Ireland offers a lot for a fulfilling trip away but the best of the best is in West Cork.
Have you ever considered a vacation to the emerald gem of Europe? Ireland offers a lot for a fulfilling trip away but the best of the best is in West Cork. What is there to enjoy about West Cork? We break it down here.
The views
West Cork’s coastline is dotted with beautiful bays that range in size as well as inlets, islands and peninsulas. The remote and windswept landscape has a serene, peaceful atmosphere. The coastal views are spectacular, especially along the cliff tops and overlooks. The beautiful, rugged West Cork coast and its bays and harbours are an iconic and picturesque sight for visitors to explore. If you’re looking for things to do for families in West Cork, you can expect activities like boating and hiking etc, but also a visit to the Model Railway Village and the Donkey Sanctuary are well worth the time.
The towns
Beyond the beautiful natural architecture of West Cork, there are lots of picturesque towns dotting the coast that make for a great stay. For example, Skibbereen is a bustling heritage town and centre of culture and arts in the region. It houses great cafes, pubs, galleries, and B&Bs. Nearby is the town of Baltimore, but do not confuse our Baltimore with the Maryland city. This is a charming coastal village that’s known for its amazing seafood. The area makes for a great spot for sailing, fishing, and whale watching in Carbery’s Hundred Isles.
And for a giggle every time you explain where you’re going, visit Ballydehob. It’s an artsy village known for its alternative vibe. Its streets are filled with rainbow houses and a landmark that is a 12-arch viaduct greeting visitors from the east. Enjoy galleries, summer festivals like the Ballydehob Traditional Music Festival and regular farmers’ markets.
The restaurants
Irish food is not to be competed with, and along the West Cork coastline, you have a lot of seafood options to explore. Visit Blairscove House in Durrus for creative modern Irish cuisine in a rustic cottage setting. The seafood comes straight from Dunmanus Bay for you to enjoy in cod fillet with chorizo crumb, for example. For something more casual, you can visit the Fishy Fishy Café in Kinsale, which is a buzzing cafe famous for its excellent fish and chips, but it also does great seafood chowders, prawns, and oysters. And if you’re looking for good pizza, try the Heron’s Cove in Goleen. This quirky café is found right on the waterfront with views over Goleen Harbour but is known for its pizza, chowder and crab salad.
The mythology
The mythology of Ireland informs the music, the art, the literature, and the everyday conversations of locals. The joy of Ireland is that myths are baked into just about every aspect of your trip there.
For instance, Fastnet Rock is an iconic islet said to be home to an ancient Celtic goddess named Nerissa. She would lure sailors and ships to crash on the dangerous rocks. Lough Hyne is a salt-water lake that is said to be hiding a magical harp under its waves. It was hidden after an epic battle between ancient clans. And then there is the Allihies Mine Village which is an abandoned copper mine said to be inhabited by knockers, mischievous mining spirits of Celtic lore.
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