| ereen is a bustling and vibrant town built on the | | | | budgets. |
| river IIen. Known as the “hub” of | | | | Skibbereen is a truly authentic Irish town and has |
| West Cork it is the ideal base from which to | | | | something for everyone’s tastes. The |
| discover the quaint fishing villages of Baltimore, | | | | welcoming atmosphere and charm will leave you |
| Glandore and Castletownsend. | | | | wanting more. |
| Skibbereen offers the tourist a wealth of | | | | If it’s a peace and quiet you long for then |
| attractions both historical and recreational. Over | | | | the cliff-side fishing village of Ballycotton is well |
| the years the town has vigilantly retained its | | | | worth a visit. Only 30 minutes drive east of Cork |
| traditional feel with its colourful shops and inviting | | | | city Ballycotton has a small population of |
| decorative streets. The Irish famine in the | | | | approximately 500 people. The hilly fishing harbour |
| 1840’s took its toll on Skibbereen and | | | | has fantastic views over a boat filled marina to a |
| today this era is remembered in the | | | | steep island dominated by the famous black |
| “Great Famine Exhibition” at | | | | lighthouse. |
| Skibbereen Heritage Centre. Here historical lovers | | | | Ballycotton has lots to offer the tourist and its |
| can learn about the worst human disaster of the | | | | clean and unspoilt sandy beaches are a credit to |
| 19th Century by seeing original artefacts from | | | | its locals who are mindful of the dramatic |
| that era and listening to the dramatization of | | | | coastline. The Ballinamona area is a noted bird |
| events retold by actors. | | | | watching area of international importance and |
| The Heritage Centre is also home to the Salt | | | | Capel Island and Ballycotton Island offer a wide |
| Water Aquarium. This exhibit displays some of the | | | | variety of habitat and rare species. |
| rare species and plant life taken from Loch Hyne. | | | | For those traveling with young families the short |
| (Ireland’s first marine nature reserve, | | | | drive to Fota Island Wildlife Park is a great day |
| which is only 5km south west of the town.) | | | | out. Trabolgan holiday village offers a great range |
| Skibbereen has lots to offer the | | | | of activities from the indoor heated |
| “active” tourist. Set on the | | | | “wave pool” to outdoor golf and |
| picturesque coastline of West Cork | | | | other leisure pursuits. |
| “Skib” is renowned for its nautical | | | | Ballycotton offers a wide selection of food and |
| feel. Choose from a range of water sports, sailing, | | | | accommodation that will suit all tastes and |
| kayaking, scuba diving, fishing etc. For those | | | | budgets. Traditional B & B’s and |
| wanting to stay on dry land why not discover the | | | | welcoming holiday cottages will ensure your stay |
| coastline on horseback, pony-trekking or the | | | | in Ballycotton will be a comfortable and enjoyable |
| guided walking tours. | | | | one. The nearby village of Shanagarry is home to |
| After spending a busy day exploring the delights | | | | the internationally renowned Ballymaloe House. |
| the town has to offer take a break and relax in | | | | The 4 star guesthouse is also a cookery school |
| one of Skibbereen’s 26 pubs or award | | | | and its gourmet restaurant is open all year round. |
| winning restaurants. | | | | For those wanting to take home some |
| The nightlife in Skibbereen is not to be missed! | | | | “local produce” the Stephen |
| The locals cater for all tastes by offering an | | | | Pearce Pottery range uses only local clay in his |
| eclectic mix of live Irish music and contemporary | | | | decorative ware. |
| up and coming bands. | | | | So if you’re traveling outside Cork City |
| Accommodation is plentiful and a wide selection of | | | | and want a chance to relax and unwind then |
| luxury hotels, B & B’s and | | | | Ballycotton village is a little jewel not to be missed! |
| self-catering cottages will suit all tastes and | | | | |