Ardnahinch Beach

Ardnahinch Beach sits close to the village of Shanagarry on the east Cork coast, in County Cork. Set within a wide bay, it looks out towards Ballycotton and the island lighthouse, and is sometimes known locally as Shanagarry Beach. It falls within the Ireland’s Ancient East region.

This is a broad, windswept sandy beach whose character changes markedly with the tide. At low water it opens out into an expansive stretch of sand, well suited to swimming, walking and other seaside pursuits, while at high tide the exposed sand narrows to a thin strip. When the tide is out, the sands connect along the coast towards nearby Garryvoe.

Ardnahinch has held the National Green Coast Award, which recognises beaches for clean, natural, well-managed coastline and depends on the involvement of a local coast care group. Practical facilities include a car park and a slip road down to the shore, and the beach is a popular spot for walking dogs, family picnics and taking in the views across the bay.