Green Coast

Red Strand

Co. Cork, Ireland

Water qualityCouncil-monitored

Blue Flag 2026No

Green CoastYes

DogsTo be confirmed

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

About Red Strand

Red Strand is a scenic horseshoe-bay beach near Rosscarbery and Ardfield in West Cork, named for the reddish sand washed down from the surrounding hills. A Green Coast and Green Flag beach with consistent year-round surf and views towards Galley Head lighthouse, it draws swimmers, walkers and beginner surfers alike. Parking is a few roadside spaces and there is no wheelchair access at the beach. Cork County Council monitors the water here as an additional ‘other monitored’ water rather than an EPA-identified bathing water, so it carries no official EPA classification — check council signage before swimming. There is no lifeguard, so take care in the water, but the sheltered cove and dramatic coastal setting make Red Strand one of West Cork’s most picturesque beaches.

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 51.5435, -8.9248. Always verify the car park on arrival — access can change.

Map

Verified car-park pin.

Activity suitability

Surfing — Beginner
Walking — Short walk (under 1km)
Lifeguard (summer) — No
Not yet confirmed: Swimming

Facilities

Toilets — Seasonal
Car park — Free
Disabled access — No
Lifeguard — No
Not yet confirmed: 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.