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Accommodation_Cork
A
busy seaside town, KINSALE is famous for being the gourmet centre of
Ireland. Alexander Selkirk, who left from Kinsale Harbour and ended
stranded on a desert island, was the inspiration for Daniel Defoe’s
Robinson Crusoe. Before serving as a prison for French and American
captives, Desmond Castle (call 4774855 for information) was occupied by
the Spanish. During the Famine it was used as a workhouse and now
houses a small museum. One of the oldest churches of |
Ireland is St
Multose Church (call 4772220 for information) which bears the name of
the saint patron of Kinsale. Charles Fort is a star-shaped fort dating
back to the 17th century.
Guided walking tours and harbour cruises are two pleasant ways to
discover Kinsale (contact Herlihy’s Guided Tours on 4772873 and Kinsale
Harbour Cruises on 4773188/087 227 2319 for information).
CLONAKILTY is a very welcoming town, proud of his local hero Michael
Collins who was born not far from there. There is a very lively pub
life at night. Clonakilty was founded in the late 13th century, and
later refounded in the early 17th century. The Tourist Office on Ashe
St will provide you with all the information you need about the town
and area. The Church of Immaculate Conception and West Cork Modern
Railway Village are two places worth a visit. Not far from Clonakilty
lies Lisnagun Ring Fort. On the road to Skibbereen you will admire the
17 uprights of Drombeg Stone Circle. The busy market-town of SKIBBEREEN
hosts a three-day traditional music festival. The Famine years provoked
the death or emigration of the major part of the local population.
These times are depicted at the Heritage Centre (call 40900 for
information). Mass graves of local people who died during that period
can be found in Abbeystrewery Cemetery.
The road to BALTIMORE is a picturesque one, and the magnificent
surroundings are a pleasure for the eyes. Diving, Sailing and Deep-sea
fishing are the main activities you could go for in Baltimore. A
seafood festival takes place in May when mussels and prawns are on
offer in the pubs. CLEAR ISLAND or Cape Clear Island, is a rugged
Irish-speaking area ideal for activities such as walking, bird watching
or archaeological exploration. The story-telling festival which takes
place in September every year attracts people from all around the
world. Immerse yourself in the GOUGANE BARRA FOREST PARK following the
road and the many paths and nature trails.
GETTING AROUND WESTERN CORK [Se rendre et se déplacer dans l’ouest du
comté de Cork]
The following services are run by Bus Eireann (call 450
8188 for information):
Kinsale to Cork
Clonakilty to Cork and Clonakilty to Skibbereen
Skibbereen to Cork and Skibbereen to Schull
There are buses from to Baltimore from Skibbereen
You can also take a boat connecting Schull, Baltimore and
Clear Island (call 391159 for information or visit
www.emara.com/capeclearferry -or call 39153 or visit
www.westcorkcoastalcruises.com)
The Gougane Barra Forest Park is serviced by a
Saturday-only bus in July and August from Macroom |
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