Inchydoney, East Beach
About Inchydoney, East Beach
Inchydoney is one of West Cork's most famous beaches, near Clonakilty, a Blue Flag strand split by the rocky Virgin Mary headland. The East Beach is a wide sweep of golden sand, lifeguarded in summer and renowned for surfing and swimming, with the well-known island spa hotel above. A beautiful, popular beach with reliable waves; swimming is best within the lifeguarded flags.
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 51.5995, -8.8682. Always verify the car park on arrival — access can change.
Activity suitability
- Swimming — Supervised only
- Surfing — Beginner
- Walking — Good walk (1–3km)
- Lifeguard (summer) — Yes
Facilities
- Toilets — Seasonal
- Car park — Free
- Disabled access — Partial
- Lifeguard — Yes
- Shower
- Café nearby
Facilities confirmed from Cork County Council and Fáilte Ireland. Source.
Water quality
EPA classification: Excellent (latest annual bathing-water assessment). Always check beaches.ie for the current rating.
Where to stay nearby
Accommodation near this beach coming soon — we are building our Cork guide now.
Where to eat & drink
The nearest pub or café from TopPubs.ie will appear here as the Cork guide is built.
Nearby walks
Coastal walking routes from IrishWalks.ie will appear here soon.
Audio story
A 60–90 second audio story of this beach is coming to AudioToursIreland.ie.
Nearby golf
Coastal golf courses within 15km from GolfIreland.ie will appear here.