June 2011

Two more for the price of one. Claycastle and Front Strand are two beaches that run into each other and, indeed, are part of a long, five kilometre beach which stretches from Youghal town to Redbarn and beyond.

Like Redbarn these are open beaches with lots of room for walking and playing. However, they are sheltered in Youghal Bay and when we were there the water was calm and good for swimming. Do keep an eye on the tides as you face a bit of a wade in at low tide.

If you plan to stay for a while, bring your wind break as there isn’t much shelter on a windy day.

Both are Blue Flag beaches 2011 and both have lifeguards in the summer. There is good car parking , picnic tables and toilets at Claycastle, which also has ramp access to the beach. At Front Strand there is good car parking as well, with ramp access at the very far end. Otherwise there are steps where you will be able to manage a buggy.

At Front Strand do take notice of the warning sign about the ‘groynes’ (timber posts embedded in the sand) which are hidden at high tide.

Directions:

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Front Strand is just outside Youghal on the R634 . Claycastle is a further kilometre or so on this road and the car park is signposted.

Ordnance Survey Map No: 81