View MapView Map
HomeDestinationsCorkBarley CoveBarley Cove
Barley Cove
Barley Cove, Co. Cork
Free to visit
Family friendly
Sunny days
Escape to the beautiful strands of Barley Cove in West Cork and enjoy a family fun day on the beach.

Nestled between the headlands on the Mizen Peninsula, Barley Cove is one of the most stunning beaches in Cork. Designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the European Habitats Directive, this remote area is home to a vast array of wildlife and flora, not to mention its extensive system of sand dunes, which were created by tsunami that occurred in Portugal in 1755.

Wander through these famous sand dunes and take in the beauty of the wild scenery. Or stop by on a weekend during the bathing season for a dip in the lifeguarded waters.

For more information on Barley Cove, check out the noticeboard located on the beach.

Tips from locals

Try your hand at surfing with Barley Cove Surf Camp.

Blue Flag Award
Contact details
Dough, Cork, Ireland
More to discover
Coastal escapesMizen Head

Experience Mizen Head on the glorious Mizen Peninsula in County Cork. Visit the Mizen Head Irish Lights Signal Station at Ireland's most south-westerly point.

Coastal escapesCape Clear - Gleann Loop

No trip to West Cork’s iconic Cape Clear is complete without a hike around the 7km Gleann Loop. Moderately challenging, it’s a real breathtaker, with unmatched views of the wide and wild Atlantic your reward for hitting the trail and spending an hour or two in the great outdoors.

Coastal escapesWhale Watch West Cork

Whale Watch West Cork, in Baltimore, County Cork, seeks to offer a top class, responsible whale and dolphin watching experience. Their specially built boat brings you thrilling sights of common dolphins, seals, basking sharks, minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales and more. All facilities and safety equipment are supplied on board.

Mail Icon SVG

Subscribe now to receive destination inspiration, travel tips, upcoming events and all the best things to do around Ireland.