As the kids ask ‘are we there yet’ shortly after you leave Cork city, the answer is probably yes. Kinsale, just a 40-minute drive from the city, is a great base for your family trip around West Cork. Described as ‘ridiculously pretty’ by travel writers, you’ll soon see why as you wander its colourful streetscapes, picnic on its lovely beaches or take the kids in search of dolphins and whales.

Charles Fort

Even smaller children should be up for the short Scilly Walk from Kinsale Harbour along the coast to Summercove and on to the impressive Charles Fort, with incredible sea views towards the Old Head of Kinsale. It’s the finest surviving example of a ‘star fort’ in Ireland so there’s loads to explore here, and you won’t want to miss the Family Trail around the fort or the seasonal themed treasure trails.

Kinsale Harbour Cruise

If you’re visiting on a Wednesday, pack a picnic with local produce from the Kinsale Farmers' Market and take it with you on the Kinsale Harbour Cruise. The boat trip is only an hour long so ideal for smaller children who can keep an eye out for sea life and point out all the places they have visited as they sail past.

Old Head Signal Tower

If you’re travelling on to Clonakilty make sure to go out the coast road to the Old Head Signal Tower. Alongside incredible views of Old Head Lighthouse along the coastline, the Napoleonic signal tower is also home to the Lusitania Museum which tells the story of the sinking of the RMS Lusitania during WWI. The kids can even see memorabilia and artefacts recovered from the wreckage. 

Heading west, you can stop off for a bite to eat in the Stranded Café before visiting Garrylucas Beach for a quick dip in the refreshing Atlantic Ocean. 

Garretstown Wood

Just outside Kinsale is Garretstown Wood, a good spot for an afternoon amble along one of its looped walks. Check out the Spa Bathing Bath - an old spring well said to have restorative powers – on the southern end of the wood.

A little further down the road is the vibrant and colourful town of Clonakilty, shortened to ‘Clon’ by locals. It’s one of the best places in West Cork for families with beaches, an adventure park and its famous model railway.

Clonakilty beaches

Clonakilty is the beach capital of West Cork with 90% of the region’s beaches within 20km of the town. Take a picnic to Red Strand with views of Galley Head Lighthouse, try surfing with the Inchydoney Surf School or go for a sunset stroll followed by fish and chips on Owenahincha Beach.

West Cork Model Railway Village

As Ireland’s only model village, West Cork Model Railway Village makes for a unique experience for the little ones. Roam a miniaturised version of 1940s West Cork, including features like its pretty towns and locals. After, grab a seat in the onsite café - set in an original train carriage - and take in scenic views of the bay. Before you leave, hop on the Village's Road Train for a 30-minute jaunt around Clonakilty. 

Clonakilty Park Adventure Centre

If you fancy a freefall jump with the kids, you can try it out at the Clonakilty Park Adventure Centre, set on the grounds of Clonakilty Park Hotel. Trek through the air on high ropes, scream down the zip line and catch the view from the 65ft climbing wall as you navigate the course over two hours. Bear in mind, this activity is best suited towards kids aged eight and over.

Unforgettable coastal drive

The town of Skibbereen is not far down the road from Clonakilty, but it’s well-worth taking the time to plot your route along the coast through the pretty little fishing villages of Glandore and Union Hall.

Cork Whale Watch

While you’re in Union Hall, try to find Fungi’s relations on a boat trip with Cork Whale Watch. Depending on the time of year you can see bottlenose dolphins, basking sharks and the smaller minke whale. You might even spot the acrobatic humpback whale or the truly magnificent fin whale, the second largest animal ever to have lived. After your sea adventure, warm yourselves up with a tea in the Castle at Castletownshend before continuing on to Skibbereen.

Skibbereen, affectionately known as “Skib” to the locals is a great base to explore even further into West Cork. It’s fair to say it’s buzzing, with its colourful streets and friendly locals.

Hire bikes for the kids at Cycle West Cork and explore around the town. Or if they’re feeling up for an adventure you can reach the little beach of Tragumna in just 30 minutes with the promise of a swim to cool off.  After that, it’s not much further until you reach peaceful Lough Hyne.

Lough Hyne 

Lough Hyne is the only salt-water lake in Europe and is a popular spot for kayaking, snorkelling and generally exploring the wonderful marine life of the region. A really special option if you’re feeling adventurous is night kayaking on the lough, a highlight of the whole trip and something the kids can share with their friends back home.

Oileáin Chléire (Cape Clear Island)

Baltimore is just 15 minutes from Skibbereen, and from here, you can take the ferry to the Irish speaking community of Oileáin Chléire (Cape Clear Island) with incredible views out to Fastnet Rock and its iconic lighthouse.  

Kids also enjoy a visit to Cleire Goats Farm - an easy walk from the harbour – with the promise of a goat’s milk ice-cream to keep them going.

Kilbrittain

It’s worth taking a short detour on the R603 towards Kilbrittain. Just before a bridge over its namesake river, Kilbrittain Woods/Waterfall park pops up on the right with a fabulous walk through the woods that includes a fairy trail for the little ones.

Timoleague Abbey

Timoleague gets its name and character from the historic Timoleague Abbey founded in 1240 AD by St Tigh Molaga. There’s plenty of parking with nice river views and picnic tables if you fancy stopping here for a family lunch.