12 things to do in West Cork

From buzzing streets and festivals to beautiful bays and landscapes, there are so many places to visit in West Cork that are brimming with culture, old and new.

These 12 local favourites are worth putting on your list.

1 Mizen Head and Fastnet LighthouseIt’s amazing how many people recognise the names Fastnet and Mizen Head from the weather and shipping forecasts but have never actually been there. Fastnet Lighthouse has stood firm against the elements since the 19th century on Ireland’s most south-westerly point, making it one of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

Visit the Keeper’s House and follow the 99 steps over the iconic arched bridge to the Mizen Signal Station and watch out for basking sharks and humpback whales along the way.

Fastnet Lighthouse at Mizen Head in County Cork — Admire the isolated Fastnet Lighthouse.

2 Inchydoney BeachIf you ask anyone in West Cork, they’ll probably tell you that Inchydoney Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. Depending on when you go, you could be the only person walking its immaculate white sands just a few miles from Clonakilty.

Chill out on the stretch of white sand or opt for a bit of adventure and book in for a surfing lesson with the Inchydoney Surf School.

A surfer on Inchydoney Beach in West Cork — Soak up the views at Inchydoney Beach.

3ClonakiltyAlongside the colourful shop fronts and beautiful beaches that are synonymous with the area, Clonakilty is also known for its many nods to Irish history, including the Michael Collins Centre in Castleview and the Béal na Bláth memorial.

If you start to get hungry, head over to the Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre to learn all about the iconically delicious black pudding. No visit is complete without taste testing some of the Clonakilty goods in the on-site café.

Exterior of the Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre in Clonakilty, County Cork — Discover the history of Clonakilty black pudding.

Cap off your Clonakilty experience with a night of toe-tapping tunes at De Barra’s Folk Club, known in West Cork and beyond as one of the finest music houses in Ireland, where you can catch live performances nightly.

4Garnish (Garinish) IslandWitness the Gulf Stream working its magic on Garnish (Garinish) Island in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay. The island is an oasis of sub-tropical blooms and oriental plant life displayed in the world-famous Illnacullin gardens. Take the trip out on a small ferry or waterbus and watch for the colony of friendly seals along the way for an amazing family day out in West Cork.

5Kinsale Harbour CruiseGet a different view of the natural harbour of Kinsale on a Kinsale Harbour Cruise. Enjoy great views of Charles Fort and the Old Head of Kinsale, a headland that juts some 3km out to sea.

Pay a visit to Charles Fort, one of the largest military forts in the country. Wind your way there along the coastal Scilly Walk, which only takes 30 minutes from Kinsale to Summercove.

Boats in the water in front of houses in Kinsale Harbour in West Cork — Check out colourful Kinsale Harbour.

6BantryCheck out how the other half lived in the 17th century ancestral mansion of Bantry House and Garden, once home to the second Earl of Bantry, Richard White. Today, the impressive estate is still under the ownership and management of the Earl’s descendants, regularly showcasing its selection of art and treasures from around the world to daily visitors. Take in views of beautiful Bantry Bay from the upstairs windows or stroll through the impressive gardens with seven leafy Italian-style terraces.

A couple walking through the gardens at Bantry House in West Cork — Be at one with nature at Bantry House and Gardens.

Explore the coastline of the bay with the help of Bantry Bay Boat Hire. Hop on one of their guided boat tours and enjoy an afternoon of birdwatching, or go at your own pace and opt for a spot of kayaking across the calm blue waters.

Before you go, take a trip to nearby Whiddy Island. Head to Bantry Pier and take the 10-15 minute long Whiddy Island Ferry to experience the unique ecosystem that hosts a bounty of flourishing flora that you simply won’t find on the mainland.

7Beara PeninsulaThe Beara Peninsula is one of the most remote parts of West Cork. Follow this weather-beaten stretch of land and take in scenic towns and villages like Glengarriff, Adrigole, Castletownbere and Allihies. Relax in traditional West Cork pubs while drinking in the Atlantic views, mountain vistas and endless photographic pitstops.

Aerial view of Beara Peninsula in West Cork — Switch off from reality at the Beara Peninsula.

8Dursey IslandAt the very tip of the Beara Peninsula you can tick one more experience off your travel bucket list. Pack into Ireland’s only cable car, for a short trip across the sea to Dursey Island and watch out for whales and dolphins in the sea below.

Bring a picnic and explore the small villages of Dursey on one of the best walks in West Cork, with not a pub or shop in sight.

A cable-car travelling from mainland West Cork to Dursey Island — Take to the sky at Dursey Island.

9Lough HyneJust between Skibbereen and Baltimore you’ll find Lough Hyne, Ireland’s first designated Marine Nature Reserve. Go for a soothing swim in this warm seawater and marvel at the 70-plus species of fish as you go.

To fully appreciate the beauty of Lough Hyne, pack your hiking boots and start your ascent of Mount Knockoumah. Home to some of the last remaining ancient Hibernian forest, you’ll be surrounded by natural wonders before you inevitably reach the summit. Bring your camera to capture the unforgettable scenery of Lough Hyne and the wider Atlantic Ocean.

If you’re still on the hunt for more Lough Hyne factoids, pay a visit to the Skibbereen Heritage Centre to learn more about its unique story.

A boat cruising in Lough Hyne in County Cork — Explore wonderful Lough Hyne.

10Ringfinnen Garden of RemembranceFind a moment for reflection and stop by the Ringfinnen Garden of Remembrance in Kinsale. Paying homage to the 343 firefighters who valiantly lost their lives during the tragedy of 9/11, the garden is set in a peaceful spot filled with growing trees, each one symbolising a life that was lost.

The Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance in Kinsale, County Cork. — Pay tribute at the Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance.

11Night kayakingThere’s something to be said about being on the water at night – especially when the sun sets, and the dark skies give way to a panoply of stars. Try it for yourself as you set out in a double kayak from dusk to dark for an unforgettable experience with Atlantic Sea Kayaking. The trip sets out from Lough Hyne or from Reen Pier near Union Hall.

Lough Hyne

COASTAL ESCAPES

Lough Hyne

Skibbereen, Co. Cork

12Cork’s food and drink sceneNo visit to West Cork is complete without throwing yourself into its thriving culinary culture. For a Michelin-star restaurant that’s worth the hype, check out Restaurant Chestnut, an intimate spot in the heart of Ballydehob. Set in a former pub, see how award-winning Irish chef Rob Krawczyk has tranformed the space into a hub of culinary creativity. Try his nature-inspired menu filled with delicious seasonal ingredients – your palate will surely thank you.

A dish of food from Restaurant Chestnut in Ballydehob in West Cork — Taste the freshness at Restaurant Chestnut.

Browse the eclectic mix of local produce on offer at the Skibbereen Farmers Market. Kicking off at 9:30 am on Saturday mornings, start your weekend right by sampling the range of breads, cakes, organic meats and cheeses from some of the town’s most dedicated merchants.

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