There are certain places in Ireland that you visit, whether it be on your own or in the company of family or friends, that have the knack of etching themselves onto your mind.
Time will elapse, but the memory latches on, almost as if it has somehow managed to burrow itself into a little hole in your mind.
West Cork has had a permanent home in my mind for 3 long, happy years. I spent 4 days there one balmy June and I’ve thought and talked about it ever since.
In the guide below, you’ll find a clatter of reasons that’ll hopefully convince you to take a spin to West Cork over the summer months, when things get back to normal.
1. There’s an endless amount of things to see and do, regardless of the weather
West Cork boasts an ample number of activities that’ll keep even the trickiest to amuse member of your party occupied.
2. You can kick-start your day with a coffee in the sun in one of West Cork’s many gorgeous little towns (if the weather’s fine…)
3. Before hopping on a ferry to Cape Clear (you’ll get a look at Fastnet Rock on the journey over and back)
Find out more about Fastnet Lighthouse.
4. If it’s lashing down, you can take a spin up to Brow Head. Places don’t get much wilder than this!
5. Then tip onto Mizen when it starts to dry out a bit
6. Round-off a day of exploring in style by climbing aboard a kayak and gazing at stars on Lough Hyne
7. Or keep your feet firmly on dry land as you eat and drink your way around Clonakilty
8. You can work off a big aul feed on one of West Cork’s many scenic walks and hikes
9. From short rambles up places like Knockomagh Hill
10. To lengthier walks along the magnificent Beara Way
11. West Cork’s also home to some of the best beaches in the country
From Barely Cove Beach near Brow Head to Inchydoney Beach (pictured below), there’s an endless number of sandy shores to stroll along.
12. And there’s plenty of hotels and pubs where you can nurse a drink and admire some scenery in style
13. For those that fancy staying in the car, you’re in luck, as scenic drives and West Cork go hand in hand
14. Scenic drives… and bendy beautiful roads
15. Fancy doing something really unique? Then take a spin in Ireland’s only cable car
16. And then spend some time exploring Dursey Island
17. Fond of a festival?
From food and music to literature and more, West Cork plays host to an abundance of festivals throughout the year.
18. How about a very unique experience?
Take a spin out to the often-missed Bull Island (more info on the island and how to get there here!)
19. Or hit the water and head off in search of whales and dolphins
Planning a trip to West Cork?
Here’s a handy guide to the best things to do in West Cork that you can steal.
Have you visited the area before? Let me know what you’d recommend doing in the comments below!
Mixed head, Ballydehob, skull, crosshaven, heir island, sherkin island, Bantry, clonakilty, rosscarbery
You could stay somewhere in Ballydehob, like this: https://abnb.me/2h4dxiNicX