Gougane Barra Hiking Trails and Forest Park

Castletownshend is a picturesque village, featuring some beautiful Georgian houses and the iconic two large sycamore trees curiously positioned in the middle of the main street. The steep road through Castletownshend, wrapping around the two trees, leads down to the pier and The Castle. The church, St. Barrahane’s, that towers over the harbour is 200 years old and well worth a visit. Also highly recommend is a visit to Drishane House at the entrance of the village. Beautifully situated, it is the home of Edith Somerville, who in partnership with her cousin, Violet Florence Martin, wrote several novels and short stories set in West Cork, including The Real Charlotte and Some Experiences of an Irish R.M., which was adapted into a T.V. show in the 1980s. Explore the garden with its wonderful paths leading through eighteen acres of woodlands and gardens, boasting some of the most spectacular coastal views in West Cork.

It’s hard to describe this amazing spot, only a short distance from Mizen Head and Barleycove in West Cork on the Wild Atlantic Way. An initially mellow walk, over fields past grazing sheep overlooking Mizen Head, is followed by a bit of a steep but relatively short hill. But when you get to the top…and see what’s on the other side…WOW! You don’t know whether to sit down and take it all in for a while, or run down and explore the 3 Castle Head ruins. The lake that gives the area a sense of mystical calm, strangely also reminded me of an infinity pool.

This wonderful, scenic loop walk is roughly 8km (or 6km without the optional section through the forest) and another one of the many wonderful walks and hikes in West Cork. It is marked red (Rathbarry - Kilkeran Loop) on the trail signs and brings you up to the High Cross, overlooking Castlefreke, Rathbarry old churches, onward through Castlefreke Forest, past Kilkeran Lake and along above the Dunes of Long Strand with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean with Galley Head Lighthouse to the east of the strand.

Castlefreke is a wonderful collection of woodlands that are linked by a number of trails and only about 10 minutes from Clonakilty or Rosscarbery. There are 2 entrances to the Castlefreke Forest Recreation Area; from Rathbarry and from Owenahincha. One of the best views of the Castle is by the Owenahincha entrance. The forests are ecologically rich and boast a range of habitats including wet woodlands, coastal marine sites and old woodland.

The Beacon in Baltimore is a white-washed tower majestically guarding the entrance of the harbour. It is also referred to as Lot’s Wife, after a biblical figure that turned into a pillar of salt (apparently). This is a stunning spot to visit whether on holidays in West Cork, on your Staycation or for those lucky enough to be living in West Cork. Perfect if combined with a trip to one of the Islands around Baltimore and lunch in one of the restaurants around the harbour. Or bring your own picnic (see top tips).

Downeen Castle, specifically its southerly tower which sits on a little island and which was formerly joined to the mainland, is located just a few kilometres outside Rosscarbery.

Galley Head Lighthouse near Castlefreke is a short drive from Clonakilty or Rosscarbery in West Cork on the Wild Atlantic Way. There are some stunning views of it from a headland north east of it. The lighthouse is situated on Galley Head at the southern end of the headland known as Dundeady island at 133 feet above sea level, overlooking two beaches, Red Strand to the east and the Long Strand to the west. The lighthouse itself is not accessible for visitors, but the surrounding areas offering some wonderful views.

Unveiling the Mysteries of Ancient Ireland

If you're a history enthusiast or just keen to learn more about Ireland's past, a visit to Michael Collins House in Clonakilty is a must. This charming museum offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of Ireland's most influential figures, Michael Collins.