Edel’s guidebook for your visit to Skibbereen and West Cork
Sightseeing
Must see places when you visit Skibbereen
Salt water lake, beautiful for swimming and walking around. Stunning wild life seals are regular visitors. Beautiful energetic hill walk to the top on Lough Hyne
Ireland's first Marine Nature Reserve and unique sea-water lake, Lough Hyne is one of the most beautiful spots in West Cork and offers diving and water sports opportunities. Just 1km long and 3/4km wide, this marine lake is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via Barloge Creek, by a narrow tidal channel, known as the Rapids.
A climb up Mount Knockoumah rewards with stunning views down into Lough Hyne and out to the Atlantic Ocean. The Lough Hyne Visitor Centre is situated at the Skibbereen Heritage Centre, in the town close by.
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Lough Hyne
Salt water lake, beautiful for swimming and walking around. Stunning wild life seals are regular visitors. Beautiful energetic hill walk to the top on Lough Hyne
Ireland's first Marine Nature Reserve and unique sea-water lake, Lough Hyne is one of the most beautiful spots in West Cork and offers diving and water sports opportunities. Just 1km long and 3/4km wide, this marine lake is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via Barloge Creek, by a narrow tidal channel, known as the Rapids.
A climb up Mount Knockoumah rewards with stunning views down into Lough Hyne and out to the Atlantic Ocean. The Lough Hyne Visitor Centre is situated at the Skibbereen Heritage Centre, in the town close by.
Tragumna Beach is a small scenic sandy Blue Flag beach with lifeguards located in a rural area 6km from Skibbereen.
The tiny village of Tragumna is found along the County Cork coastline. The small, attractive beach here is mainly sandy, flanked by rocks and cliffs which offer some shelter from the prevailing winds . A small island can be seen about 100 metres from the shoreline.
Tragumna beach has been awarded Blue Flag status and is popular with families who come here to play in the sand and paddle in the waters during the summer months.
There is marshland and a small lake behind the beach which are popular with birdwatchers.
A pub is just a few minutes away and there are more extensive facilities to be found in Skibbereen.
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Tragumna
Tragumna Beach is a small scenic sandy Blue Flag beach with lifeguards located in a rural area 6km from Skibbereen.
The tiny village of Tragumna is found along the County Cork coastline. The small, attractive beach here is mainly sandy, flanked by rocks and cliffs which offer some shelter from the prevailing winds . A small island can be seen about 100 metres from the shoreline.
Tragumna beach has been awarded Blue Flag status and is popular with families who come here to play in the sand and paddle in the waters during the summer months.
There is marshland and a small lake behind the beach which are popular with birdwatchers.
A pub is just a few minutes away and there are more extensive facilities to be found in Skibbereen.
A boat trip from Baltimore, a Gaeltacht, beautiful walk and scenery everywhere. It gives an insight into island living.
Sherkin Island, the ancestral home of the O’Driscoll clan, is the most accessible island in Ireland – only ten minutes by ferry from the small fishing port of Baltimore, Co.Cork. The island boasts a wonderful array of landscapes, Atlantic views from the hilltops, Fuchsia-scented lanes and the finest sandy beaches.
It had a population of 111 people at the time of the 2016 Census, and measures 3 miles (4.8 kilometres) long by 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) wide.
Sherkin Island Ferries - leaving from the small fishing village of Baltimore. The trip from Baltimore to Sherkin Island takes approximately 10 minutes. For further information contact: Sherkinferry@gmail.com or on mobile: 087 2638470
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Sherkin Island
A boat trip from Baltimore, a Gaeltacht, beautiful walk and scenery everywhere. It gives an insight into island living.
Sherkin Island, the ancestral home of the O’Driscoll clan, is the most accessible island in Ireland – only ten minutes by ferry from the small fishing port of Baltimore, Co.Cork. The island boasts a wonderful array of landscapes, Atlantic views from the hilltops, Fuchsia-scented lanes and the finest sandy beaches.
It had a population of 111 people at the time of the 2016 Census, and measures 3 miles (4.8 kilometres) long by 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) wide.
Sherkin Island Ferries - leaving from the small fishing village of Baltimore. The trip from Baltimore to Sherkin Island takes approximately 10 minutes. For further information contact: Sherkinferry@gmail.com or on mobile: 087 2638470
Union Hall is a small fishing village located in County Cork, Ireland, located on the west side of Glandore Harbour. Its nearest neighbour to the west is Castletownshend; to the east, Glandore Village. It is approximately 10 kilometers east of Skibbereen. As of the 2016 census, 270 people were living in Union Hall.
