Fort
Charles FortOne of Europe's best-preserved star-shaped artillery forts, this vast 17th-century fortification would be worth a visit for its spectacular views alone…
Image by Trish Punch / Getty Images
The West Cork Coast
The West Cork coast begins the slow build-up of beauty that culminates in counties further west and north, but what you find here is already lovely. Picturesque villages, ancient stone circles and some fine sandy beaches mark the meandering coastal route from Kinsale to Clonakilty and on to Skibbereen and Baltimore. Rather than follow the main N71 all the way, take the R600 and explore the maze of minor roads along the coast – perfect for aimless wandering.
Explore The West Cork Coast
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout The West Cork Coast.
Gardens
Sky GardenThe Victorian country estate of Liss Ard is home to the remarkable Sky Garden, a piece of landscape art created by American artist James Turrell in 1992…
Archaeological Site
Drombeg Stone CircleOn an exposed hillside, with fields falling away towards the coast and cattle lowing in the distance, the Drombeg stone circle is superbly atmospheric…
Castle
Desmond CastleKinsale's roots in the wine trade are on display at this early-16th-century fortified house that was occupied by the Spanish in 1601. Since then it has…
Museum
Old Head Signal Tower & Lusitania MuseumThis 200-year-old signal tower houses a museum dedicated to the RMS Lusitania, which was torpedoed by a German U-boat in 1915 with the loss of 1200 lives…
Museum
Skibbereen Heritage CentreConstructed on the site of the town’s old gasworks, the Skibbereen Heritage Centre houses a haunting exhibition about the Famine, with actors reading…
Museum
Michael Collins CentreA visit to the Michael Collins Centre is an excellent way to make sense of his life and the times in which he lived. A tour reveals photos, letters and a…
Amusement Park
West Cork Model Railway VillageYou can’t help but smile at the West Cork Model Railway Village. It features a vast outdoor recreation of the West Cork Railway as it was during the 1940s…
Museum
Baltimore CastleBaltimore harbour is dominated by the stone tower of 13th-century castle of Dun na Sead (Fort of the Jewels). Inside, the great hall houses seasonal art…
Distillery
Clonakilty DistilleryThe state-of-the-art Clonakilty Distillery opened its doors to the public in 2019, producing triple-distilled single pot still Irish whiskey made with…
Farm
Mara FarmTake a tour of Mara Farm to see Kerry cattle, Kerry bog ponies and rare-breed pigs, and enjoy home-baked goodies at the farm shop and cafe. It's 1km…
Beach
Inchydoney BeachInchydoney, signposted 5km south of Clonakilty, has two gorgeous golden strands either side of a rocky peninsula set on a scenic inlet. You can rent…
Church
St Multose ChurchThis is one of the country's oldest Church of Ireland churches, built around 1190 by the Normans on the site of a 6th-century church. Not much of the…
Cemetery
Abbeystrewery Famine CemeteryThis graveyard, 1km west of Skibbereen beside the N71 road towards Schull, contains the mass grave of 8000 to 10,000 local people who died during the…
Museum
Courthouse & Regional MuseumBased in the 17th-century courthouse that was used for the inquest into the sinking of the Lusitania, this eclectic museum contains local curiosities as…
Museum
Clonakilty MuseumThe Clonakilty Museum has some memorabilia, including Michael Collins’ weapons and uniform. The museum is run on a voluntary basis; contact the tourist…
Distillery
West Cork DistillersThis craft distillery produces vodka, (Two Trees), gin (Garnish Island) and a range of whiskies (blended, pot still and single malt) under its own name…
Museum
Cape Clear Heritage CentreThis small museum has exhibits on the island’s history and culture, and fine views north across the water to Mizen Head. It's 1km east of the ferry…