Two beaches in Youghal, east Cork, are now included amongst the five beaches across the county following the expansion of Cork County Council’s beach wheelchair programme.
Three new locations have been added for 2026, with the service – run in partnership with Cork Sports Partnership – now available at five beaches across the county, providing greater access for people of all abilities to enjoy Cork’s beaches and outdoor spaces.
The beach wheelchairs are specially designed with large, low-pressure wheels and a supportive seat, with the all-terrain chairs enabling users to move safely across sand and access the shoreline with ease. As a result, people with mobility difficulties can experience the beach environment with family and friends and engage more freely in activities by the sea.
The beach wheelchairs are now available at both Redbarn Beach and Claycastle Beach in Youghal, in addition to The Warren, Rosscarbery; Garrylucas Beach, Ballinspittle and Garryvoe Beach.
BEACH ROLLATORS
In addition to beach wheelchairs, the programme also includes the introduction of beach rollators at selected locations. The rollators can also be easily converted into a seat, allowing individuals to rest comfortably and take in their surroundings while enjoying the coastline. Beach rollators will be available at Claycastle Beach in Youghal and Garryvoe Beach, further enhancing accessibility at these popular coastal destinations.
The beach wheelchair programme has been supported through funding provided under the Outdoor Swimming Infrastructure Fund and the Dormant Accounts Fund as part of the Sports Inclusion Disability Capital Programme. This investment has enabled Cork County Council and Cork Sports Partnership to expand the availability of accessible beach equipment and support more people with disabilities and mobility challenges to enjoy local beaches.
Delivered in partnership with local community organisations, the initiative reflects a shared commitment to creating more inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities, reduced mobility, older adults, and those recovering from injury to participate in outdoor recreation and enjoy the physical and mental well-being benefits of being active outdoors.
PRACTICAL INITIATIVE
“At Cork Sports Partnership, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to be active and enjoy the benefits of recreation regardless of age, ability or mobility,” Maurice O’Sullivan, Strategic Operations Manager speaking on behalf of Cork Sports Partnership, said.
“These beach wheelchairs will open up new opportunities for participation, exploration and enjoyment for many individuals who may previously have found beach access challenging or impossible. We are delighted to collaborate with Cork County Council and our local community partners in delivering practical initiatives that make a real difference in people’s lives.”
The beach wheelchair programme forms part of ongoing efforts by Cork County Council and Cork Sports Partnership to improve accessibility and support greater participation in recreation, sport and physical activity across Cork County.
Information on beach wheelchair locations, service providers, booking procedures and availability can be found on the Cork Sports Partnership website www.corksports.ie
