The Wild Atlantic Way in County Cork: Where to Stop

The Wild Atlantic Way in County Cork offers a breathtaking drive that showcases secluded beaches, vibrant towns, and isolated islands. This stunning 400 km route is truly worth exploring.

While the entire Wild Atlantic Way stretches an impressive 2,500 km (from the top to the bottom of the country), this blog post zeroes in on the captivating section in Cork, highlighting my must-see spots.

Living in West Cork, I know this area intimately and have crafted an itinerary to help you discover its charm over five days. By taking your time, you’ll enjoy more sightseeing and less driving, as most stops are conveniently about 30 minutes apart. This leisurely pace allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty of this part of Ireland and connect with its friendly people.

BEST Stops on the Wild Atlantic Way in Cork

Remember, you are following the famed Wild Atlantic Way route for this drive – there is a more direct route from Kinsale to Allihies (your start and end point), but please ignore that and follow the Wild Atlantic Way Route, also known as the West Cork Coastal Route to locals. This route (it’s the one I describe below) takes you past Courtmacherry, Clonakilty, Rosscarbery, Skibbereen, etc.

Stop 1: Kinsale

Vibrant Kinsale is one of my favorite towns in Ireland. Located about a 30-minute drive from Cork City, this charming town is a maze of narrow streets lined with brightly painted buildings.

Renowned for its culinary scene, Kinsale boasts some of the finest restaurants in County Cork, earning its title as the gourmet capital of Ireland – it truly is a haven for food enthusiasts. I particularly enjoy wandering through Kinsale on foot, coffee in hand, while exploring its charming shops and art galleries. Additionally, from Kinsale you can easily access Charles Fort, a 17-th Century star-shaped fort that boasts epic views of Kinsale Harbor.

And of course, the Old Head of Kinsale is closeby – around 13 km from the center of town. Think of it as a more rugged Cliffs of Moher. Also at the ‘Old Head’, as the locals call it, is The Old Head of Kinsale Signal Tower, which delves into the tragic tale of the RMS Lusitania, which was sunk by a German U-boat during World War I, leading to the loss of approximately 1,200 lives.

Where to stay in Kinsale:

Definitely stay the night in Kinsale. if you can, we like Acton’s Hotel in the center of town, which offers lovely, spacious rooms – some with a view of the harbor. The hotel also has an indoor pool and bar, and restaurant on-site.

Another good option is Perryville House, a 4-star hotel in the center of town. You can’t miss it, it’s painted pink and is very eye-catching. The rooms here are luxurious, and there’s a lovely courtyard out back.

Stop 2: Courtmacsherry

Courtmacsherry, a charming little village, is our next suggested stop, and it’s around a 40-minute drive from Kinsale (via the R600 road). It’s famous for its amazing coastal views, and there’s a lovely harbor that’s great for sailing, fishing, and kayaking. If you’re into walking or hiking, the trails around here (particularly the Fuchsia Loop) offer awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean and the lush Irish countryside.

We’ve spent many Saturdays walking through Courtmacsherry Woods with our two young daughters.

The locals are super friendly in this tiny village, and there are some cute pubs and eateries where you can enjoy tasty local dishes and good vibes. We love The Lifeboat Inn and The Courtmacsherry Hotel (which hosts live music in their huge beer garden every Sunday afternoon in the summer).

Stop 3: Clonakilty

The drive from Courtmacsherry to Clonakilty is around 20 minutes.

Start your time here off with a wander through the charming town center, where you’ll find colorful buildings, cute shops, and cozy cafes.

Next, pay a visit to the Michael Collins Centre to dive into the history of this iconic Irish revolutionary. If you’re into unique food, head over to the Clonakilty Blackpudding Visitor Centre to discover how the town’s famous black pudding is made – and, of course, try some!

If you’re traveling with kids or have a train-lover with you, you may want to check out West Cork Model Railway Village is one of the best things to do in Cork with kids. An outdoor, fully scaled, handmade model of the old West Cork Railway featuring model buildings of the town as it looked in the 1940s. Entrance to the Model Village costs from €12.50 per adult and €7.50 per child (under 12 years).

Stop 4: Inchydoney Beach

Next, make a detour to Inchdoney Beach, which is a whopping seven miles in length. It’s one of the best beaches in West Cork for a nice, long beach walk. The popularity of this beach is probably due to the stunning Inchydoney beach hotel, which overlooks the beach. And I highly recommend having a meal or at least a coffee here.

Stop 5: Owenahincha & Long Strand

These two lovely beaches are next to one another, and they’re a very small detour off the main road from Clonakilty to Rosscarbery. Owenahincha is the smaller of the two, and it’s popular with families and anyone who wants to swim, as you can’t really swim at Long Strand due to the strong currents.

I actually prefer Long Strand out of the two – as per its name, it’s very long (about 2 km), is backed by sand dunes, and there’s an amazing fish & chip restaurant/ cafe here called The Fish Basket. Word of warning, though, it’s super-popular, and you will be queuing for a table, as they don’t take reservations. Dare I say, it’s home to the best fish in Cork!

