KINSALE to BANTRY
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sheep’s Head Lighthouse Loop Walk. On foot, in the secluded peninsula of the Southwest, European Destination of Excellence.
- Fastnet Lighthouse Cruise. One of the most spectacular lighthouses in the world, lost on a rock in the ocean.
- Liss Ard Estate. The park of the historic country house blends nature and contemporary art.
- Mizen Head. A lighthouse perched on the cliff, reached by a stunning suspension bridge over the ocean.
- Dede, Baltimore. Ahmet Dede the chef and owner born in Ankara and landed on the banks of Roaringwater Bay.
- Bantry House & Garden. The Georgian house and gardens overlooking Bantry Bay.
- Kinsale. The most famous marina of Ireland, on a bend of the Bandon river estuary. Good food destination.
- O’Sullivan’s Bar. On the Crookhaven pier, a timeless gem. The fireplace is always lit with fishing and sailing tools all around.
- Galley Head Lighthouse. An active lighthouse and the chance of sleeping in the guardian’s home, two cosy rooms and a fireplace.
- Woodcock Smokery. Craftsmanship at its best meets local traditions and wild salmons. Open for tasting tours or masterclasses on salmon smoking.
AUTHOR’S TIPS
The Spaniard, Kinsale.
Overlooking the harbor, this 350-year-old pub is named after Don Juan del Aquilla, commander of the Spanish fleet at the siege of Kinsale.
Saint Francis Provisions, Kinsale.
A creative and minimalist cuisine, like the small restaurant, full of magic and flavor.
https://saintfrancisprovisions.squarespace.com/
Kinsale Food Tours, Kinsale.
Suzanne teaches you how to recognize seaweed, molluscs and edible plants on a walk along the coast.
Giles Norman Gallery, Kinsale.
The black and white photos of one of the photographers of the Wild Atlantic Way. In the Georgian townhouse, rooms with his photos.
Fishy Fishy, Kinsale.
Oysters, salmon, scallops, cod, tuna brought by the fishing boats that dock a few steps away.
The Pier House, Courtmacsherry.
Overlooking the harbour and Courtmacsherry Bay, a pub with live music every weekend.
www.facebook.com/thepierhousebar/
Clonakilty Distillery, Clonakilty.
A brand new distillery that uses West Cork cereals to make its whiskey.
Galley Head Lighthkeeper's House, Clonakilty.
The thrill of sleeping in the lighthouse keeper's house. Two bedrooms with fireplace.
https://irishlandmark.com/properties/galley-head-lightkeepers-house-1/
The Fish Basket, Clonakilty.
A hut on the Long Strand and plenty of outdoor tables where you can share the freshest seafood from Union Hall.
The Castle B&B, Castletownshend.
The austere stone castle of the lords who built the village. Eleven rooms overlooking the sea.
Atlantic Sea Kayaking, Skiberreen.
Paddle along the coast to discover deserted islands, hidden bays, and sea caves.
Woodcock Smokery, Skibbereen.
Attend a salmon smoking masterclass or taste Sally Barnes' wild salmon.
Dede, Baltimore.
The very local restaurant of Michelin-starred chef Ahmet Dede, born in Ankara and landed on the shores of Roaringwater Bay.
https://customshousebaltimore.com/
West Cork Brewing Company, Baltimore.
The craft microbrewery opened in a cellar, produces good beer and offers brewing courses.
Whale Watch West Cork, Baltimore.
Boat excursions for sightings of dolphins, basking sharks and whales.
Fastnet Rock Lighthouse, Cape Clear Island.
Cruise to Fastnet Rock Lighthouse, one of the most spectacular lighthouses in the world, on a rock in the middle of the ocean.
www.capeclearferries.com/fastnet-rock-tour
Chesnut, Ballydehob.
In a former pub in a West Cork village, an unexpected gourmet restaurant where dishes are cooked with local produce.
www.restaurantchestnutwestcork.ie
Goleen Harbour, Goleen.
An eco campsite with wooden cabins, domes and furnished tents, on the shore of Roaringwater Bay.
Mizen Head, Goleen.
A suspension bridge over the ocean connects the tip of the peninsula to a rock with the lighthouse perched on the cliff.
O' Sullivan's Bar, Crockhaven.
Right on the quayside, a pub full of sailing and fishing memorabilia. Outdoor tables and fireplace always lit.
https://www.facebook.com/sullibum
Carraigh Abhainn Gardens, Durrus.
Over 100 species of rare plants in a garden on the bank of a stream where salmon rise.
www.facebook.com/carraigabhainngardens/
Arundels by the Pier, Ahakista.
Sitting a few steps from the water, waiting for the sunset with a pint in hand, before dinner.
https://arundelsbythepier.com/
Bernie's Cupán Tae, Toreen.
Cakes and sandwiches, plus a cup of tea, at the end of the world, where the road ends at the tip of Sheep's Head.
https://livingthesheepsheadway.com/cupan-tae/
Bantry House & Garden & BB, Bantry.
The Georgian mansion and gardens overlooking Bantry Bay. Also charming bed & breakfast.
