It's A Place Apart
It’s no wonder that West Cork is called ‘A Place Apart’. Nature sets the pace in this beautiful southwest corner of Ireland – stretching from Kinsale to three rugged westerly peninsulas reaching into the wild Atlantic. You’ll find more open spaces, scenery and tranquillity than it is possible to take in during one visit. Many people return year after year to re-experience the peaceful rhythm of the fishing and farming community, where the seasons are paramount and people do notice how fast the grass is growing!
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Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way, stretching 2,500km along Ireland’s beautiful untamed coastline from Malin Head in Donegal to the Old Head of Kinsale in West Cork, is the world’s longest touring route.
The route features 159 ‘Discovery Points’ including ‘15 Wonders of the Wild Atlantic Way’; in other words, iconic must-see sights along Ireland’s west coast, three of which are located in West Cork — Dursey Island, Mizen Head and the Old Head of Kinsale.
The route has been described by Failte Ireland as “an adventure you’ll never forget”.
Look out for its unique zigzag signage.
West Cork Food & Markets
Thanks to its gentle and generous nature, this corner of the world has a wonderful food culture. West Cork’s farmers, award-winning artisan producers and chefs are leading Ireland’s culinary revolution.
From traditional pubs to world-class restaurants, at local farmers’ markets, and long-established food festivals, you can enjoy great food, which is locally sourced, right across West Cork.
Food producers of West Cork take pride in what they do and each item reflects not only the thought and effort put into creating their unique products but also the passion and enthusiasm they give to their work.
West Cork Festivals
Whatever time of the year you visit West Cork, there is always something going on! Listed below are some of the festivals that take place in West Cork annually.
Look out for posters and adverts for exact dates and details of these festivals. For full details of events and festivals happening in West Cork, pick up a copy of the monthly free paper, West Cork People.
West Cork Garden Trail
Garden enthusiasts and gardeners will be delighted to hear that there are 23 gardens on this year’s West Cork Garden Trail, the longest running trail of its kind in Ireland. From formally designed gardens to natural havens of biodiversity, formal to informal, traditional to more contemporary, this is an opportunity to glean new ideas for your own patch and discover rare plants or simply to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility in all of these garden gems.