Stop 6: Rosscarbery

This small town is just over a 10-minute drive from Clonakilty, it’s very picturesque – it overlooks a lovely bay and is surrounded by rolling hills and lush countryside.

In the town itself, you can check out some cool historical spots, like the St. Fachtna Cathedral, and there’s an inflatable water park at the lagoon here. Just outside of town, Smugglers Cove is a lot of fun, too. Here, there’s a tubing park, crazy golf, and more.

In Short, Rosscarbery is super welcoming, with cozy pubs and tasty eateries. We love the coffee at Drip Coffee!

Stop 7: Drombeg Stone Circle

Drombeg Stone Circle (aka the Druid’s Altar), which dates back to the Bronze Age, is a worthy stop between Rosscarbery and Skibbereen. It’s very close to the lovely town of Glandore.

This ancient site dates back to the Bronze Age, around 1100 – 800 BC, and is made up of 17 closely spaced stones forming a circle. Its alignment with celestial events suggests that it may have been used for ceremonial or astrological purposes, offering a glimpse into the sophisticated understanding of astronomy by the people living here back then.

Stop 8: Glandore & Union Hall

Glandore is a teeny-tiny coastal village that’s home to a few pubs/ restaurants and great views of the Atlantic Ocean. There’s not a whole lot to do here, so it will likely be a quick stop.

Just over the road is the slightly bigger Union Hall, which is the setting for the Netflix TV series Bodkin. There are a few restaurants, pubs, and a small supermarket here. And if you go down by the harbour area, you will likely catch local fishermen going through their catch. The fish at The Fish Basket in Long Strand comes from Union Hall!

Stop 9: Lough Hyne

On the route into Skibbereen, nature and photography lovers will likely be keen to check out Lough Hyne, Ireland’s first Marine Nature Reserve. It’s the perfect spot for a short hike.

This beautiful spot is surrounded by lush woodlands and hills, perfect for anyone looking to chill out in nature. What makes Lough Hyne really special is its unique tidal flow, creating a vibrant home for all sorts of marine life, including some rare plants and animals.

You can even do bioluminescent kayaking here; this phenomenon is usually visible at night between April and October. And you can book guided night kayaking tours here.

Stop 10: Skibbereen

Skibbereen is another large, colorful town along the Wild Atlantic Way in Cork. Like Clonakilty, we advise spending at least half a day here. Or it may be a good idea to spend the night here to break up your route nicely.

Kick off your visit here at the Skibbereen Heritage Centre to dive into the Great Famine and the area’s rich history.

And when it comes to food, you can’t miss the local farmers’ market, which is held every Saturday until 2 pm, or The Church Restaurant in the town center (which is where we recommend having dinner while in town).

Where to stay in Skibbereen:

The West Cork Hotel is a popular place to stay here; it overlooks the Ilen River and is a short drive (or a 15-minute walk) from the town center. The rooms are spacious and stylish, and there’s a bar and restaurant on-site.

Stop 11: Mizen Head

Mizen Head is the most Southwesterly point in Ireland, and it’s just a 15-minute drive from Skibbereen. While here, don’t miss the iconic arched bridge that connects the mainland to the Mizen Head Signal Station, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the cliffs below.

As you explore the walking trails, keep an eye out for wildlife, including seals and seabirds, and if you visit during the right season, you might even spot whales or dolphins in the distance, too!

Catching the signal station at sunset is sure to make for an exceptionally pretty photo!

Stop 12: Baltimore

Baltimore will be your next stop, and we advise spending a night or two here so that you can explore Sherkin Island and Cape Clear Island (the ferry to these gorgeous islands leaves from the pier in Baltimore).

While in Baltimore, be sure to stop off at The Baltimore Beacon, a famous landmark that provides panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. And is the perfect spot for an easy morning walk. For those interested in history, the village has a rich maritime heritage, and you can learn more about it at the local heritage center.

You could also do this whale watching tour from Baltimore (where the ferry leaves from). It’s 3 hours long and along the boat ride you’ll highly likely get to see dolphins, basking sharks, humpback whales and maybe even a killer whale if you’re lucky. Tickets cost from €40 euro per person. And keep in mind that whale watching season here runs from April to December.

We recommend having a meal at Dede at The Custom House in Baltimore, it’s one of the best restaurants in Ireland and has two Michelin stars! Run by Chef Ahmet Dede, his dishes marry his Irish surroundings and his Turkish heritage perfectly. They offer a fine dining tasting menu and are open from Thursday to Sunday (they do open on Wednesdays in peak season)

Where to stay in Baltimore:

Baltimore is teeny-tiny, so there aren’t many accommodation options here, but luckily, there are two great hotels in the town center – The Waterfront Hotel and Casey’s of Baltimore. Both are small, but the rooms are comfortable and clean.

Stop 13: Schull

This place is a fantastic mix of stunning nature, laid-back village vibes, and cool culture. Around a 40-minute drive from your previous stop (Baltimore), Schull offers jaw-dropping coastal views and plenty of fun stuff like sailing, kayaking, and hiking on its beautiful trails. FYI, we like the Colla Loop trail.

