West Cork is a popular tourist destination. The rugged peninsulas include rolling green hills dotted with small towns and deserted beaches, along with many coastal islands.
With a variety of things to do and places to visit in West Cork, you may struggle to plan your itinerary. To help you create an unforgettable trip, I’ve come up with a list of the eight best drives in the region.
Most of the destinations are a short drive from Cork and connected along the same coastal route. Depending on the length of your stay, you may be able to see all eight of the top West Cork tourist attractions.
Eight Great Places to Visit or Drive to in West Cork
1. Inchydoney Beach, Clonakilty.
Inchydoney is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Thanks to the selection of four-star hotels in Clonakilty, Inchydoney is also a great place to begin or finish your scenic drives Cork.
While the scenery and accommodations are wonderful, Clonakilty also has plenty to see and do. The village has many small pubs, live music venues, and even a model railway village.
2. Baltimore
Baltimore frequently tops the list of best places to visit in West Cork. It is a charming village in the southernmost parish in Ireland. People often come to Baltimore for whale watching, walks along the beach, and breath-taking views of the surrounding waters and small islands.
You could easily spend several days in Baltimore exploring the bars, restaurants, and activities. However, Baltimore is also a gateway to several of the top things to see in West Cork, including Mizen head and Sherkin Island.
3. Mizen Head
History buffs may want to add Mizen Head to their list of places to see in West Cork. Tourists flock to the area for its dramatic cliffs and historic sites. The peninsula is mostly cut off from the mainland, but accessible via a series of paths and viewing platforms.
When you reach Mizen Head, head to the old signal station, lighthouse, and weather stations. The signal station is now a museum with old nautical gear while the other old buildings stand at the cliffs that drop down to the Atlantic Ocean.
4. Sherkin Island
Sherkin Island is another one of the best places to visit West Cork and a short ferry ride from Baltimore. As with most of the destinations on this list, Sherkin Island has unique beaches, cafes, and bed and breakfasts.
Sherkin Island is a tranquil place to visit with friendly residents and beautiful scenery. Make sure that you visit the various food stalls and craft stalls to support the locals.
5. Garnish Island
Garnish Island is a unique destination thanks to its plant life. The island is more sheltered from the harsh weather, allowing subtropical plants to thrive. Spend a few hours walking and visiting the carefully cultivated gardens.
The quickest path to Garnish Island is a scenic ferry ride from the main pier at Glengarriff in Cork County. The ferry trip often provides the chance to view seals, turtles, and other sea life.
6. Beara Peninsula
Tourists tend to overlook Beara Peninsula, making it a hidden gem among the scenic routes of West Cork. It is a remote destination with several little coastal towns and villages, including Eyeries. The small village has brightly coloured homes and the tallest known stone in the world.
If you grow tired of rocky beaches and nice drives in Cork, visit Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve in the Beara Peninsula. The nature reserve includes protected forests with winding paths and waterfalls.
7. Dursey Island
Located off the tip of the Beara Peninsula, Dursey Island is one of the most deserted places to go in West Cork with just 10 permanent residents. It is an interesting side excursion from Beara, known for its abandoned villages and open fields.
The most memorable part of the trip is the cable car ride to the island. While many travellers find it a little terrifying, the ride is likely to provide an unforgettable experience. As you pass over the sea, look down into the water to see the remains of the previous cable car.
8. Kinsale Harbour
Kinsale Harbour offers access to a wide range of leisure activities, including fishing and yachting. While Kinsale Harbour is one of the more touristy destinations, it also offers all the comforts of a larger town.
Compared to some of the other West Cork places to visit, you’ll find more pubs, hotels, and shops. The area around the harbour and marina includes many gift shops and restaurants.
Conclusion
West Cork is a distinct region with many older districts and a beautiful coastal landscape. To make the most out of your trip, consider traveling with a rooftop tent.
Consider buying a car rooftop tent which allows you to sleep off the ground, keeping you dry. They are also easy to set up, allowing you to quickly set up camp when you find the perfect spot during your scenic drives in West Cork.