Dangerous rips reported at the busy beach
13:26, 12 Jul 2026Updated 14:40, 12 Jul 2026
Fountainstown Beach(Image: Fountainstown Beach)
Lifeguards have issued a red flag warning at one of the most popular beaches in Cork, and swimmers have been warned to keep out of the water.
Due to “very strong rips” the red flags have gone up at Fountainstown. The beachguards are encouraging anyone seeking a swim to “choose another” of the lifeguarded beaches around the Cork coast.
In an urgent message for swimmers, the Cork Co Council Beachguards said: “Fountainstown beach has changed to red flag due to very strong rips. No swimming. Please choose another lifeguarded beach.”
UPDATE: Shortly after 2 pm, the beach flags were changed back to red over yellow. Swim between the flags.
In their update this morning, the Beachguards official beach report included areas with red over yellow flags with ‘flat calm conditions,’ including Garrettstown, The Warren and Tragumna.
While the Cork Harbour beach at Fountainstown is one of the most popular swimming spots in Cork, thanks to being a half-hour drive from the city and on a bus route, people are being warned to choose another option if they want to get in the water. It’s also worth noting that the nearby Myrtleville beach is NOT lifeguarded.
Strong, choppy waves and rips can be dangerous, particularly for inexperienced swimmers, and can drag people out into the current within seconds.
Beach lifeguard services across the county start at 10.30 am and finish at 7 pm this evening. During the daytime, there are beachguards on duty at Front Strand, Claycastle and Redbarn in Youghal, Garryvoe, Fountainstown, Inchydoney, Owenahincha, The Warren, Garrylucas, Garretstown, Tragumna and Barleycove.
With the hot spell, there are very high visitor numbers to beaches across Cork, and motorists are being warned to park sensibly – not on roads, footpaths, grass verges, or any location that could obstruct access for emergency services.
The Beachguards at The Warren have reported that the car parks are totally full as of 1.30 pm, and anyone hoping to get down there is advised to plan ahead.