What to do in West Cork...
Whatever you want in a holiday, West Cork is the place to provide it. From hiking to surfing, relaxing walks to fine dining - West Cork has it all. For some information and ideas on what you could do on your visit to this beautiful part of Ireland, see below:
-> The Sea: Beaches, Islands and much more...
Sightseeing
From the wonder of Lough Ine, to the ruggedness of the Sheep's Head, you will not be disappointed.
West Cork, indeed the whole Cork and Kerry area of Ireland has the some of the most breathtaking scenery for you to experience. For spectacular mountain, river and sea views then either the Ring of Beara or the Ring of Kerry will provide the perfect route for you. Take your time on these drives to soak in the beautiful countryside and experience some unique scenery.
If you are interested in plants and gardens then you are once again spoilt for choice. Bantry House has gardens open to the public with marvellous views over the historic Bantry Bay. Or if you want something more exotic, then the tropical gardens on Garnish Island, off Glengariff are just the thing.
The countryside is dotted with historical monuments, castles and other ruins which provide an insight into the long and eventful history of this wonderful area. The area is so abundant in natural beauty that it is wrong to identify some places above others. These are simply a few suggestions to get you started.
The Sea: Beaches, Islands and much more...
The coastline of Cork and Kerry is dotted with some of the sandiest and cleanest beaches in Ireland, many of which have attained 'Blue Flag' status (click here for more information). Barleycove, Incheydoney, Long Strand, Ballyrizzard are to name but a few of the beaches where you can spend your days swimming or sun-bathing.
In the coastal towns and villages, you can hire boats, take sailing lessons, moor your boat/yacht, enjoy one of the many Summer regattas or just sit on the pier and soak up the atmosphere of an Irish summer.
Others may like to spend their days on and under the water and there are kayaking, snorkelling and diving trips you can avail of.
For more information on these activities, contact the tourist offices in any of the towns.
West Cork - Towns and Villages
Killeena House Self-Catering Apartments are situated between the busy market town of Skibbereen and the fishing village of Baltimore and both are no more than 10 minutes drive away.
Towns such as Clonakilty, Bantry, Skibbereen, Bandon, Kinsale and Dunmanway offer supermarkets, craft-shops, excellent restaurants and of course plenty of pubs which offer great live music during the summer months. If you seek quieter haunts then villages like Courtmacsherry, Rosscarbery Goleen, Timoleague, Rathbarry and Castletownshend provide the perfect antidote. Coastal villages like Schull, Baltimore, Union Hall and Crookhaven are busy during the summer and you can enjoy the many regattas and festivals.
The county of Kerry is also rich in beautiful towns and villages and these can also be easily reached from Killeena House. Towns like Kenmare, Dingle, Killorglin, Killarney and Tralee are all lively towns in the summer and you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of these towns during the many festivals that are held from May to September.
Golf
Cork and Kerry are home to many fine golf courses; so if your idea of heaven is to hit the fairways, then you will be spoilt for choice staying at Killeena House. In Skibbereen, you can play on an immaculate 18-hole course but almost every town in the region has the same, so you can take your pick. If you fancy a trip to Kerry you will again be spoilt for choice with many championship-grade courses open to the public. There are also many pitch and putt courses as well as driving ranges in the area so it's a golfers paradise. Below is a list of local golf courses and a contact number for each:
Ballydehob, West Cork Golf Academy: (028) 37700
Bandon Golf Club: (023) 41111
Bantry Bay Golf Club: (027) 50579
Berehaven Golf Club and Amenity Park, Castletownbere: (027) 70700
Glengariff Golf Club: (027) 63150
Kinsale Golf Club: (021) 477 4722
Old Head Golf Links, Kinsale: (021) 477 8444
Skibbereen and West Carbery Golf Club: (028) 21227
-->
Fishing
West Cork has long been reknowned for its spectacular fishing. Fisherpeople of all interests and experiences are catered for in West Cork.
For you game fishermen and women, the Ilen River (1 February to 30 September (salmon); 1 February to 12 October (sea trout)) and the Arigdeen River (15 February to 12 October (sea trout and brown trout); 15 February to 30 September (salmon)) provide excellent opportunities for some big catches.
If you like lake fishing, then you won't be disappointed with many well-stocked lakes to choose from.
- Shepperton Lake, which is a 20 minute drive, has a good stock of wild brown and rainbow trout.
- Driminidy Lake, which is a 25 minute drive, also has a good stock of wild brown and rainbow trout.
- Lough Bofinne near Bantry, which is a 35 minute drive, has a good stock of wild brown and rainbow trout.
For the sea fisherpeople out there, you can fish from the rocks all along the coast for pollock, mackerel, sea bass and ling. You can also go out on chartered trips for conger eel, blue shark and many other species.
