SurfCheck/ Ireland/ Cork/ Garrettstown

Garrettstown Surf Report

County Cork · Beginner-friendly beach break
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Tide · Ringaskiddy
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Garrettstown — surf & tide guide

Garrettstown is a beach in Cork, Ireland. It works best on a SSE–SW swell with NNW–NE winds blowing offshore. The beach faces SSW. Ideal size is 0.6–2.5 m at 8–14 s.

Break type
beach
Faces
SSW (195°)
Best swell
SSE–SW · 0.6–2.5 m · 8–14 s
Best wind
NNW–NE (offshore)
Best tide
best around mid tide
Tidal range
moderate (~3.8 m)
Coordinates
51.6370, -8.5340
Region
Cork, Ireland

Garrettstown has semidiurnal (two highs a day) tides with an approximate moderate range of 3.8 m. Works most tides. More Cork spots →

About Garrettstown

Garrettstown is a south-facing beach near Kinsale in west Cork - one of the most popular and accessible surf spots on the south coast. It actually comprises two beaches separated by a rocky headland: Big Garrettstown and Small Garrettstown. The Big beach is usually the main draw.

Like other south-coast spots, Garrettstown catches S to SW swells and works on N offshore winds. Mid tide is the sweet spot. There's a surf school on the beach in season and parking is generous - it's a popular summer destination, expect company on a sunny weekend.

Type
Beach break · two beaches split by headland
Best swell
S–SW (170–230°), 0.6–2.5m
Best wind
N (offshore), 335–55°
Best tide
Mid is best
Best period
8–14s
Skill level
Beginner to intermediate
Best season
Autumn / winter S storms
Parking
Beach car park (paid in summer)

Hazards & Notes

  • Rocks at the headland between the two beaches
  • Busy with bathers and surf schools in summer
  • Rip current can develop at the south end on bigger swells
  • Cold water outside high summer

14-Day Forecast

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Other Cork Spots

All conditions and 14-day forecast for every Cork break: view the full Cork page →