#704 European Rank Blue Flag Certified
Inchydoney
County Cork, Ireland•Atlantic Ocean• Best Season: June, July, August, September
Photo: Neville Goodman (CC BY-SA 2.0) · Wikimedia Commons source
EDITORIAL SCORE
3.99/ 5.0
SEA TEMPERATURE
16.2°C
August 30-year average
DAILY BUDGET
€53/day
SAND & SHORELINE
Golden Sand
Gradual Drop
Sea Temperature by Month
30-year monthly averages for County Cork · NOAA satellite dataSwipe 12 months ⇄
Refreshing Plunge
Jan
9.7°C
Air 13°C
Feb
9.3°C
Air 14°C
Mar
9.2°C
Air 16°C
Apr
9.9°C
Air 19°C
May
11.7°C
Air 22°C
Jun
14.1°C
Air 25°C
Jul
15.8°C
Air 27°C
Peak
Aug
16.2°C
Air 27°C
Sep
15.5°C
Air 25°C
Oct
13.9°C
Air 22°C
Nov
11.9°C
Air 18°C
Dec
10.4°C
Air 15°C
Swimmability Window · NOAA Climatology
Peak 16.2°C in August · cold-water plunge / wetsuit season
30-year NOAA satellite climatological mean (1991–2020).Explore all Ireland Sea Temperatures
Score Breakdown
Scenery & Setting4.2 / 5
Water Clarity & Cleanliness4.6 / 5
Sand & Shoreline Quality4.7 / 5
Atmosphere & Safety4.8 / 5
Accessibility & Entry Ease4.5 / 5
Affordability & Fair Pricing4.2 / 5
About Inchydoney
A twin sweep of golden sand split by a grassy headland, West Cork's favourite surf and family beach.
Destination Advisory & Classificationcold-water destination (16.2°C peak) — aesthetic/scenic ranking rather than warm swimming
Key Beach Facts
Official Records•Access: Causeway road access from Clonakilty with dedicated beach car parking and boardwalks.
•Protected Status / Environment: Blue Flag awarded beach on Clonakilty Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
•Notable Feature: Dual-sided expansive tidal golden sand spit dividing Clonakilty Bay, renowned for surfing on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Amenities & Facilities
Bathrooms
YesShowers
YesFree Parking
YesFood / Tavernas
YesGood for Kids
YesDog Friendly
NoLifeguard on Duty
YesSunbed & Umbrella Rentals
NoNatural Cliff/Pine Shade
YesWheelchair Accessible
NoSnorkeling & Watersports
YesNudist / FKK Friendly
NoGetting There & Local Notes
Getting there:
Located near County Cork. Accessible via regional coastal roads (51.596°N, -8.865°E).
•Gently shelving with reliable surf; lifeguarded.
•A twin golden strand split by a green headland in West Cork.
Nearest Airport & Transit Gateway
INTL · 40m driveConvenient highway or local transit access across County Cork, Ireland.
Are you a Venue Owner or Promoter at Inchydoney?
Promote your beach club, summer residency, or submit photo & data updates to Shores.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inchydoney
What is the water temperature at Inchydoney?
The peak summer sea surface temperature at Inchydoney averages 16.2°C (61°F), based on 30-year NOAA satellite climatology.
What type of coast or sand is Inchydoney?
Inchydoney is classified as a golden sand shoreline located in County Cork, Ireland.
Is Inchydoney good for families with kids?
Yes, Inchydoney is suitable for families and children with manageable water entry.
Are there parking and facilities at Inchydoney?
Free parking is available. Restroom facilities are present.
More Beaches in IrelandRegional Guide
4.3
County Mayo (Achill Island), Ireland•Atlantic Ocean
Warmest water in Ireland (Aug)
16.4°C sea
40/day
White Sand
19°C• Kids
Cars from €32/d
4.2
Mizen Peninsula, West Cork, Ireland•Atlantic Ocean
Clearest water in Ireland
16°C sea
48/day
Golden Sand
27°C• Scenic
Cars from €34/d
4.2
Portsalon, Donegal, Ireland•Atlantic Ocean
2nd Clearest water in Ireland
14.9°C sea
48/day
Golden Sand
25°C• Scenic
Cars from €37/d
4.2
County Kerry (Ring of Kerry), Ireland•Atlantic Ocean
2nd Warmest water in Ireland (Aug)
16.4°C sea
40/day
White Sand
19°C• Kids
Cars from €32/dWarmest European Beaches this SeasonNOAA Climatology
4.7
Alanya, Turkey•Mediterranean Sea
Warmest water in Mediterranean Sea (Aug)
29°C sea
44/day
Golden Sand
37°C• Kids
Cars from €26/d
4.5
Antalya, Turkey•Mediterranean Sea
2nd Warmest water in Mediterranean Sea (Aug)
29°C sea
43/day
Pebbles
37°C• Kids
Cars from €20/d
4.8
Antalya (Kalkan), Turkey•Mediterranean Sea
3rd Warmest water in Mediterranean Sea (Aug)
28.9°C sea
45/day
White Sand
32°C• Kids
Cars from €22/d
4.8
Antalya (Kemer), Turkey•Mediterranean Sea
3rd Longest swim season in Mediterranean Sea · 200 days
28.9°C sea
20/day
White Sand
33°C• Kids
Cars from €22/d