Claycastle is Youghal's main beach, a broad sweep of sand stretching south from the town along the edge of Youghal Bay. It holds a Blue Flag award and is one of the better beaches on the south Cork coast — wide enough that it rarely feels crowded, with clean water and enough space to set up well away from other visitors.
The beach connects to the longer Redbarn strand to the south, so you can walk several kilometres of sand in one go. There are toilets and parking at the main access point. The water is cold by Mediterranean standards but refreshing on a warm Irish day. Families come here in summer for swimming, and the flat sand is good for children.