Angela’s guidebook
Sightseeing
The Baltimore Beacon is a nice short walk up a steep hill with views over to Sherkin and around the headland. There is a car park and the road up there is well signposted. Another trip that can be combined with Baltimore is Loch Hyne.
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Baltimore
The Baltimore Beacon is a nice short walk up a steep hill with views over to Sherkin and around the headland. There is a car park and the road up there is well signposted. Another trip that can be combined with Baltimore is Loch Hyne.
Ireland's first Marine Nature Reserve and unique sea-water lake with it´s luminous phosphorescence in the lake which come alive at night.
Great for going for a walk or swim. The Lough Hyne walk starts right at the parking area. When you hop out of your car, you need to walk up the road to the sign that says Knockomagh Summit. It´s a short walk (under an hour) but the views are worth it.
There is also a 5km walk on the west side of the loch.
Castle Island, in the middle of the lake, has the ruins of an O’Driscoll castle. Legend has it that it was also the home of Labhraí Loinseach, the king with the donkey’s ears.
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Lough Hyne
Ireland's first Marine Nature Reserve and unique sea-water lake with it´s luminous phosphorescence in the lake which come alive at night.
Great for going for a walk or swim. The Lough Hyne walk starts right at the parking area. When you hop out of your car, you need to walk up the road to the sign that says Knockomagh Summit. It´s a short walk (under an hour) but the views are worth it.
There is also a 5km walk on the west side of the loch.
Castle Island, in the middle of the lake, has the ruins of an O’Driscoll castle. Legend has it that it was also the home of Labhraí Loinseach, the king with the donkey’s ears.
Blow the cobwebs out of your head on this walk. If you have a problem with heights (which I do) this walk is manageable and the bridge is a bit daunting at first however I have survived to tell the tale and it’s a great walk for adults and kids. Our son was 2.5 years old at the time and managed the 5km round trip on foot. He did fall asleep in the restaurant afterwards.
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Mizen Head Lighthouse
Blow the cobwebs out of your head on this walk. If you have a problem with heights (which I do) this walk is manageable and the bridge is a bit daunting at first however I have survived to tell the tale and it’s a great walk for adults and kids. Our son was 2.5 years old at the time and managed the 5km round trip on foot. He did fall asleep in the restaurant afterwards.
On your way to Mizen Head lighthouse, you should not avoid Barley cove beach, it is beautiful. There are sand dunes to hunker up against and plenty of sand for sandcastles. Surf courses are available.
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Barleycove
On your way to Mizen Head lighthouse, you should not avoid Barley cove beach, it is beautiful. There are sand dunes to hunker up against and plenty of sand for sandcastles. Surf courses are available.
Apparently, this walk starts in Cork and is 93km long. We only walked part of it, The Lighthouse Loop 4km, our youngest was 2.5 at the time and managed it. Beautiful cliff walks and to be honest, this is much nicer than the Cliffs of Moher, the paths here are not as overrun and the scenery is just breathtaking.
Sheep's Head Walk - Tooreen Turning Point
Apparently, this walk starts in Cork and is 93km long. We only walked part of it, The Lighthouse Loop 4km, our youngest was 2.5 at the time and managed it. Beautiful cliff walks and to be honest, this is much nicer than the Cliffs of Moher, the paths here are not as overrun and the scenery is just breathtaking.
The first thing you will notice is the crystal-clear water. There is a shop just after the pier and there are two places to eat at, the first being at the pier and the other further up the road. Great place to walk around on a nice day and dangle your feet in the water.
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Cape Clear Island
The first thing you will notice is the crystal-clear water. There is a shop just after the pier and there are two places to eat at, the first being at the pier and the other further up the road. Great place to walk around on a nice day and dangle your feet in the water.
Get here via Cunnamore pier or Baltimore. Crossing is literally ten-minutes and again the walks are well signposted. Two wonderful beaches here, the Cow Strand and Silver Strand. Both are about 20-to-30-minute walk from the pier. Just down the road from Silver Strand is the North Shore, they serve tea, coffee and a small menu of home cooked food including cakes.
The Horseshoe Bay is lovely and you can head up to the lighthouse from there too and view the Beacon from the other side.
Check the island website for the calendar, in the summer months there are exhibitions in the community hall.
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Sherkin Island
Get here via Cunnamore pier or Baltimore. Crossing is literally ten-minutes and again the walks are well signposted. Two wonderful beaches here, the Cow Strand and Silver Strand. Both are about 20-to-30-minute walk from the pier. Just down the road from Silver Strand is the North Shore, they serve tea, coffee and a small menu of home cooked food including cakes.
