If you’re not familiar with West Cork, you may be surpised to hear that we have some of the best beaches in Ireland. And no – they are not just to look at, and yes, people do swim here in the summer. In fact a surprising number of the people we know were still swimming well into October. The autumn weather was glorious, and they claimed the sea was still warm enough to be enjoyable. In fact, they raved about how delicious it was to be bobbing around in the stuff. (You know who you are.)
A little further east of us there are good surfing beaches but here on the Mizen our beaches feature the golden sand and the dunes of the classic swimming beaches. The most popular with holiday-makers is the incredible expanse at Barley Cove. These photos were taken in February – so we aren’t swimming, but we have the place almost to ourselves, apart from the horses, and we are loving it!
Around the corner from Barley Cove are the beaches of Galley Cove and the White Strand. When the sun goes down on one, you can just move to the next one.
A local favourite is the beach at Ballyrisode, near Toormore. We strolled along it on a fine day in September, with nary another soul in sight.
But of course we have our own little secret beach nearby. Those in the know call it Shelly Beach – for the reasons you might imagine. You can’t drive there – it’s only accessible on foot down boreens and over the fields – and it’s a beautiful, peaceful spot, perfect for that wind-in-the-hair, sun-in-the-face, contemplative experience.
The last photo wasn’t taken on the Mizen, but it’s only a few miles to the east, so perhaps it’s not totally cheating to include it here. It was taken on a fabulous sunny day half way through October, and the beach was alive with activity.
How lovely to be reminded that West Cork can look like this when it’s lashing down today.And what’s not to love about bobbing around!!!! Hope married life is suiting you 🙂
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Aha – you do know who you are!
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Congratulations Finola and Robert. Mary and I were delighted to hear your news and send you are best wishes for a long and happy life together. I love reading both of your blogs and marvel at the magic land you live in. And if the magic is not obvious, you seem able to conjure up magic where the rest of us were blind!
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What a nice thing to say! Best to you too, Sean.
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Sometimes good things happen to good people. Here’s to years and years of hill climbs and beach walks.
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Good luck!!
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Thanks, Sean!
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great photos. I met you both in Ballyvaughan Last Feb. I love reading both of your journals.
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Hi Rosemary! Glad you’re enjoying the journal. Are you going back to Ballyvaughan next year?
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Finola you and Robert look very happy…Congratulations on your marriage.
The beaches look lovely. Lydia
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Thank you, Lydia!
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