Redbarn Beach
The Municipal District of East Cork, Ireland: Excellent water quality
Redbarn Beach is located in the Municipal District of East Cork, Ireland, about 49 km from Cork city. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education for meeting international standards in water quality, safety, and environmental management.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Redbarn Beach
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Redbarn Beach?
Redbarn Beach is located in the Municipal District of East Cork, Ireland, about 49 km from Cork city. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, awarded annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education for meeting international standards in water quality, safety, and environmental management.
The beach is open during its designated season. Drinking water is available on-site. Swimmers should take appropriate precautions in the water.
May, June, and September offer the best conditions for a visit. July and August are the busiest months. Plan accordingly if you prefer quieter conditions.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in The Municipal District of East Cork, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across Ireland certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Redbarn Beach 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 | 4°C | Low |
| Feb | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
| Mar | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
| Apr | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| May | 12°C | 9°C | Med |
| Jun | 14°C | 11°C | Med |
| Jul | 16°C | 13°C | High |
| Aug | 16°C | 13°C | High |
| Sep | 14°C | 11°C | Med |
| Oct | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Nov | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| Dec | 8°C | 5°C | Low |
The best time to visit Redbarn Beach is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 16.3°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 13.3°C in July.
How crowded does Redbarn Beach get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, Redbarn Beach sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Redbarn Beach 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 Redbarn Beach
Is Redbarn Beach safe to swim?Redbarn Beach 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 Redbarn Beach?Peak water temperature at Redbarn Beach reaches around 13.3°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 Redbarn Beach?Redbarn Beach on the The Municipal District of East Cork coast of Ireland. The beach is open during its designated season. Drinking water is available on-site. Swimmers should take appropriate precautions in the water.
Does Redbarn Beach have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Redbarn Beach meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Redbarn Beach sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Redbarn Beach
How do I get to Redbarn Beach by car?Redbarn Beach is approximately 48.87 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 Redbarn Beach?The nearest airport is Cork Airport (ORK) (ORK), approximately 43.4 km away.
Can I get to Redbarn Beach 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 1.7 km from the beach.
Nearby
Near Redbarn Beach
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Redbarn Beach. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Redbarn Beach
- Public toilets Public toilets 161 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✗ No parking listed nearby |
| Nearest supermarket | 3.7 km from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 1.7 km from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 51.9243°N, 7.8734°W |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Ireland |
Frequently Asked Questions
Redbarn Beach FAQ
Is Redbarn Beach suitable for children?
Redbarn Beach is Blue Flag certified in Ireland, which requires meeting strict standards for water quality, safety, and facilities. Families should check current facility status with the local beach operator before visiting.
Is Redbarn Beach free to access?
Access to Redbarn Beach is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in The Municipal District of East Cork, Ireland, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Redbarn Beach?
The best time to visit Redbarn Beach 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 13.3°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Redbarn Beach?
Redbarn Beach 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 Redbarn Beach?
Redbarn Beach is located in The Municipal District of East Cork, Ireland. It is approximately 48.87 km from County Cork. The nearest airport is Cork Airport (ORK) (ORK), 43.4 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Redbarn Beach?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps toilets near Redbarn Beach, including 161 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Ireland, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
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 Redbarn Beach
- 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.