The South West
ROADTRIP
This spectacular journey travels through some of Cork’s most scenic towns and villages, taking in a stunning vista of rugged coastlines along the route – from Youghal to historic Kinsale on the Atlantic coastline and Mizen Head before looping gently back to Cork along the river Lee. YOUGHAL TO KINSALE Beginning in the town of (A) Youghal, a seaside resort in County Cork, travel south west (via E30/ N25) to historic (B) Midleton, a town that has been famous since the 19th century for whiskey distilling, and whose origins date back to the 12th century. Today, the town’s main attractions include the Jameson Heritage Centre, where you can take the Jameson Experience tour and discover restored machinery, old Irish distilling methods and much more. From Midleton, take the N25 to (C) Cork city, stopping in at Barryscourt Castle along the way, the 16th century seat of the Barry family. On the outskirts of the city, follow the N40, N27 and then the R600 towards (D) Kinsale, another Cork town that is steeped in history, where you can visit the old James and Charles forts, St Multose Church and Desmond Castle. JOURNEY: 73km KINSALE TO CROOKHAVEN From Kinsale, strike out south west for (E) Clonakilty along the R600/601, a small and charming town which dates from the 17th century. Clonakilty has plenty to interest the tourist both in and around the town – from the West Cork Regional Museum to the 10-day festival held in the town each July. Next, take the N71 to the town of (F) Rosscarbery, best known as the birthplace of the founder of the Fenian movement, Jeremiah O’Donovan Rossa. The next stop will be the picturesque town of (G) Skibbereen, further southwest along the N71, where you can visit the heritage centre and learn about the impact of the Great Famine in what was one of the worst affected areas in Ireland. From Skibbereen, you can choose one of two routes; a 12km drive to Baltimore (scene of a 17th century sacking and kidnapping by Algerian pirates) via the R595 or follow the N71 to the busy town of Schull and on to (H) Crookhaven near Mizen
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Hole 17 on Kinsale Headland, Co Cork
Ballingeary before reaching (K) Macroom, a beautiful market town with a colourful town centre. Nearby attractions include the gateway and tower of the once proud Macroom Castle and the 19th century Bealick Mill. JOURNEY: 93km
Head, where some truly magnificent views await. JOURNEY: 78km (112 via Crookhaven) CROOKHAVEN TO MACROOM From Crookhaven, follow the R591 north for a spectacular drive along the coast as you wind your way to (I) Bantry, the scene of a failed landing by French forces during the 18th century, an event that is commemorated by the French Armada Centre. Other places of interest around Bantry include the 18th century Bantry House featuring wonderful gardens and tapestries and pony trekking around Bantry Bay. From here, take the N71 north before following the R584 east over the Shehy Mountains, stopping in at (J) Ballingeary Forest Park. Don’t forget to stop in at Gougane Barra on the way past; a tiny island sits in the centre of Gougane Barra Lake containing the remains of St. Finbarr’s monastery from the sixth century. Continuing along the R584 you’ll pass through the small village of
MACROOM TO YOUGHAL From Macroom, head east along the R618 for (L) Blarney – home to Blarney Castle and the world-famous Blarney Stone, which is said to grant anyone who kisses it the ‘gift of the gab’ – the power of speech. There are plenty of other attractions here to occupy your attention, including the Blarney Woollen Mills, Blarney House, which was built on the grounds in 1874, and the charming village of Blarney itself. From Blarney, follow the N20 and N8 into and through Cork city, and then the N25 on the outskirts of the city, heading once again for Midleton and returning to where you began in Youghal. JOURNEY: 89km
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IRELAND AT YOUR LEISURE 2017/2018
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