Garryvoe Beach: A Hidden Gem of Cork

Garryvoe Beach

garryvoe beach map

Garryvoe Beach, nestled along the coastal road from Ladysbridge to Shanagarry in Cork, is a delightful getaway for families and nature enthusiasts. 

Its mix of pebbles and rocks offers a unique landscape for beachgoers to explore. Located just a short drive from Shanagarry on the R632, the beach is easily accessible by car. 

Plenty of public parking spaces and wheelchair access make it convenient for all visitors. Lifeguards ensure safety during the bathing season, allowing families to relax and enjoy the water with peace of mind. 

Surrounded by the beauty of the south-east of Cork, Garryvoe Beach provides breathtaking views of the nearby Ballycotton Cliffs and, on clear days, the picturesque Ballycotton Island with its charming lighthouse. Whether seeking a leisurely day by the sea or a scenic coastal walk, Garryvoe Beach promises a memorable experience for all.

Garryvoe Beach Amenities

garryvoe beach

At Garryvoe Beach, you’ll find a mix of pebbles and rocks that create a unique shoreline to explore. Families love it because many amenities make your day comfortable and fun. 

There are clean public toilets right by the beach, and they’ve even made sure it’s easy for everyone to get there, with wheelchair access available. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer, so you can swim and play in the water safely. 

A lovely children’s play area is nearby if you need a break from the sand and surf. Plus, there’s plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a picnic or a game of beach volleyball. 

With all these great features, Garryvoe Beach is the perfect spot for family fun by the sea.

Local Hospitality at Garryvoe Beach

garryvoe beach cork

When you visit Garryvoe Beach, you’re not just enjoying the sand and sea—you’re also surrounded by warm local hospitality. Right nearby, the Garryvoe Hotel offers stunning views of the beach and provides a cosy retreat after a day of fun in the sun. 

It’s a popular wedding spot, so they’ll make you feel special too. Whether staying overnight or just popping in for a meal, you’ll find delicious food and friendly service. 

The hotel’s restaurant serves tasty dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, and the cosy bar is the perfect place to relax with a drink and enjoy the ocean views. 

With the Garryvoe Hotel nearby, your beach day can become a memorable seaside getaway.

Where to Eat at Garryvoe Beach

best burger in cork Roastie Midleton
Roastie Midleton for the Best Burgers in Cork

When hunger strikes after a day of fun at Garryvoe Beach, you’re in luck—plenty of delicious dining options are nearby! In the charming town of Midleton, you can satisfy your cravings at Roastie Midleton, known for serving up mouthwatering burgers that have even won awards for being the best in Ireland. Don’t forget to read my list of things to do in Midleton and Best Restaurants in Midleton for more information.

If you want something more upscale, head to Ferrit and Lee Restaurant near the famous Jameson Distillery. Here, you can indulge in a delightful dining experience with a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes.

For those exploring Castlemartyr, the Hunted Hog restaurant offers a cosy atmosphere and tasty food for the whole family. From hearty pub classics to flavorful international cuisine, there’s something to please every palate near Garryvoe Beach.

Garryvoe Beach Cork

Garryvoe is an excellent beach for the whole family. It can be busy sometimes, and the traffic can be hectic when the weather is fantastic. Castlymartye, in particular, can get very busy in the summer; it’s usually a busy spot most days, too.

Garryvoe Beach is my local beach, and whenever I get a chance, I stroll in the evening when it’s a little quieter. On the way home, I’ll often grab some chips in Castlymartye as a little treat. 

Garryvoe Beach has a lot of parking spaces available, but I recommend getting there early. The beach is vast, and walking further down the beach is sometimes best to get a quieter spot. If you are considering travelling from the Cork City side, why not read my guide to Myrtleville Beach, the closest beach to Cork City.

I hope you enjoy your visit to Garryvoe Beach. Remember to apply plenty of sunscreen.

About the author
J.J. Sheridan
My Name is JJ Sheridan, born in Cork Ireland but spent most of my childhood in County Tipperary. I've been a Chef for a large number of years and have worked in a number of award winning restaurants. I love using local ingredients whenever possible in my food so that I can showcase the best of Irish. My passion is to share with you the best restaurants across Ireland from a Chefs perspective. For many years restaurants have been at the hands of the "food critic". Most of the time these critics will visit the same old restaurants and heap praise on them. Often forgetting about the smaller restaurants who are paving the way for Irish Cuisine. My Goal is to higlight all restaurants, especially the ones the so called food experts never visit and give you a complete list of the best Irish Restaurants to visit.

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