Union Hall, once known as the Garden of Carbery and sits on the Myross peninsula and is one of the few villages in West Cork which has not seen much development and is still very much a local fishing village proud of its heritage and strong community.
The film War of the Buttons was filmed here
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Unionhall
Union Hall is a small fishing village located in County Cork, Ireland, located on the west side of Glandore Harbour. Its nearest neighbour to the west is Castletownshend; to the east, Glandore Village. It is approximately 10 kilometers east of Skibbereen. As of the 2016 census, 270 people were living in Union Hall.
Union Hall, once known as the Garden of Carbery and sits on the Myross peninsula and is one of the few villages in West Cork which has not seen much development and is still very much a local fishing village proud of its heritage and strong community.
The film War of the Buttons was filmed here
Busy colourful town, with great cafes and restaurants. Clonakilty model railway village is a must and includes a trip around the town on a train!!
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Clonakilty
Busy colourful town, with great cafes and restaurants. Clonakilty model railway village is a must and includes a trip around the town on a train!!
Mizen head is located at the extremity of the Mizen Peninsula in West Cork. It is the most south westerly point on the Wild Atlantic way. Check it out on https://mizenhead.ie/ Open 10am to 6pm daily
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Mizen Head
Mizen head is located at the extremity of the Mizen Peninsula in West Cork. It is the most south westerly point on the Wild Atlantic way. Check it out on https://mizenhead.ie/ Open 10am to 6pm daily
To date there are 24 species of whales and dolphins recorded in the Irish waters. The skippers are excellent at finding pods and this is a lovely trip, but wrap up well as it can get chilly!!!
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Whale Watch West Cork
To date there are 24 species of whales and dolphins recorded in the Irish waters. The skippers are excellent at finding pods and this is a lovely trip, but wrap up well as it can get chilly!!!
Cape Clear is Ireland's most Southerly Island. It is 3 miles long and 1 mile wide. There are plenty things to do on Cape Clear from the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse tour to visiting the famous goat farm!
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Cape Clear Island
Cape Clear is Ireland's most Southerly Island. It is 3 miles long and 1 mile wide. There are plenty things to do on Cape Clear from the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse tour to visiting the famous goat farm!
Food scene
Beautiful estate and gardens. Fine dining in an opulent setting.
Liss Ard Estate, a member of Ireland’s prestigious Blue Book, and a AA awarded 5 Star Georgian Country Manor. Escape to 163 acres of pristine nature, with manicured gardens, a 40 acre private lake and James Turrell’s renown Irish Sky Garden.
The property, which consists of two-period houses and sits almost on the edge of the water, acts as a boutique hospitality venue. The 25-bedroom hotel can sleep up to 60 guests across the main house, a lakeside lodge, and four mews houses.
Liss Ard is truly a place to inspire, learn tranquillity, to draw from the past, to fire the imagination and to nourish the senses. The designed pathways leading past numerous ponds, waterfalls and quiet spots, have been likened to the garden of Eden in some publications.
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Liss Ard Estate
Castletownsend RdBeautiful estate and gardens. Fine dining in an opulent setting.
Liss Ard Estate, a member of Ireland’s prestigious Blue Book, and a AA awarded 5 Star Georgian Country Manor. Escape to 163 acres of pristine nature, with manicured gardens, a 40 acre private lake and James Turrell’s renown Irish Sky Garden.
The property, which consists of two-period houses and sits almost on the edge of the water, acts as a boutique hospitality venue. The 25-bedroom hotel can sleep up to 60 guests across the main house, a lakeside lodge, and four mews houses.
Liss Ard is truly a place to inspire, learn tranquillity, to draw from the past, to fire the imagination and to nourish the senses. The designed pathways leading past numerous ponds, waterfalls and quiet spots, have been likened to the garden of Eden in some publications.
The Church Restaurant has been serving locally sourced food since 2003 The Church Restaurant is located in the heart of Skibbereen Town in West Cork. Steeped in history, it was originally a Methodist Church from 1833 to 2003 and still retains the character and charm with lovely stained glass windows and high wooden ceilings.
There is a menu for all times of day online, just Google church restaurant Skibbereen.
It is also offering a takeaway menu.
