Red Strand
About Red Strand
Red Strand is a scenic Green Coast beach near Ardfield in West Cork, named for the reddish sand washed down from the surrounding hills. There is no lifeguard, so swimming should be taken with care, but the sheltered cove, the dramatic coastal setting and the nearby Galley Head lighthouse make it one of West Cork's most picturesque beaches, popular with swimmers and beginner surfers.
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.
Activity suitability
- Swimming — Supervised only
- Surfing — Beginner
- Walking — Short walk (under 1km)
- Lifeguard (summer) — No
Facilities
- Toilets — Seasonal
- Car park — Free
- Disabled access — To be confirmed
- Lifeguard — No
- Shower
- Café nearby
Facilities confirmed from Cork County Council and Fáilte Ireland. Source.
Water quality
EPA classification: Good (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.