West Cork Links

West Cork is considered by all visitors to be among the most beautiful parts of Ireland.  The West is very accessible from Cobh via an excellent road network or by the short cross river car ferry which brings the driver into the West of the County in the course of a 5 minute boat journey. All of these sites can be visited as part of an ongoing journey through Ireland or as part of a day trip returning to Cobh in the evening.

Kinsale.   Visitors are captivated by the town's setting, its long waterfront, narrow streets and slate-clad houses. The bulk of Compass Hill rises sharply over the town, overlooking a natural harbour of great beauty where the Bandon river turns south to the sea.

Clonakilty. Clonakilty is a former winner of the Tidy towns competition and the Entente Florale.  A model village in the old railway station relates the story of train travel in West Cork.

Baltimore. Situated eight miles down the Ilen river from Skibbereen, Baltimore has a permanent population of just over two hundred, although it grows every summer with visitors who cannot help but return and who are now very much a part of local life.  Baltimore offers an opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of life for a day.

Sherkin Island and Cape Clear.

The Mizzen Head Centre. Mizen Head in the extreme West Cork, is popularly known as the next parish to New York! Mizen Head Signal Station is open to the public for the first time since it was completed in 1910. The Mizen Vision Visitor Centre in the Keeper's House and the Engine Room, the famous Suspension Bridge, the 99 Steps and the views up the South and West Coasts combined with the exhilaration and excitement of the wild Atlantic waves and ancient tortured rocks guarantee a unique and authentic experience.

Bantry.  Bantry House and GArdens are worth a visit as is the museum relating the history of the Spanish Armada

Glengariff and Garnish Island.  A boat trip to view the gardens of Garnish must not be missed