The Schull Planetarium is the perfect spot here for anyone into stargazing or just curious about the universe. It’s part of Schull Community College and a great place to learn about the night sky. With its top-notch projection tech, the planetarium offers mind-blowing experiences that take you on a journey through the cosmos.

The village is super friendly and buzzing with cute shops, cozy cafes, and lively pubs where you can kick back and enjoy some traditional Irish tunes. Schull also has a buzzing arts scene, with events like the Fastnet Film Festival (held at the end of May) that draw creative folks from all over the world.

Nico’s is a great spot for dinner in Schull, and for coffee, we love Nickies Kitchen. As for a pint, The Bunratty Inn is our go-to here.

Stop 14: Ballydehob

Ballydehob, a picturesque village around a 10-minute drive from Schull, is your suggested next stop. Known for its vibrant arts scene and welcoming community, this charming locale offers a delightful blend of culture and natural beauty. The village is dotted with colorful shopfronts, cozy cafes, and art galleries showcasing local talent. Ballydehob is also home to the iconic Twelve Arch Bridge (pictured above).

Stop 15: Bantry

Nestled on the edge of Bantry Bay, one of the deepest natural harbors in the world, this town offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Beara and Sheep’s Head peninsulas.

Bantry is renowned for its vibrant arts scene, with events such as the West Cork Chamber Music Festival and the West Cork Literary Festival attracting visitors from around the globe. The town also boasts historical sites like Bantry House, a stately home with beautiful gardens and a fascinating history.

Where to stay in Bantry:

The Maritime Hotel is our recommendation in Bantry. It overlooks the water and is the biggest hotel in town. It’s a 4-star property and has an indoor pool.

Stop 16: Dursey Cable Car

Dursey Island is one of the few inhabited islands in Ireland. Dursey is situated at the western tip of the Beara Peninsula in West Cork and is just 6.5 km long and 1.5 km wide. The island is separated from the mainland by a narrow stretch of water called the Dursey Sound. It has become famous as it is connected to the mainland by Ireland’s only cable car. The journey costs just €10 return per adult.

Dolphins and whales are regular visitors to the Dursey Sound, so be sure to keep an eye out on your cable car journey. If you’re a bird-watcher, then Dursey will be heaven for you – there are thousands of seabirds to be seen.

Stop 17: Glengarriff

Glengarriff, also known as the Rugged Glen, is a paradise for hikers of all abilities. Walks in and around Glengarriff feature some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland.

The Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve is a lovely mature oak woodland in the heart of the old Glengarriff Valley. There are many picnic areas and several viewpoints within easy reach along the trail. Perhaps the best lookout point on the trail is Lady Bantry’s Lookout, which gives a panoramic view across Bantry Bay and up to the Caha Mountains. 

The Blue Pools is a short walk from the Main Street of Glengarriff village. You can access the blue pool beside Quills in the centre of the village. The Blue Pools has many trails and walkways through a magical forested area with beautiful views of the harbor. If you walk beyond the Blue Pool itself, you reach an area known as The Point. Here, there is a diving board and a beautiful sun-drenched bathing area. There’s also a pontoon for you to swim off.

Stop 18: Garnish Island

Located in Glengarriff Harbour, this stunning horticultural gem is renowned for its unique microclimate and lush gardens. And you can catch a ferry to here from the Blue Pools in Glengarriff; the ferry ride is just 15 minutes.

This 15-hectare island is home to a diverse collection of exotic plants and trees, and the gardens were designed in the early 20th century by Harold Peto, a renowned architect and garden designer.

On the island, you can explore the Italianate garden, Martello tower, and the tranquil Tea House while enjoying breathtaking views of Bantry Bay.

Entry to the island costs from 5 euros per adult and you must catch a ferry to get here – we opted to get the Blue Pools Ferry, and it cost us 40 euros return for 3 adults and 2 children. You buy the tickets for the ferry from the booth on the entry to the Blue Pools.

Stop 19: Allihies

Your last stop along the Wild Atlantic Way in Cork is Allihies, a charming little village tucked away on the Beara Peninsula.

It’s famous for its stunning coastal views and rich history, offering a cool peek into Ireland’s past and natural beauty. Back in the 19th century, the village was a hub for copper mining. You can check out the Allihies Copper Mine Museum to get the scoop on its mining days.

Allihies has some seriously amazing scenery, and the best way to admire the rugged scenery is from one of the many hiking trails here – the Allihies Loop and the Allihies Copper Mine Trail are two of the most popular hikes here.

Extra stops you should consider:

• Castletownbere – One of Ireland’s largest fishing ports, bustling with activity as trawlers dock to unload their catches.
• Eyeries – Not too far from Allihies above, Eyeries is also known for its colorful houses and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Sheep’s Head – A famed hiking route on the Beara Peninsula
• Three Castle Head – This remote and picturesque site is home to the ruins of Dunlough Castle, which consists of three towers dating back to the 13th century.

Slainte!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog about the Wild Atlantic Way in Cork road trip. We absolutely adore driving this route, and I’m sure you will too. I just pray for good weather for you!