The Horseshoe Bay is lovely and you can head up to the lighthouse from there too and view the Beacon from the other side.
Check the island website for the calendar, in the summer months there are exhibitions in the community hall.
Heir Island, a 4-minute boat trip from Cunnamore pier. The island walks are well sign posted with km and duration; all paths are easy to find. Bring a packed lunch or drinks there are no shops on the island.
The beaches here rival the Mediterranean (the water temperature is a bit chilly). You have Trá Bán and Trá Mhór.
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Heir Island
Heir Island, a 4-minute boat trip from Cunnamore pier. The island walks are well sign posted with km and duration; all paths are easy to find. Bring a packed lunch or drinks there are no shops on the island.
The beaches here rival the Mediterranean (the water temperature is a bit chilly). You have Trá Bán and Trá Mhór.
Glengarriff has a lot to offer, the most famous probably being Garnish Island and the Blue Pool. The ferry runs are frequent, you see a lot of seals and the island is serene and lots of nice areas to look at. There are a few steps involved.
There are toilets and restaurants on the island.
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Garinish Island
Glengarriff has a lot to offer, the most famous probably being Garnish Island and the Blue Pool. The ferry runs are frequent, you see a lot of seals and the island is serene and lots of nice areas to look at. There are a few steps involved.
There are toilets and restaurants on the island.
Also, nearby ff you’re looking for a small trip out of Glengarriff for part of the day, then a short drive to Barley Lake is just the ticket. This glacial corrie lake just outside the village sits overlooking the Glengarriff woods on the Caha Mountain ridge.
It can be accessed by car or as an exhilarating cycle or walk! A very steep and winding road brings you up above all but the highest parts of the mountains where you can park up and head across the countryside till you get to the lake. It is a very impressive sight to behold.
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Barley Lake
Also, nearby ff you’re looking for a small trip out of Glengarriff for part of the day, then a short drive to Barley Lake is just the ticket. This glacial corrie lake just outside the village sits overlooking the Glengarriff woods on the Caha Mountain ridge.
It can be accessed by car or as an exhilarating cycle or walk! A very steep and winding road brings you up above all but the highest parts of the mountains where you can park up and head across the countryside till you get to the lake. It is a very impressive sight to behold.
Unfortunately, you can now only view the Sky Garden if you are staying or eating at Liss Ard. On a positive note, the food is great there. Before you head down the garden make sure you get the gate coat for access to the garden so you don´t end up trapsing down twice.
So what is this Sky Garden? Well Google will fill you in, you are not going to see many of these things in your lifetime and to be honest if you are in the are and want good food, it something to do and tell people about. The steps up out of the tunnel are really step, small children will need to be carried.
You do need to book a meal in advance.
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Liss Ard Estate
Castletownsend RdUnfortunately, you can now only view the Sky Garden if you are staying or eating at Liss Ard. On a positive note, the food is great there. Before you head down the garden make sure you get the gate coat for access to the garden so you don´t end up trapsing down twice.
So what is this Sky Garden? Well Google will fill you in, you are not going to see many of these things in your lifetime and to be honest if you are in the are and want good food, it something to do and tell people about. The steps up out of the tunnel are really step, small children will need to be carried.
You do need to book a meal in advance.
Well for us Irish folk, this place was known to us from history and religion lessons. A huge rock out in the sea. If you have the time to drive the three hours from our house and even better have the opportunity to book a tour for landing on the island - then DO.
It´s a world UNESCO heritage site and rightly so. It´s amazing to think that the monks built this place in the 6th century and it is still for the most part standing, despite weather and recent film crews.
The steps are hairy come down, so do take your time. I actually sat down and bumped down a few. My big feet are not as dainty as the monks feet!
The boat brings you past Skellig Beag, home to a lot of Gannets. For those of you hoping to see Puffins, they are only on Skellig Michael between April and August.
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Great Skellig
Well for us Irish folk, this place was known to us from history and religion lessons. A huge rock out in the sea. If you have the time to drive the three hours from our house and even better have the opportunity to book a tour for landing on the island - then DO.
It´s a world UNESCO heritage site and rightly so. It´s amazing to think that the monks built this place in the 6th century and it is still for the most part standing, despite weather and recent film crews.
The steps are hairy come down, so do take your time. I actually sat down and bumped down a few. My big feet are not as dainty as the monks feet!
The boat brings you past Skellig Beag, home to a lot of Gannets. For those of you hoping to see Puffins, they are only on Skellig Michael between April and August.