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Church Restaurant
The Church Restaurant has been serving locally sourced food since 2003 The Church Restaurant is located in the heart of Skibbereen Town in West Cork. Steeped in history, it was originally a Methodist Church from 1833 to 2003 and still retains the character and charm with lovely stained glass windows and high wooden ceilings.
There is a menu for all times of day online, just Google church restaurant Skibbereen.
It is also offering a takeaway menu.
Good food and drink, great service.
Taking full advantage of the peaceful River Ilen views, The West Cork Hotel offers the best of both worlds – tranquillity and location. Situated in the town centre, with all that Skibbereen & the surrounding area has to offer on our doorstep, the West Cork Hotel has great a menu and a full bar.
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The West Cork Hotel
Ilen StreetGood food and drink, great service.
Taking full advantage of the peaceful River Ilen views, The West Cork Hotel offers the best of both worlds – tranquillity and location. Situated in the town centre, with all that Skibbereen & the surrounding area has to offer on our doorstep, the West Cork Hotel has great a menu and a full bar.
Applebettys Cafe
Lovely café with out door seating in the square in Skibbereen.
Apple Betty's is a warm and friendly café, serving homemade fare. Soups, Scones, Quiche, Lasagne, Daily Specials, Paninis, Wraps, Sandwiches, delicious home baked cakes, Java Republic Coffee and Teas! Open 9am – 5pm for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.
Applebettys Cafe
Applebettys Cafe
Lovely café with out door seating in the square in Skibbereen.
Apple Betty's is a warm and friendly café, serving homemade fare. Soups, Scones, Quiche, Lasagne, Daily Specials, Paninis, Wraps, Sandwiches, delicious home baked cakes, Java Republic Coffee and Teas! Open 9am – 5pm for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.
Absolutely mouth watering food and cakes to die for!! Kalbos also have a takeaway next to their Cafe on North Street. The owners also run the cafe in the Uillinn
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Kalbos Cafe
26 North StAbsolutely mouth watering food and cakes to die for!! Kalbos also have a takeaway next to their Cafe on North Street. The owners also run the cafe in the Uillinn
A lovely small romantic restaurant for a evening meal or even lunch!
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An Chistin Beag
46 Bridge StA lovely small romantic restaurant for a evening meal or even lunch!
Neighbourhoods
Places in West Cork you can visit while staying in Skibbereen
A half an hour from Skibbereen, Schull is well worth the visit. An area of outstanding beauty along the Wild Atlantic Way
Schull is located on West Cork 's Atlantic coast. Located on the southwest coast, in West Cork, the village is dominated by Mount Gabriel (407 m). It has a sheltered harbour, used for recreational boating.
The picturesque village of Schull is the principal village of the Mizen Peninsula, Ireland’s southern-most, with its miles of rugged coastline, hidden coves, tiny piers in unlikely places, craggy hills, beaches of sand and stone and everywhere, wild Atlantic views.
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Schull
A half an hour from Skibbereen, Schull is well worth the visit. An area of outstanding beauty along the Wild Atlantic Way
Schull is located on West Cork 's Atlantic coast. Located on the southwest coast, in West Cork, the village is dominated by Mount Gabriel (407 m). It has a sheltered harbour, used for recreational boating.
The picturesque village of Schull is the principal village of the Mizen Peninsula, Ireland’s southern-most, with its miles of rugged coastline, hidden coves, tiny piers in unlikely places, craggy hills, beaches of sand and stone and everywhere, wild Atlantic views.
Baltimore
The historic village of Baltimore and enchanting islands of Cape Clear, Sherkin and Heir lie near the very southern tip of Ireland, where the Wild Atlantic Way meets Carbery's Hundred Isles and the beautiful coast of West Cork. Once the haunt of pirates, today this is a centre for all kinds of waterborne activity.
Baltimore's large natural harbour is formed partly by islands called the Hundred Isles and around the pier charter boats and pleasure craft jostle with fishing vessels and ferries serving the main islands.
The oldest part of the village with its castle and rows of fishermen’s cottages is spread along the eastern shore of the harbour. At its heart is the village ‘Square’ (more a triangle really) around which are clustered bars and restaurants looking west over sea and islands towards the ‘land’s end’ of Ireland, Mizen Head.
The Beacon provides stunning scenery. The Beacon was built to mark the entrance to the Baltimore Harbor. The views are great. The hike to the landmark is no more than a few hundred meters to the beacon from the parking area. However, some of that hike is at a slope of about 45 degrees!!
