Things To Do
Clonakilty Town
Clonakilty has been designated as West Cork's Heritage Town by Failte Ireland, and a visit to the town soon shows why. You'll feel at home here among the attractive traditional shop fronts and hand painted signs in English and Irish. The Post Office is housed in an old Presbyterian church and the Town Council and Library in a converted Corn Mill with the river flowing beneath. Narrow streets and lanes open into elegant squares.
It is a town of tall spires, towers and historic buildings - the brewery buildings, the mills and the quayside warehouses, telling of the town's busy trading and industrial past. Clonakilty is an ideal holiday destination and base from which to tour West Cork, a region blessed with some of Irelands most spectacular scenery. Clonakilty is known for its superb pubs which are rich in tradition and overflowing with talent. De Barra's is synonymous with having the best of traditional and folk music in West Cork. National and International top ranking performers regularly feature in the Folk Club.
Three Screen Multiplex Park Cinema
The Park Cinema offers Adults and Children alike a variety of new release films to enjoy with Dolby surround sound in their multi-plex cinema. With the latest showings every evening and matinees on the weekend, you’ll find there is something everyone whatever the weather. Tel. 023 34141, www.theparkcinema.com.
Inchydoney Beach
Inchydoney Beach was at one time was an Island and is situated 4.5km from Clonakilty. The beauty of The Island (as it is still known locally) with it's magnificent beaches divided by a promontory known as "The Virgin Mary's Bank" has been appreciated by many over the years, and inspired the poet Callanan. Today, the blue flag beach is the perfect spot for a romantic stroll or for a fun filled day for all the family.
Skibbereen Town & Skibbereen Heritage Centre - Skibbereen
It’s located in the beautifully restored Old Gasworks building and features two main exhibitions. The Great Famine Commemoration Exhibition uses the latest in multimedia technology to bring this period of Irish History to life. Visitors can also take a historical walking Tour of the Town while in Skibbereen.
Fota Wildlife Park & Fota House & Gardens - Cobh
At Fota Wildlife Park you can come face-to-face with over 90 species of exotic wildlife! Appreciate the tranquil surroundings and see conversation in action. Situated just 20 minutes drive from Cork City Centre off the N25 and take the Cobh exit. At the Quality Hotel we have agreed discounted rates for families just ask at reception about this.
Fota House & Gardens are located in Carrigtwohill and is a great example of regency architecture. The gardens house a fine selection of rare and tender trees and shrubs.
Curraheen Park – Greyhound Stadium - Cork city
Located in Bishopstown, enjoy this great night out in Cork every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday night with 10 races per night.
Cork Opera House – Cork City
Situated at Emmet Place in the City, the Cork Opera House is a truly unique and striking building. The aim of Cork Opera House is to serve the city and surrounding region as a municipal theatre, offering it's audiences a varied, high quality programme which represents local, national and international developments in the performing arts. This service operates on two levels with a main auditorium of 1,000 seats and a studio theatre of 150 seats, the Half Moon Theatre, ensuring continuous activity without any seasonal closure.
Other Local Attractions in the area include;
- Michael Collins Birthplace near Lissavaird on Route to Rosscarbery – Sams Cross
- Site of Ambush of Michael Collins at Kilmichael & mBeal na Blath – the site of his killing.
- Ownahincha Beach
- Argideen Heritage Centre – whose centre is based on the life of Michael Collins
- Lough Hyne (Europe's largest salt water lake)
- Mizen Head (Ireland's most southerly point)
- Dursey Island (accessed by the only operating cable car in Ireland) - Schull Planetarium (Ireland's only planetarium)
Kinsale in County Cork is one of the most picturesque, popular and fashionable resorts of the south-west coast of Ireland. It is a centre for yachting, sea angling, good rest and golf. Located approx 20 miles along the beautiful coastline of West Cork.
Baltimore Sailing Club was founded in 1952 as a summer holiday sailing club. From it's inception it has been successfully developing leisure and competitive sailing in Baltimore Harbour. The club over the years has continued to expand and teach safe sailing skills to young people from all backgrounds
