Access restricted to iconic Cork beach during peak summer season

Floating pontoon used to access Barleycove beach in West Cork has been closed following damage from a tidal surge in May

The bridge that links the beach with the public car park across the channel that feeds Lissagriffin Lake was partly overturned during the freak tidal surge while members of the public were walking across it and has been closed ever since. Picture: Dan Linehan

Access to one of the country’s most scenic beaches will be restricted in the peak summer season following severe damage caused to a floating pontoon in May.

The beach at Barleycove on West Cork’s Mizen Peninsula is often ranked among Ireland’s most scenic, but following a tidal surge on May 17, the floating pontoon used to access the beach has been closed to the public.