Baltimore is full of pubs and restaurants. Very popular for sailing, diving and sea trips for dolphin and whale watching
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Baltimore
Baltimore
The historic village of Baltimore and enchanting islands of Cape Clear, Sherkin and Heir lie near the very southern tip of Ireland, where the Wild Atlantic Way meets Carbery's Hundred Isles and the beautiful coast of West Cork. Once the haunt of pirates, today this is a centre for all kinds of waterborne activity.
Baltimore's large natural harbour is formed partly by islands called the Hundred Isles and around the pier charter boats and pleasure craft jostle with fishing vessels and ferries serving the main islands.
The oldest part of the village with its castle and rows of fishermen’s cottages is spread along the eastern shore of the harbour. At its heart is the village ‘Square’ (more a triangle really) around which are clustered bars and restaurants looking west over sea and islands towards the ‘land’s end’ of Ireland, Mizen Head.
The Beacon provides stunning scenery. The Beacon was built to mark the entrance to the Baltimore Harbor. The views are great. The hike to the landmark is no more than a few hundred meters to the beacon from the parking area. However, some of that hike is at a slope of about 45 degrees!!
Baltimore is full of pubs and restaurants. Very popular for sailing, diving and sea trips for dolphin and whale watching
Rosscarbery is a town in County Cork, Ireland. The town is on a shallow estuary, which opens onto Rosscarbery Bay.
It is home to Smugglers Cove adventure sports centre.
Rosscarbery is the perfect location for activities, both land and water based. Fishing & Angling. Rosscarbery offers the ideal base for some of Ireland’s most versatile fishing, with many great shore marks within easy reach.
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Rosscarbery
Rosscarbery is a town in County Cork, Ireland. The town is on a shallow estuary, which opens onto Rosscarbery Bay.
It is home to Smugglers Cove adventure sports centre.
Rosscarbery is the perfect location for activities, both land and water based. Fishing & Angling. Rosscarbery offers the ideal base for some of Ireland’s most versatile fishing, with many great shore marks within easy reach.
City/town information
The name "Skibbereen" (sometimes shortened to "Skibb") means "little boat harbour".
A lovely town, with unique and quirky shops, cafes and restaurants. A farmer's market every Saturday morning, showcasing local produce. A fabulous children's playground and sports centre
Skibbereen… the perfect base to explore West Cork!Skibbereen is the ‘hub’ of West Cork and an ideal base from which to discover the delights that the area has to offer. This bustling market town has so much to offer including; world class food, unique shops, live music and all only 5 kms from the nearest beach.
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Skibbereen
The name "Skibbereen" (sometimes shortened to "Skibb") means "little boat harbour".
A lovely town, with unique and quirky shops, cafes and restaurants. A farmer's market every Saturday morning, showcasing local produce. A fabulous children's playground and sports centre
Skibbereen… the perfect base to explore West Cork!Skibbereen is the ‘hub’ of West Cork and an ideal base from which to discover the delights that the area has to offer. This bustling market town has so much to offer including; world class food, unique shops, live music and all only 5 kms from the nearest beach.
Activities
A outing, for the family. Includes an 18 hole adventure golf course and a maze.
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Smugglers Cove
A outing, for the family. Includes an 18 hole adventure golf course and a maze.
A lovely way to spend a few hours with children and a trip in a small train around Clonakilty!!
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West Cork Model Railway Village
Inchydoney RoadA lovely way to spend a few hours with children and a trip in a small train around Clonakilty!!
For those who are interested in Irish history, the famine, this is a must.
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Skibbereen Heritage Centre
For those who are interested in Irish history, the famine, this is a must.
A modern art gallery, with a bold architectural design. Boasting a lovely outdoor cafe
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West Cork Arts Centre
UillinnA modern art gallery, with a bold architectural design. Boasting a lovely outdoor cafe
Bantry Bay Pony Trekking
Great activity for children of all ages.
https://www.bantrybayponytrekking.com/
Bantry Bay Pony Trekking
Hollyhill Lane
Bantry Bay Pony Trekking
Great activity for children of all ages.
https://www.bantrybayponytrekking.com/
Atlantic Sea Kayaking
Great activity for adults and children.
Every Saturday Morning until Lunchtime. A huge variety of produce and stands. Everything from local produce to antiques and small animals.
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Skibbereen Farmers’ Market
Market StreetEvery Saturday Morning until Lunchtime. A huge variety of produce and stands. Everything from local produce to antiques and small animals.
Historic house opened to the public with stunning gardens
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Casa Bantry
Historic house opened to the public with stunning gardens