Official tourism website for Cork, Ireland


Discover West Cork & Kenmare

Welcome to West Cork & The Wild Atlantic Way

West Cork is the start of your Wild Atlantic Way journey and is a region of remarkable contrasts that has allured travellers for centuries. Listen as locals tell the stories of the region’s maritime heritage – from a tsunami to piracy, sackings and battles that shaped this part of Ireland to what it is today.

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Where is West Cork?

West Cork lies to the west of Cork City in southwest Ireland and runs roughly from Kinsale in the east to to the south west coast line. The nearest airport is Cork International which is about 20km from Kinsale, the southern starting of the famous Wild Atlantic Way. 

Ferries to the UK, France and Spain leave from Ringaskiddy south of Cork City. You can catch the 223 bus from here to Cork City bus station where a number of bus routes like the 233 and 237 serve towns and villages in West Cork and along the Wild Atlantic Way. 

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West Cork Itineraries

There is so much to explore in West Cork, it can be hard to fit everything in. Use these suggested itineraries to help plan your next adventure. 

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Outdoor Activities

Walks and trails, the best blue flag beaches in Ireland, gallons of water activites for all the family, gorgeous gardens to stroll around and lots of health & wellness options... 

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Food in West Cork

Restaurants, gastro-pubs, cafes and markets are in abundance in West Cork.  Indigenous Irish ingredients, expertly prepared means simply, unfussy food.  It’s all about the simple pleasures, so forget the rigid itinerary and leave time to soak up the warm welcome and enjoy great food. 

Food in West Cork
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Islands & The Gaeltacht

Visit West Cork's amazing islands and the mountainous Muskerry (Irish speaking) Gaeltacht to experience authentic Irish culture..  

West Cork Islands

Gaeltachtaí

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Stay in West Cork

Luxury hotels, the best Bed & Breakfasts, self-catering apartments and cottages and all the best spots for campers, tents and caravans...

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What's On

West Cork has a huge number of festivals that take place through out the year. Some of the biggest include the Street Carnivale in Clonakilty, Ballydehob Jazz Festival, and the West Cork Chamber Music Festival to name a few. There are also a number of renowned live music venues such as De Barras in Clonakilty, Levis Corner House  in Ballydehob and Connolly's of Leap that attract local, national and international acts to play intimate gigs to West Cork's discerning music fans.  

Festivals & Events

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

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Kinsale
Me, Myself & Bts: Portrait Exhibition
The Hideout Café & Art Gallery, 2 Verde House, Wellington Road, Cork City, T23 E Wed 22 Jan, 18:00Kinsale
Kinsale
Ben & Clem
The Blue Haven, 3 Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork Mon 27 Jan, 20:00Kinsale
Kinsale
Trad Music
The Blue Haven, 3 Pearse St., Kinsale, Co. Cork Tue 28 Jan, 20:00Kinsale
Kinsale
Kinsale Beatles Festival
Fri 31 Jan - Sun 2 Feb 2025Kinsale
Bandon
Rioghnach Connolly with Martin Leahy
Bandon Folk Club, Bandon Town Hall, 81 North Main St, Bandon Fri 31 Jan, 20:30Bandon
Clonakilty
Information Lecture: Help & Healing On The Spiritual Path Through The Teaching O
O’donovan’s Hotel, 44 Pearse Street Tawnies Upper Clonakilty West Cork P85 V20 Fri 21 Feb, 17:30Clonakilty
Macroom
Ortus Chamber Music Festival Dripsey Castle Estate Concert
Dripsey Castle Estate, Dripsey, Co. Cork, P12 Wc86 Fri 28 Feb, 19:30Macroom
Bantry
Ed Byrne: Tragedy Plus Time
The Maritime Hotel, The Quay, Bantry, Co. Cork, P75 Xw35 Sat 8 Mar, 20:30Bantry
Bantry
Yukine Kuroki
St Brendan's Church, Bantry Sun 9 Mar, 15:00Bantry
Bantry
The Kates
St Brendan's Church, Bantry Fri 28 Mar, 20:00Bantry
Ballydehob
Ballydehob Traditional Music Festival
Fri 11 Apr - Sun 13 Apr 2025Ballydehob
Ballydehob
Ballydehob Jazz Festival
Fri 2 May - Mon 5 May 2025Ballydehob
Clonakilty
Lisa Lambe Presents Nightvisiting
Camus Farm Sat 3 May, 16:00Clonakilty
Baltimore
Baltimore Fiddle Fair
Thu 8 May - Sun 11 May 2025Baltimore
Schull
Fastnet Film Festival
Wed 21 May - Sun 25 May 2025Schull
Never miss an event or new attraction in Cork.