Page 48 - The Driver's Guide to the Wild Atlantic

The Driver's Guide
EAT
Visiting Cork? The Black Pig Winebar
is a must. Located in Kinsale, Cork this restaurant features locally sourced and naturally produced food; not to mention the fantastic collection of over 250 wines. Open 17:30-20:00 Wednesday through Sunday, this restaurant combines a cosy atmosphere with friendly service and flavourful food. There’s something for everyone with dishes like oysters, duck breast, and chicken liver pate. Mentioned in the Sunday Business Post 101 Great Irish Restaurants 2018 and McKennas’ Guides Top 100 Restaurants in Ireland 2019, this restaurant is the perfect spot for anyone who enjoys wine, fantastic food, and a good time.
66B Lower O’Connell St, Kinsale, Co. Cork. www.facebook.com/ theblackpigwinebar
CORK
SHERKIN ISLAND
FERRY FROM BALTIMORE 10 min ride
Located just ten minutes from the charming port village of Baltimore, Sherkin Island is one of Cork’s best remote locations and is one of the real gems of the south east.
The island, is approximately 5 km long with a population of about 100, and lies off the southwest coast of Ireland. Sherkin Island, the ancestral home of the O’Driscoll clan, is the most accessible island in Ireland – only ten minutes by ferry from the small fishing port of Baltimore, Co.Cork. The island boasts a wonderful array of landscapes, Atlantic views from the hilltops, fuchsia-scented lanes and the finest sandy beaches.
The best way to find out about Sherkin Island (Inis Arcain in Irish or Inisherkin) is to come and explore for yourself! The island also boasts its own summer months rural transport bus, B&Bs, a great traditional Irish Pub and more. It’s always been a home to artists and is also host to a visual arts college programme in addition to an artistic and musical summer festival.
STAY
The 3-star West Cork Hotel sits on the
banks of the River Ilen at the center of Skibbereen. Its 50 guest rooms are cosy and often have stunning views of the river, and you can even bring your pup along thanks to the on-site kennel. When it comes to eating, Kennedys Restaurant does it right. The hotel’s main dining destination highlights locally-caught seafood, locally-sourced seasonal game, local herbs, and organic vegetables on its menu. If you want a more casual setting, check out the hotel’s Bridge Bar. Its old-world leather seating and local delicacies create a great atmosphere. www.westcorkhotel.com
CAPE CLEAR
FERRY FROM BALTIMORE 40 min from exit
One of the final islands on our north- south route of the Wild Atlantic Way is the majestic Cape Clear.
Cape Clear, Ireland’s southernmost inhabited Gaeltacht island is 5 km long by 1.5 km wide, lies 10 km off the coast of West Cork. 5 km west of the island stands Fastnet Rock. Saint Ciarán, the island’s patron saint, allegedly the earliest of Ireland’s four pre-Patrician saints, was born on Cape Clear. Saint Ciarán’s well is one of the first features you encounter on arrival at Trá Chiaráin where the Islanders gather each year on the 5th of March to celebrate his feast day.
To the northwest stretches Mizen Head, the mainland’s most southerly point. Cape Clear’s wild romantic scenery, its sparkling harbours, its cliffs, bogs and lake, all contribute to the island’s unspoilt charm.
Heather, gorse and wild flowers cover the rugged hills. Myriad stonewalls have a patchwork effect on the varied landscape. Megalithic standing stones, a 5000 year-old passage grave, a 12th century church and the 14th Century O’Driscoll’s Castle.
PLAY
Named one of the top 50 unique things
to do in Ireland, night kayaking on Lough Hyne is an experience you can’t miss when in Cork. Located on the only saltwater lake in Ireland, kayaking here allows participants to watch the sun set over the lake, a truly beautiful occurrence in itself. However, after the sun sets, the real fun begins. A guide will tell you interesting history and stories about the lake as you watch the glowing plankton beneath the surface and let your eyes adjust to the tranquil scene. This is something you will not want to miss in Cork. www.atlanticseakayaking.com
GOUGANE BARRA
N71 (R584 EXIT) TOWARDS BALLINGEARY 20 min from exit
This amazing gem in Cork stretches over 1,000 acres of land, filled with woodlands, lakes, and the beautiful River Lee. Popularly described as peaceful, tranquil, and romantic, it is a great place to explore away from the city.
Visitors can find a small church on an island in the lake and tons of lovely walks.
The view of the church is surreal and a popular place for weddings and pictures.
There are six main walking trails and a cycling option. Each walking trail has different levels of difficulty, ranging from easy to strenuous. Slí Ghaorthaid and Slí Doire Na Coise are easy and short, Slí Laoi and Slí Coum Rua are short but moderate, and Slí an Easa and Slí Sleibhe are about two hours and on the strenuous side.
The cycle route is about 318 kilometers long, starting in Cork City and finishing in Gougane Barra.
48 WILD ATLANTIC