Beaches
in Bantry and the surrounding area
Bantry is located in one of the most beautiful parts of West Cork and we are lucky to be surrounded by several options for a day on the beach. Within walking distance of the town are a few different beaches and our coastline is full of little coves for you to discover. A little further away, but within easy reach of Bantry, are sandy beaches and sand dunes waiting for you to explore.
Bantry Beach
Bantry Beach is a safe harbour beach within walking distance of the town. It is the starting point for the Bantry Blueway marked kayaking route and the Beicín Loop Walk.
Take a picnic to the beach or nearby amenity area, hire a kayak or stroll along the pathway to enjoy views out over the harbour and Bantry Bay beyond.
The beach is located past the Supervalu supermarket towards the Railway Pier. Parking is very limited near the beach, so park along the roadside or in the public car park next to Supervalu supermarket and walk from there.
The Abbey Beach
A popular sand and pebble strand with Bantry locals located by The Abbey cemetery, on the way out of town on the N71.
Launch your kayaks or boats from here or take a jump off the slipway when the tide is in.
Snámh Beach
Another popular pebble strand with the locals which is located mid-way between Bantry and Glengarriff. Snámh Beach is perfect for seashell collecting, crab fishing in the rock pools or watching people jumping off the nearby pier.
You will often see locals braving the water in all sorts of weather for a refreshing early morning swim year round.
Enjoy a Wild Atlantic Seaweed Bath on Snámh Pier on selected dates throughout the year. A vitalising experience whatever the weather!
For directions, click here
Ballyrisode Beach
Ballyrisode Beach is located near Toormore, 30mins drive from Bantry. The beach is within the larger Toormore Bay and consists of 2 beaches in a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a National Heritage Area (NHA).
Ballyrisode Beach is in a safe and sheltered location for swimming and other recreational activities.
For directions, click here
Barleycove Beach
Barleycove Beach is approx a 45mins drive from Bantry and offers plenty of beach and sand dunes to explore.
For directions, click here
Looking for something to eat?
Restaurants
From fine-dining to casual eateries, Bantry has a variety of restaurants to choose from.
Cafés & Coffee Shops
Plenty of choice from friendly coffee shops to quirky cafés with deli counters and in-house bakeries.
Fast Food & Take-Aways
From Pizza to Chinese to a traditional Fish ‘n Chips, something for everyone in Bantry.
Bar Food
A wide variety of pub grub available from Bantry’s array of bars and pubs. Most serve food all day.
Things to Do in Bantry
Away from the beach, we have plenty more things to do in Bantry, be it Indoor, Outdoor or Heritage activites. Bantry offers a variety of things to do for all the family.