This sandy beach is a 25 minute drive from the house. There is a large enough car park, public toilets, bottle bank and direct access to the beach. Therefore buggies or wheelchair users can enjoy access. The beach is clean, sandy ideal for sandcastle building.
There are plenty of rock pools, but you need to take great care on the rocks.
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Tragumna
This sandy beach is a 25 minute drive from the house. There is a large enough car park, public toilets, bottle bank and direct access to the beach. Therefore buggies or wheelchair users can enjoy access. The beach is clean, sandy ideal for sandcastle building.
There are plenty of rock pools, but you need to take great care on the rocks.
This is a lovely outing to do with kids. At the time just my husband went out with our eldest, our youngest was only 4 at the time and no babysitter around. The West Cork sailing centre provide all the gear, you just need get yourself changed and into the boat and off you go. No shortage of seals so you won`t be disappointed.
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Adrigole
This is a lovely outing to do with kids. At the time just my husband went out with our eldest, our youngest was only 4 at the time and no babysitter around. The West Cork sailing centre provide all the gear, you just need get yourself changed and into the boat and off you go. No shortage of seals so you won`t be disappointed.
Food scene
It is the nearest to us. Thursday used to be live music pre Covid. Entering the pub feels like walking back in time, but the atmosphere is great.
Minihanes Bar
It is the nearest to us. Thursday used to be live music pre Covid. Entering the pub feels like walking back in time, but the atmosphere is great.
Coffee
Skibbereen: O´Neill in 64 Townshend St. They serve locally roasted Coffee along with the beat of sweet and savory treats. There´s also a great range of locally sourced herbal tea.
Antiquity Bookshop Café 44 Bridge St: West Corks first all vegan eatery and also a great bookstore.
Farmers Markets
Saturday in Skibbereen in the carpark in front of Aldi between 09.30 and 14.00. Best to park elsewhere in town, at Fields or the Famine Exhibition.
If you like Falafal check out Effi´s Kitchen, he does an amazing one, it´s an explosion of different tastes.
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Skibbereen
Coffee
Skibbereen: O´Neill in 64 Townshend St. They serve locally roasted Coffee along with the beat of sweet and savory treats. There´s also a great range of locally sourced herbal tea.
Antiquity Bookshop Café 44 Bridge St: West Corks first all vegan eatery and also a great bookstore.
Farmers Markets
Saturday in Skibbereen in the carpark in front of Aldi between 09.30 and 14.00. Best to park elsewhere in town, at Fields or the Famine Exhibition.
If you like Falafal check out Effi´s Kitchen, he does an amazing one, it´s an explosion of different tastes.
Wow, we are spoilt here with this great restaurant. Make sure to book well in advance, sometimes there is a 6 month waiting list.
Customs House Baltimore
Wow, we are spoilt here with this great restaurant. Make sure to book well in advance, sometimes there is a 6 month waiting list.
Pilgrims
6 South SquareGreat food made from local and seasonal produce.
Yet another of the great local restaurants, with One Star Michelin rating.
Booking recommended.
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Restaurant Chestnut - West Cork
Staball HillYet another of the great local restaurants, with One Star Michelin rating.
Booking recommended.
Foodies eat your heart out here. If you are lucky enough to be in Ballyd on a Wednesday then get yourself a sandwich here. Forgot toasted cheese these are on a whole new level.
Unfortunately Ron D is no longer running this Wednesday service, but he does do pop ups, so you may be lucky.
https://www.yaycork.ie/theres-some-frikkin-delicious-sandwiches-coming-out-of-this-once-a-week-food-truck/
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Ballydehob
Foodies eat your heart out here. If you are lucky enough to be in Ballyd on a Wednesday then get yourself a sandwich here. Forgot toasted cheese these are on a whole new level.
Unfortunately Ron D is no longer running this Wednesday service, but he does do pop ups, so you may be lucky.
https://www.yaycork.ie/theres-some-frikkin-delicious-sandwiches-coming-out-of-this-once-a-week-food-truck/
Wonderful cheeses made by Mike and Darcie. They have four cows which are milked by hand and the milk is used to make two different types of cheese. All organic, no chemicals used on the land, no plastic packaging on the cheese. This is the way it should be. The cheese tastes gorgeous, very mild and we didn´t buy enough of it!
Inchigeelagh
Wonderful cheeses made by Mike and Darcie. They have four cows which are milked by hand and the milk is used to make two different types of cheese. All organic, no chemicals used on the land, no plastic packaging on the cheese. This is the way it should be. The cheese tastes gorgeous, very mild and we didn´t buy enough of it!
