Aerial view of a coastal landscape with a blue lake, small islands, green fields, and wooded hills under a partly cloudy sky.

Days Out In West Cork

Some suggestions for exploration during your stay in wonderful West Cork

With comfortable accommodation in your luxury West Cork cottage you are close to Skibbereen, Baltimore, Schull, Glandore and the rest of the beautiful West Cork area. You have a great choice of places to see and things to do.

Aerial view of a stone bridge with circular arches crossing over a calm river, surrounded by green fields, trees, and a winding road.

Skibbereen

Skibbereen is a lively and welcoming market town in the heart of West Cork, known for its colourful streets, great cafés, pubs, shops and friendly local spirit. Rich in culture and history, the town makes a wonderful base for exploring the surrounding coast, countryside and hidden gems of the region.

A lush green landscape with a winding river flowing into a blue lake, surrounded by hills and small islands under a partly cloudy sky.

Lough Hyne

Just a short drive from Skibbereen, Lough Hyne is a beautiful saltwater lake and Ireland’s first Marine Nature Reserve. Surrounded by wooded hills and scenic walking trails, it’s perfect for swimming, kayaking, hiking, or simply enjoying the peaceful views.
A true West Cork gem, it’s an ideal spot for a picnic or a sunset stroll during your stay.

Modern stone building with large windows and flowerpots, labelled "Skibbereen Heritage Centre," set in a paved courtyard with bollards and landscaped greenery.

Skibbereen Heritage Centre

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10-6pm.

This is a great starting point for any visit to Skibbereen and West Cork. It can be saved for a rainy day as it is one of very few indoor attractions. The Heritage Centre is divided into two parts. One half is dedicated to an exhibition of the Famine. When the Famine of 1845-47 hit, Skibbereen was one of the worst affected areas. The moving story is depicted in this exhibition. The other half of the Centre is dedicated to Lough Hyne and gives an insight into this beautiful and mysterious marine nature reserve. Get the background then visit the real thing.

A tall, white, cone-shaped stone structure stands on a grassy coastal hill overlooking the sea, with islands and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

Baltimore

Busy in summer but still enchanting. From here jump on a ferry to Sherkin Island or Cape Clear for deserted beaches and a real Irish experience . Take a leisurely stroll from the village to the Beacon and if you’ve got a head for heights, stand facing the expanse of the Atlantic – next stop America

A grassy cliffside with rocky outcrops overlooks the sea. A few buildings and a winding path are visible along the top of the cliff.

The Mizen Peninsula

A fabulous day out. Passing through Schull, Goleen, Crookhaven, Barleycove Beach until you literally come to land’s end and the Mizen Vision Exhibition. Park the car at the Visitor Centre and make sure you walk to the old Coastguards Station at the very tip of Ireland.

Coastal village with houses along a shoreline, surrounded by green hills and trees, with calm water in the foreground and a small boat moored.

Union Hall and Glandore

Quaint, charming, colourful with lunch at Hayes Bar then visit Drombeg stone circle. Glandore is often described as Millionaires Row with holiday homes belonging to Tony O’Reilly (Ireland’s richest man), Lord Callaghan (former British PM), Baroness Jay and Carol Vorderman.

Stone viaduct with multiple arches reflected in a calm river, with trees, grass, and buildings visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Ballydehob and Schull

Ask us about the walk to Roaring Water Bay. Most people drive past.

Get in Touch

Have a question or ready to plan your romantic getaway? Get in touch with us — we’re always happy to help and ensure your stay is as special as possible.

DD slash MM slash YYYY
DD slash MM slash YYYY
Newsletter