Ballyrisode Beach

Ballyrisode Beach lies on the Mizen Peninsula in West Cork, County Cork, around 11km west of Schull. Sheltered within Toormore Bay, it is made up of two small sandy coves, each roughly 150 metres in length and backed by dunes, with the waters of the Atlantic beyond.

The beach is valued for its clean, sheltered setting, which makes it a safe spot for swimming, paddling and other recreational activities. Water quality here has been classified as excellent, and Ballyrisode has been recognised with a Green Coast Award, given to rural beaches with a clean environment, good water quality and natural beauty. The surrounding area forms part of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a National Heritage Area (NHA).

Ballyrisode remains a quiet, secluded beach and is often peaceful even in fine weather. There are no facilities on site, so visitors should bring everything they need for the day. A small car park serves the beach, though the narrow lane leading down to it can become congested when the weather is good.