If you like a good Pizza then head for PizzHeiria, you need to reserve or see if Craig is open. Well worth it, the pizzas are great, it´s a no frills set up, all Pizzas are Margherita bases and you have a huge choice of toppings. Served on a chopping board with a pizza cutter, you receive them one after another.
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Heir Island
If you like a good Pizza then head for PizzHeiria, you need to reserve or see if Craig is open. Well worth it, the pizzas are great, it´s a no frills set up, all Pizzas are Margherita bases and you have a huge choice of toppings. Served on a chopping board with a pizza cutter, you receive them one after another.
Fantastic family run restaurant. Really good fresh fish and chips. The kids pizza is also to be recommended. I`m afraid we only ever get the fish and chips because they are so good. Lovely pub atmosphere or sit in the restaurant with views over the channel. Breakfast and take away are also available.
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Casey's of Baltimore Hotel
Fantastic family run restaurant. Really good fresh fish and chips. The kids pizza is also to be recommended. I`m afraid we only ever get the fish and chips because they are so good. Lovely pub atmosphere or sit in the restaurant with views over the channel. Breakfast and take away are also available.
We ate here pre Covid and the food was magnificant. We thought we would not manage the servings but it was so good we were short of licking our plates. The produce is locally sourced.
Great views out onto the water with a panoramic view of the harbour and Bere Island.
Berehaven Lodge
5 Whelyn LodgesWe ate here pre Covid and the food was magnificant. We thought we would not manage the servings but it was so good we were short of licking our plates. The produce is locally sourced.
Great views out onto the water with a panoramic view of the harbour and Bere Island.
We ended up here due to the weather, wasn´t a day for outdoor dining! The food was alright, the kids got Goujons and chips, couldn`t finish their portions. The paninis were not real paninis but bread rolls. It was tasty, served nicely and within a timely manner. Staff were helpful and polite.
The Townhouse O D's
7 Main StWe ended up here due to the weather, wasn´t a day for outdoor dining! The food was alright, the kids got Goujons and chips, couldn`t finish their portions. The paninis were not real paninis but bread rolls. It was tasty, served nicely and within a timely manner. Staff were helpful and polite.
Ireland`s only tin roofed pub. A quirky family run pub that has the most amazing beer garden out the back. Good place to stop for a beer and a pack of crisps/nuts and just enjoy the view. When the weather is good, you could imagine you are in the Med.
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Ahakista
Ireland`s only tin roofed pub. A quirky family run pub that has the most amazing beer garden out the back. Good place to stop for a beer and a pack of crisps/nuts and just enjoy the view. When the weather is good, you could imagine you are in the Med.
A food and wine store that has a mouth watering variety of sweets and savouries. Eat in or take away, it is worth stopping by.
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The Stuffed Olive
2a Bridge StA food and wine store that has a mouth watering variety of sweets and savouries. Eat in or take away, it is worth stopping by.
Looking for a delicious crepe, whether it be savoury or sweet this is the place to go. Plenty of seating both in- and outdoors.
Even if the weather is a bit drab the bright outdoor patio and great crepes will brighten up the day. The Cappuccino was also pretty good.
Paradise Crepe Restaurant
Looking for a delicious crepe, whether it be savoury or sweet this is the place to go. Plenty of seating both in- and outdoors.
Even if the weather is a bit drab the bright outdoor patio and great crepes will brighten up the day. The Cappuccino was also pretty good.
This is an absolute gem, it is beautifully decorated, bright and quirky. The coffee and cakes were delicious. All cakes are homemade and certainly worth dying for! Take aways are also available.
Cafe On The Lane
Spillers LaneThis is an absolute gem, it is beautifully decorated, bright and quirky. The coffee and cakes were delicious. All cakes are homemade and certainly worth dying for! Take aways are also available.
The very first coffee shop we ever tried in Skibb and we certainly were not disappointed. The Cappuccino is great and the selection of sandwiches and cakes are just delicious. We`ve tried quite a few, both hot and cold and the cakes are well worth putting on the weight for. They also offer takeaway and are very reasonably priced, small selection of wines, local produce.
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Kalbos Cafe
26 North StThe very first coffee shop we ever tried in Skibb and we certainly were not disappointed. The Cappuccino is great and the selection of sandwiches and cakes are just delicious. We`ve tried quite a few, both hot and cold and the cakes are well worth putting on the weight for. They also offer takeaway and are very reasonably priced, small selection of wines, local produce.
Neighbourhoods
Vibrant town, with colourful houses and people to match. Budds and Hudsons are two of the cafes there that offer good food from local suppliers. Bally Bia is good for sitting in or take away. The garage also sell their take aways if you cannot sit in.
