The Guide To County Cork

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