo be confirmed

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

About Inch Beach (Guileen)

Inch Beach at Guileen (not to be confused with Inch in Co. Kerry) is a deep sandy beach set between two streams and low cliffs west of Power Head, and one of East Cork's best-kept secrets. The bathing is safe and shallow, which makes it good for families, while the beach is also a genuine surf spot — Inch Surf School operates right here and it is popular with surfers. Getting there is part of the appeal: narrow, winding local roads lead off the Midleton-Whitegate road, and parking at the beach is limited, so arrive early. There is no lifeguard, so keep children close and take care in the surf. For a hidden East Cork beach that mixes gentle bathing with a surf scene, Guileen is hard to beat.

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Activity suitability

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

Facilities

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

Facilities confirmed from Cork County Council and Fáilte Ireland.

Water quality

This is not an EPA-monitored bathing water, so no official water-quality rating is available. Take local conditions and signage into account and swim with care.

Where to stay nearby

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