West Cork Coastal Trail

West Cork is Ireland's gourmet heartland - a coastline of fishing villages, artisan producers, and island-dotted bays. This route winds from Clonakilty to Bantry through some of Ireland's most beautiful and flavourful countryside.

Why This Route?

West Cork delivers coastal perfection:

Foodie paradise - Ireland's best artisan producers
Fishing villages - Baltimore, Schull, Castletownbere
Island hopping - Sherkin, Cape Clear, Heir
Wild Atlantic Way - Multiple signature points
Relaxed pace - West Cork runs on its own time

The Route

Clonakilty

The start of West Cork proper:

The Town

Award-winning heritage town:

Colourful streetscape
Michael Collins connections
Excellent pubs and restaurants
Traditional music

Clonakilty Black Pudding

The famous local product - try it at any breakfast spot.

Inchydoney

Blue Flag beach just outside Clonakilty:

Two beaches
Surfing
Spa hotel
Stunning setting

Rosscarbery

Historic village with:

Celtic Ross Hotel
Square with cathedral
Lagoon walks
Drombeg Stone Circle nearby

Drombeg Stone Circle

The "Druid's Altar":

17-stone circle
Winter solstice alignment
Fulacht fiadh (cooking pit)
Free access

Glandore

The village that inspired "Doreen":

Beautiful harbour
Twin villages (Glandore and Union Hall)
Sailing centre
Good restaurants

Skibbereen

The market town of West Cork:

Heritage centre (Famine history)
Farmers' market (Saturday)
Gateway to islands
Good facilities

Baltimore

The jewel of West Cork:

Ferry to islands (Sherkin, Cape Clear)
Sailing village
Excellent seafood
Beacon at harbour entrance

Sherkin Island

Quick ferry crossing:

Abbey ruins
Beaches
Marine station
Day trip possible

Cape Clear

Ireland's most southerly inhabited island:

Irish-speaking
Bird observatory
Heritage centre
Ferries from Baltimore

Schull

Sophisticated village with:

Sailing school
Planetarium
Excellent restaurants
Sunday market (summer)

Bantry

At the head of Bantry Bay:

Bantry House and gardens
Friday market
Gateway to Beara Peninsula
Good facilities

West Cork Food Trail

Producers to Visit

Gubbeen - Cheese and charcuterie near Schull
Durrus Cheese - Near Bantry
West Cork Distillers - Skibbereen
Ummera Smokehouse - Timoleague

Markets

Skibbereen - Saturday
Schull - Sunday (summer)
Bantry - Friday
Clonakilty - Thursday

Restaurants

West Cork punches above its weight for dining.

Walking

Sheep's Head Way

Long-distance path with day walk options.

Lough Hyne

Ireland's only saltwater lake - evening walks magical.

Baltimore Beacon

Short walk with views to islands.

Practical Tips

Ferry schedules - Check island ferries in advance
Roads - Narrow and winding; allow extra time
Accommodation - Book ahead in summer
Markets - Arrive early for best selection
Pace - West Cork rewards slow travel