Green Coast

Rocky Bay

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 Rocky Bay

Rocky Bay is a south-facing sandy beach about 300m wide near Minane Bridge, an easy escape to the coast from Cork city that stays popular right through the year. It has a well-earned local reputation for clean water, and strong swimmers use the roughly 2km open-water route across to Robert's Cove — a swim for experienced, prepared people only, and never alone. The narrow entrance road and very limited parking mean it congests quickly on warm days, so arrive early. There is no patrolled lifeguard service, so swimming should be taken with care. A Green Coast beach with sheltered, family-friendly sand, Rocky Bay is a firm favourite with Cork families and sea swimmers alike.

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 51.7371, -8.3475. 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)
Not yet confirmed: Swimming, Lifeguard (summer)

Facilities

Car park — Free
Not yet confirmed: Toilets, Disabled access, Lifeguard, 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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