On a calm day the harbour in Kinsale reflects colourful shopfronts and historic buildings like a picture perfect postcard. Kinsale is the first (or last) stop on the Wild Atlantic Way and is a haven for foodies, with plenty of history and interesting walks to help build up your appetite.

Kinsale Heritage Town Walk

A great way to get your bearings in Kinsale and to uncover the secrets of the place is on the Heritage Town Walk. Your guide, Kinsale native Dermot Ryan, has plenty of rich history to draw upon. The town dates back nearly 1,000 years and is the site of a famous battle between Irish, English and Spanish forces that proved to be the swansong for Gaelic Ireland.

Charles Fort

As you wander along the harbour watch out for the signposted Scilly Walk which takes you along a coastal trail to stunning Summercove. Stop at The Bulman Bar and Restaurant and take in the views with a coffee before heading up the road to Charles Fort, a star-shaped military fortress that was constructed in the 1600s during the reign of King Charles II. The terrain is quite uneven so be sure to wear suitable footwear. 

Kinsale Harbour Cruises

You can also get spectacular views of Charles Fort aboard The Spirit of Kinsale on a Kinsale Harbour Cruise, which features snacks and guided commentary throughout your journey.

Back on the mainland, finish your evening with a lovely meal in one of the town's nationally-renowned restaurants. On Market Street, Bastion is an intimate wine bistro that, like most Kinsale restaurants, makes the most of superb local seafood to earn itself a Michelin star. Although Bastion is the only local joint with a star, three other Kinsale eateries rate a Michelin Guide mention, including the Bib Gourmand Saint Francis Provisions.

The Old Head Kinsale & Signal Tower

If you continue on your journey from Kinsale to Clonakilty, make sure to take the road south along the coast to the Old Head of Kinsale, a stunning peninsula jutting over three kilometres into the Atlantic Ocean with a sense of history to match its spectacular setting. 

The Old Head Signal Tower is definitely worth a visit. Home to Ireland’s only restored Napoleonic signal tower, the site also acts as a memorial to the sinking of the RMS Lusitania, which was torpedoed by a German U-boat during World War I just 19km offshore. 

Clonakilty, shortened to ‘Clon’ by locals, is a vibrant, colourful town and a great place to include on your trip. True to another West Cork tradition – great food with a distinctly local flavour – Clon also enjoys a special place in Irish history as the birthplace of Michael Collins.

Michael Collins Centre

Even his arch-rival Eamon de Valera conceded that “history will recognise the greatness of Collins.” And so it has proved, with the legend of ‘the Big Fella’ growing year by year. You can find out more about this West Cork legend through stories and interesting memorabilia at the Michael Collins Centre, which was set up by family members, halfway between Clonakilty and Timoleague.

Inchydoney Beach

If you’re visiting Clonakilty on a Friday don’t miss the Farmers' Market where you can assemble a ‘locally-grown’ picnic before heading to the stunning white strand of Inchydoney Beach just 10 minutes away. A true highlight of the region, you could easily spend an afternoon wandering the beach or trying your hand at surfing at the Inchydoney Surf School, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.

Cork Whale Watch

You can easily reach Skibbereen on the main road from Clonakilty in 30 minutes, but take a little time to travel the quieter route through the beautiful fishing villages of Glandore and Union Hall, connected by the unique one-way Poulgorm Bridge. Another real highlight in Union Hall is Cork Whale Watch. Book in with local marine expert Colin Barnes who will take you out in search of humpbacks, fin and mink whales and bottlenose dolphins.

Skibbereen, as you’ve probably guessed, is 'Skib' to the locals, whose easy-going attitude to life has no truck with multi-syllable names. Skibbereen is the acknowledged capital of West Cork with colourful streetscapes and a buzz that’s palpable in the air.

Cycle West Cork

Skibbereen is a great base to cycle this part of West Cork and you can rent all you need for your trip from Cycle West Cork. Ease yourself in gently with a short spin out to Tragumna Beach or keep going up the steep headland with stunning views across Toehead Bay.

Skibbereen Farmers' Market

This part of West Cork is all about the food, so you won’t want to miss some of the best local produce at Skib’s famous Saturday Farmers' Market. Mingle with the locals, sample craft foods and find all you need for a picnic on Tralispean’s sandy beach just 10 minutes out the road.

Fastnet Trails

It’s no surprise that you could hike for days around Skibbereen given its stunning setting. Test your boots with the Lisheenacrehig Loop Walk, an easy 7.7km trail which winds past Kilcoe Church with its beautiful window designed by the renowned artist Harry Clarke.

Lough Hyne 

Lough Hyne, the only saltwater lake in Europe, is a 10-minute drive (or a 40-minute cycle) from Skibbereen, and a scenic haven of kayaking, snorkelling and generally exploring the wonderful marine life of the region. A nice option if you’re feeling adventurous is a night kayaking on the lough with Atlantic Sea Kayaking, which could prove to be a highlight of the whole trip.

Stop off for a ramble in Kilbrittain, midway from Clonakilty to Skibbereen. There’s a great choice of looped walks from the village to suit every level of walker. The Kiln Walk is a particular favourite, taking you through 14.5km of incredible scenery, south to Courtmacsherry and returning to Kilbrittain with amazing views over the bay.

If time permits, keep going on to Bantry and the Beara Peninsula where you can take in views of Famine ruins, distant islands and miles of incredible coastline.