Fountainstown
Municipal District of Carrigaline, Ireland: Excellent water quality
Located 24.69 km from County Cork, Fountainstown is a Blue Flag beach. The award recognizes the beach's environmental standards, water quality, and visitor safety measures. The best time to visit is May, June, and September. Check local safety arrangements before your visit. As a Blue…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Fountainstown
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Fountainstown?
Located 24.69 km from County Cork, Fountainstown is a Blue Flag beach. The award recognizes the beach's environmental standards, water quality, and visitor safety measures. The best time to visit is May, June, and September. Check local safety arrangements before your visit. As a Blue Flag beach, Fountainstown meets standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
It sits alongside certified beaches along Municipal District of Carrigaline, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout Ireland certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Fountainstown faces south toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7°C | 7°C | Low |
| Feb | 7°C | 7°C | Low |
| Mar | 7°C | 8°C | Low |
| Apr | 9°C | 10°C | Low |
| May | 12°C | 10°C | Med |
| Jun | 14°C | 13°C | Med |
| Jul | 16°C | 15°C | High |
| Aug | 16°C | 14°C | High |
| Sep | 14°C | 13°C | Med |
| Oct | 12°C | 12°C | Low |
| Nov | 9°C | 9°C | Low |
| Dec | 8°C | 8°C | Low |
The best time to visit Fountainstown is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 16°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 14.5°C in July.
How crowded does Fountainstown get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, Fountainstown sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Fountainstown open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Fountainstown
Is Fountainstown safe to swim?Fountainstown is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Fountainstown?Peak water temperature at Fountainstown reaches around 14.5°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 6.9°C.
What is the beach like at Fountainstown?Fountainstown on the Municipal District of Carrigaline coast of Ireland. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Fountainstown have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Fountainstown meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Fountainstown sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Fountainstown
How do I get to Fountainstown by car?Fountainstown is approximately 24.69 km from County Cork. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Fountainstown?The nearest airport is Cork Airport (ORK) (ORK), approximately 14.4 km away.
Can I get to Fountainstown by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to County Cork. The nearest recorded bus stop is 273 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Fountainstown?Fountainstown lists Cobh as the nearest railway station, 8.44 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Map
Find Fountainstown
Open the map or get directions to the Fountainstown pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 280 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 273 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 51.7733°N, 8.3126°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Ireland |
Frequently Asked Questions
Fountainstown FAQ
Is Fountainstown suitable for children?
Fountainstown has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in Ireland.
Is Fountainstown free to access?
Access to Fountainstown is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Municipal District of Carrigaline, Ireland, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Fountainstown?
The best time to visit Fountainstown is May, June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 14.5°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Fountainstown?
Fountainstown is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Fountainstown?
Fountainstown is located in Municipal District of Carrigaline, Ireland. It is approximately 24.69 km from County Cork. The nearest airport is Cork Airport (ORK) (ORK), 14.4 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Explore More
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Editorial
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Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
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Explore IrelandWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Fountainstown
- An Taisce - Blue Flag
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.