Ballydonegan Beach: A Coastal Gem Shaped by Copper Mining History
Discover Ballydonegan Beach: where mining history meets coastal beauty on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way in County Cork.
Ballydonegan Beach, near Allihies on the Beara Peninsula, is a unique coastal haven with a fascinating history. Its distinctive white sands are composed of crushed quartz, a byproduct of the area's former copper mines, offering a beautiful and unusual beach experience along the Wild Atlantic Way.
A brief summary to Ballydonegan Beach Allihies
- Allihies, Allihies, Co. Cork, IE
- Visit website
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
- Check the tides before swimming, as the beach is best enjoyed during low tide.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy on the sandy shores, as there are limited facilities nearby.
- Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly in this coastal region.
- Explore the nearby hiking trails for breathtaking coastal views.
Getting There
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Car
From Castletownbere, head west on the R572 towards Allihies. Continue for approximately 12 km until you reach Allihies village. Follow signs for Ballydonegan Beach, located about 2 km south of the village. Ample parking is available near the beach. Be mindful that flocks of cows or sheep can block the road.
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Public Transport
From Castletownbere, take the local bus to Allihies. Bus Éireann operates routes in the area, but schedules may vary. From Allihies, Ballydonegan Beach is approximately a 25-minute walk (2 km). Alternatively, arrange a local taxi for a short ride. Bus fare from Cork to Castletownbere is between €12-€19. A taxi from Dursey Cable Car to Allihies is estimated to cost €21-€25.
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Walking
From Allihies village, follow the road or path leading south towards the beach. The walk is approximately 2 km and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Follow the purple arrows along the coastline.
Discover more about Ballydonegan Beach Allihies
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Loughane More Ring Fort
4.8 km
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Kilcatherine Church
11.1 km
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Bere Island
13.2 km
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The Beara Gallery
19.9 km
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Healy Pass Scenic Viewpoint
23.2 km
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Skelligs Monks Trail guided walk
25.7 km
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Mizen Peak
25.8 km
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Mizen Head Lighthouse
26.1 km
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Mizen Head Signal Station
26.1 km
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Mizen Head Bridge(Droichead Cheann Mizen)
26.2 km
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Mizen Head Viewpoint
26.4 km
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Mizen Head Visitor Centre
26.4 km
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Barley Cove Beach
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Tobar Fionáin (Holy Well)
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Altar Wedge Tomb
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Unmissable attractions to see
Allihies Copper Mine Museum
1.2 km
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Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Dooneen Scenic viewpoint
1.8 km
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Trá an Phéarla (Trawnfearla) cove
2.4 km
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The Old Forge
2.4 km
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Garnish Pier
5.4 km
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Dursey Boat Trips
5.5 km
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Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point @Gour
5.5 km
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Garinish Bay
5.6 km
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Pearse Lyne
6.5 km
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Puxley Castle(Caisleán Puxley)
8.8 km
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Derreenataggart Stone Circle
9.2 km
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Picnic Bench
9.3 km
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Ardnakinna Lighthouse(Teach Solais Ardnakinna)
9.8 km
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Sarah Walker Gallery
10.3 km
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MacCarthy's Bar
10.4 km
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Essential places to dine
Murphy's Mobile Catering
7.1 km
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Breen's Lobster Bar
10.4 km
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Lynch's on the Pier
10.4 km
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The Crêpeman Crêperie
10.4 km
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Murphy's Restaurant
10.6 km
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Murphys Restaurant & B&B
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The Lookout
11.0 km
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Millbrook Bar
11.0 km
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O'Carroll's Cove Restaurant & Bar
14.3 km
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Berehaven Restaurant & Bar
15.8 km
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The Village inn
15.9 km
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Scarriff Inn
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Skelligs Picnic Boxes
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The Lobster Bar & Restaurant
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Josie's Lakeview House
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Milleens Cheese Ltd.
8.6 km
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THE PINK UMBRELLA
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Wiseman's Bedding & Furniture
10.2 km
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Spar
10.4 km
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Indigo Boutique
10.4 km
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Tinas Boutique
10.5 km
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Margarets Classic Charm
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Daybreak Convenience Store
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Ocean Bloom - Organic Seaweed Skincare
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Marianne Klopp
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An Tigin
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Wild Atlantic Way Antiques
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Adrigole Arts
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Ring of Kerry Gifts
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Hickey´s Music Sneem
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O'Neill's Bar & Restaurant
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The Urhan Inn Pub
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O'Shea's Bar
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Causkeys Bar
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Twomey's Ivy Bar
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Skippers Bar
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O'Sheas Tavern Limited
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O'Donoghue's Bar
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O'Sullivan's Bar
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Blind Piper
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Ardgroom Village
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Dessie's Bar
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Murphy Pub Bar
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