Sandycove
Not monitored
This spot isn't an officially designated bathing water, so it has no annual classification and no pollution-alert monitoring. Past sample results are shown below, but none is recent. Assess conditions yourself before entering.
Checked against the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland) · data last changed 13 days ago.
Sea conditions
Water temperature
14.6°C
Chilly — most swimmers want a wetsuit
Wave height
1.3 m
Significant wave height offshore; inshore conditions vary.
Tide
Going out
- Low water around UTC
- High water around UTC
Modelled values, not measurements — coastal water often differs from the open-sea model, and tide times are approximate to within about half an hour. Use official tide tables for anything that depends on precise timing.
About this spot
"Sandycove, 5km from Kinsale town centre is one of the towns most beloved coastal gems, drawing stand‑up paddleboarders, kayakers, and sea swimmers to its beautifully sheltered bay. The calm waters, protected by the nearby island, create ideal conditions for relaxed paddling and leisurely swims when tides and weather allow.As the tide recedes, the beach transforms—revealing a charming mix of sandy stretches and rocky outcrops dotted with rock pools, perfect for curious explorers of all ages.Framed by rolling green hills, Sandycoves unspoiled character offers a peaceful natural escape. Sandycove is ideally located close to several popular Kinsale highlights:Charles Fort- One of Ireland’s finest star-shaped forts, offering stunning harbour views and a fascinating look into the area’s military history.James Fort- A beautiful historic fortification opposite Charles Fort, perfect for a scenic walk with panoramic views of Kinsale Harbour."
This spot’s record
Sandycove is in Cork, about 17 km from Bandon. Across the 5 most recent samples published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland), E. coli counts ranged from 10 to 110 per 100 ml. The highest was taken on 17 August 2026. A classification is calculated from percentiles across four seasons, so no single reading decides how this water is rated.
Recent sample results
The last 5 bacterial samples published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland), most recent on the right. Counts are per 100 ml of water.
Dashed line: 500 E. coli per 100 ml, the Bathing Water Directive guide value for coastal / transitional waters.
| Date | E. coli | Enterococci | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Sept | 10 | 8 | Excellent |
| 17 Aug | 110 | 12 | Excellent |
| 20 Jul | 31 | 17 | Excellent |
| 22 Jun | 10 | 6 | Excellent |
| 25 May | 10 | 1 | Excellent |
A bathing water's official classification is calculated from percentiles across four bathing seasons, not from any single sample — so one high reading doesn't mean a spot is unsafe, and one low reading doesn't mean it's clean today.
Facilities & access
- Lifeguard
- No
- Parking
- Yes
- Toilets
- No
- Accessible entry
- No
- Dogs
- Yes
- Public transport
- No
Official water quality
This spot has no official annual classification.
Common questions
- Can you swim at Sandycove right now?
- Sandycove is currently marked "Not monitored". This spot isn't an officially designated bathing water, so it has no annual classification and no pollution-alert monitoring. Past sample results are shown below, but none is recent. Assess conditions yourself before entering. This reflects the latest data published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland). Conditions change quickly — always assess the water yourself before entering.
- Is there a lifeguard at Sandycove?
- No lifeguard cover is listed for Sandycove. Never swim alone at an unguarded spot.
- What facilities are there at Sandycove?
- Sandycove has parking. Facility information is published by the Environmental Protection Agency (Ireland).
This spot is also in
Get told when this changes
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Nearby swimming spots
See all swimming spots near Bandon — about 17 km away.