Garretstown

Garretstown is a left-and-right beach break consisting of two sandy coves separated by low rock reefs, located between rocky outcrops near the Old Head of Kinsale. The sandy bottom is studded with exposed rock slabs that define different sections. Southwest swell produces the most consistent conditions, though south to southeast swells also work well. Offshore winds from the north or northeast clean up the face, but the prevailing southwest wind often makes conditions choppy. The break works best on a rising tide through mid-tide stages, with low tide less favorable. Waves are typically 4 to 12 feet, nearly always bigger on the western beach due to the bay's exposure. This is reliable, approachable terrain for newer surfers, though the lineup tends to be quiet and reserved.

Garretstown Surf School has operated from the beach since 2004, making it a long-standing local hub for instruction. Beyond that, specific competitions or notable sessions at Garretstown are not well-documented; the spot is part of Ireland's broader surfing scene, which hosted its first national championships in 1967 but has not produced widely publicized events tied to this particular break.

Access is straightforward from parking areas above the beach near Ballinspittle. The primary hazard is a deep blowhole in the cliffs flanking the northern end of the beach—a natural sinkhole roughly 50 feet deep with connections to sea caves below, which has resulted in fatal accidents. Beyond that, exposed rocks, the surrounding rocky reefs, groynes, and sheer cliffs require respect. No lifeguard presence during off-season months.