If you like Fish and Chips then Friday and Saturday evening at the Community Centre, is Seán Óg. The fish is fresh off his boat and available from 17.00 till 20.00, however when the fish is gone it´s gone, so we recommend getting there early. There are picknick bench’s so bring along your own beverage and enjoy dining al fresco.
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Ballydehob
Vibrant town, with colourful houses and people to match. Budds and Hudsons are two of the cafes there that offer good food from local suppliers. Bally Bia is good for sitting in or take away. The garage also sell their take aways if you cannot sit in.
If you like Fish and Chips then Friday and Saturday evening at the Community Centre, is Seán Óg. The fish is fresh off his boat and available from 17.00 till 20.00, however when the fish is gone it´s gone, so we recommend getting there early. There are picknick bench’s so bring along your own beverage and enjoy dining al fresco.
City/town information
Great bustling market town that has a farmers market on Fridays on Wolfe Tone Square between 09.30 and 13.00. It is quite big and it´s best to park either in the Supervalue car park or near the Maritime Hotel.
Our tips from the market
Dons donuts, good fresh donut´s, we´ve only seen him in Bantry.
Bó Burger and Steak sandwiches, handmade burgers and baps.
The Lost Valley Dairy and Creamery – 4 cows are kept, and two types of wonderful cheese are made. Mild and tasty, also available in Fields.
Susan`s sweet sensations - melt in your mouth fudge 😊
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Bantry
Great bustling market town that has a farmers market on Fridays on Wolfe Tone Square between 09.30 and 13.00. It is quite big and it´s best to park either in the Supervalue car park or near the Maritime Hotel.
Our tips from the market
Dons donuts, good fresh donut´s, we´ve only seen him in Bantry.
Bó Burger and Steak sandwiches, handmade burgers and baps.
The Lost Valley Dairy and Creamery – 4 cows are kept, and two types of wonderful cheese are made. Mild and tasty, also available in Fields.
Susan`s sweet sensations - melt in your mouth fudge 😊
Shopping
Local supermarkets are a 15 minute drive from the house. Fields of Skibbereen is your one stop shop for food as well as artisan foods, it´s got all your basics and loads of local produce, it´s a mini deli store and you could spend ages in there. If you can´t make it to any of the farmers markets you are likely to find the food stocked in Fields.
Aldi and Lidl are also located in Skibbereen as well as a Eurospar.
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Skibbereen
Local supermarkets are a 15 minute drive from the house. Fields of Skibbereen is your one stop shop for food as well as artisan foods, it´s got all your basics and loads of local produce, it´s a mini deli store and you could spend ages in there. If you can´t make it to any of the farmers markets you are likely to find the food stocked in Fields.
Aldi and Lidl are also located in Skibbereen as well as a Eurospar.
Activities
If you feel like being creative and are looking for an activity for children or adults then pop over to Ballyroe in Leap. Roland has an amazing space for creating candles. My two loved it and I got involved too. Roland is easy to get along with and we had a lovely afternoon making memories and souvenirs.
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Leap
If you feel like being creative and are looking for an activity for children or adults then pop over to Ballyroe in Leap. Roland has an amazing space for creating candles. My two loved it and I got involved too. Roland is easy to get along with and we had a lovely afternoon making memories and souvenirs.
Check out their events calendar. My daughter took part in a wonderful storytelling art camp during the Easter holidays. The staff are fantastic and the camp was great fun. There are exhibitions on throughout the year.
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West Cork Arts Centre
UillinnCheck out their events calendar. My daughter took part in a wonderful storytelling art camp during the Easter holidays. The staff are fantastic and the camp was great fun. There are exhibitions on throughout the year.
Want to do something totally different and enjoy a walk with a fluffy partner? Give Benjamin a call or visit the website for Alpaca Walk West Cork and arrange a guided walk with his Alpacas, guaranteed a major hit with young and old. These are such wonderful animals to spend time with, totally different to leading a horse or donkey, really interesting animals to learn about - the kids will probably be wanting to take them home afterwards! On top of that you have the scenery to enjoy.
Union Hall
Want to do something totally different and enjoy a walk with a fluffy partner? Give Benjamin a call or visit the website for Alpaca Walk West Cork and arrange a guided walk with his Alpacas, guaranteed a major hit with young and old. These are such wonderful animals to spend time with, totally different to leading a horse or donkey, really interesting animals to learn about - the kids will probably be wanting to take them home afterwards! On top of that you have the scenery to enjoy.