Things to do in Ballycotton:
1. Ballycotton Cliff Walk
The Cliff Walk is from Ballycotton village to Ballyandreen beach along a cliff track where you are flanked by meadows on one side and the ocean on the other. It starts at the end of Ballycotton village (at the y in the road take the right up the hill, the left takes you to the pier). The walk extends over 5 miles on a foot worn track along the cliff face with stunning views and passes Ballytrasna beach. There are many stiles to cross on the route (so not suitable for bikes or buggies).
2. Ballycotton Island Lighthouse Tours
Experience the fresh Ballycotton sea air, be mesmerised by the natural beauty and stunning views that Ballycotton has to offer. Ballycotton Island Lighthouse Tours is a truly magical memory-making excursion. Travel in an open topped boat, hike to the Ballycotton lighthouse summit & explore the lighthouse.
Website: Ballycotton Island Lighthouse Tours
3. Beaches
Ballycotton is surrounded by wonderful beaches. In the village there is a small beach called the Conger by Ballycotton Pier. For the more adventurous swimmers you can swim from “The men’s bathing area” which is accessed by steps down to a rocky platform on your left going towards the Cliff Walk. In the middle of the village there is a slip way know locally as “The Cow” and here you will find a rocky beach which is great for rock pools. The Ballycotton Bay area has one long sandy beach that stretches for miles from Silverstrand near Ballycotton to Ballycrenane near Knockadoon Head.
4. Deep Sea Angling
For an amazing Deep Sea Angling experience come to Ballycotton! The Ballycotton harbour is non-tidal and boats can go to sea at any time. Favourite angling-marks can be reached within 20-40 minutes. From Ballycotton Pier you can charter a boat and trips can be tailored to suit the needs of passengers. Colm Sliney skippers the Sarah Marie and Peter Manning skippers the Cliona.
Websites:
Ballycotton Angling Centre – Peter Manning
5. Sailing
Ballycotton has a number of moorings or anchoring outside the harbour. This is the best option for visiting boats as the harbour is very busy with fishing boats. Ballycotton Bay provides excellent holding in a good anchorage in all westerly conditions. Access is straightforward as there are no off-lying dangers for an eastern approach.
Some pictures from our trip:
