Discover Skibbereen

Skibbereen brings together the legacy of the Great Famine and a route that leads from the town into the coastal scenery of West Cork. This offers two distinct perspectives for planning your trip: the history of Skibbereen and the changing scenery of sea, bays, headlands and promontories. Skibbereen Heritage Centre is on the west side of the town and is a visitor attraction. If you are planning a visit, check the latest access information before travelling.

Famine heritage in Skibbereen

The Great Irish Famine Exhibition tells the story of the Great Famine through exhibits, dramatic presentations and interactive stations. The exhibition presents the history of the Famine in Skibbereen through Dr Dan Donovan and others from that time, while visitors are guided through the town.

The “Skibbereen: Famine Stories” map guides visitors to Famine heritage sites in Skibbereen. It focuses on specific places in the town and complements the exhibition by providing a geographical perspective. This places the interpretation at the Centre and the heritage sites in the town alongside one another as distinct points of reference.

Skibbereen Cycle Hub Loop 1

Skibbereen Cycle Hub Loop 1 starts at the post office in Skibbereen. It passes close to Lough Abisdealy, reaches the coast at Tragumna Beach, then follows the headlands, bays and promontories of this part of West Cork to Castletownsend; the route then returns to Skibbereen. Unlike the Famine heritage map, whose destinations are in Skibbereen, the loop describes a route from the town through the coastal region and back.

Lough, river and coastal scenery

Nearby is Lough Hyne, Ireland’s first marine nature reserve and a unique saltwater lake. The River Ilen flows into the sea south of Skibbereen and is known for salmon and sea trout fishing. These are different kinds of water features: a saltwater lake nearby and a river whose mouth is near Skibbereen. Together with the route of Cycle Hub Loop 1, they show how a range of landscape features are connected with Skibbereen.

More destinations in the wider Cork destination

The wider Cork destination includes other distinct cultural attractions. Barryscourt Castle was built between 1392 and 1420 as an Irish tower house. Charles Fort was built between 1677 and 1682 to protect the town and harbour of Kinsale; from the fort’s walls and ramparts, you can look out over the harbour. The two structures represent different historical functions: a tower house and a fort intended to protect a town and harbour.

Gardens and landscape attractions are also part of the wider Cork destination. Fota Arboretum covers 11 hectares and is home to rare, delicate trees and shrubs that grow outdoors. The gardens at Fota include an ornamental lake, formal pleasure gardens, an orangery and a sun temple. Ilnacullin is a small island garden in the sheltered coastal harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, with horticultural and architectural features.

At Mizen Head in the wider Cork destination, the visitor centre covers the geology of the region and the Fastnet Rescue Tide Clock; the content on display may change. Visitors can cross the arched bridge, although access conditions may change. Below the bridge, seals, kittiwakes, gannets and jackdaws can be seen; sightings are not guaranteed.

Discover more destinations: Dernagree, Rosscarbery, Schull, Goleen, Ballygarvan, Mitchelstown, Dromkeen, Riverstick

Back to the wider travel overview: Cork.