Ballycotton is the hidden gem of East Cork. It is a small picturesque fishing village which sits on a rocky-ledge overlooking Ballycotton Bay and is surrounded by sandy beaches. Only 40 minutes from Cork airport and Cork City, Ballycotton is the perfect escape to the beautiful East Cork countryside.
During a stay in Ballycotton you can enjoy the freshest of fish served in award winning restaurants or from the local gluten free chippy straight from the boats in Ballycotton Harbour. You will receive a warm local welcome in our traditional pubs, there is live music in the village every weekend and the more energetic can enjoy our cliff side Pitch n Putt course or Ballycotton’s internationally acclaimed cliff walk.
Ballycotton is surrounded by wonderful beaches. In the village there is a small beach called the Conger by Ballycotton Pier. For the more adventurous swimmers you can swim from “The men’s bathing area” which is accessed by steps down to a rocky platform on your left going towards the Cliff Walk. In the middle of the village there is a slipway known locally as “The Cow” and here you will find a rocky beach which is great for rock pools.
In the Ballycotton Bay area there is a sandy beach that stretches for miles east from Silverstrand to Ballycrenane beach.
The beaches:
Silverstrand beach can be accessed from Ballycotton village on foot.
Ballynamona is a very safe beach for children to swim in and there is plenty of sand to built sand castles.
Ardnahinch has a car park and slip road to the beach. Between here and Garryvoe beach there are some great rocks for children to climb.
Garryvoe is a mixed pebble beach and a great destination for families. It has a children’s playground, shop, picnic area, car park, wheelchair access to the beach, public toilets & Garryvoe Hotel which serves seafood, steaks and more, as well as a children’s menu.
Ballywilling is the perfect beach it you want a quieter time. There is a car park and slip road to the beach.
Ballycrenane has a car park with good access to the beach. This is also a good spot for beach fishing.
When the tide is out you can walk for miles from one beach to the next (but you will have to cross little rivers). It really is amazing