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Visitors Attractions in West Cork
West Cork Model Railway Village,
“The Station”,
Inchydoney Road,
Clonakilty
Tel. 023 8833224 Fax: 023 8834843
The unique West Cork Model Railway Village on the bay is a delightful discovery for both young and old alike. Here, one can step back in time and follow the route of a miniaturised version of the former West Cork Railway and experience life as it was in the 1940’s.
Open 7 days a week. Wheelchair accessibility throughout.
Michael Collins Centre, Clonakilty
Tel. 023 8846107
As soon as visitors arrive at the Michael Collins Centre, they proceed to the cottage/theatre. A twenty minute audio/visual explores the Big Fella’s childhood, his family history, his school days and the important Collins’ sites around Clonakilty. A guide then continues he presentations, using slides, large photographs or film clips, the visitor is taken through the 1916 rebellion, War of Independence, Treaty talks and the Civil War. The tragic death of Michael Collins at Beal Na Blath and his legacy area also discussed. The presentations ends with a guided tour of the ambush trail, a life size replica of an ambush site complete with Crossley Tender and replica of Michael Collins famous Rolls Royce armoured car “Sliabh N mBan”. Here the events at Bea na Blath and the history of the vehicles in the Collins convoy are explained in more detail. Visitors can then return to the cottage/theatre to view the exhibitions of photographs, documents and militaria.
Lios na gCon Ringfort, Darrara, Clonakilty
Tel. 023 8832565 or 023 8832500
Everywhere interest is growing in the ways and works of the people who lived in Ireland in the past. One such stoy is being told at Clonakilty, about Lios-na-gcon Ringfort, where a defended homestead of the first millennium A.D. is being reconstructed on the basis of a full archeological investigation of the site. Lios nagcon is one of three circular earthworks in the townland known as Darrara and one of 48 circular earthworks or possible ringforts sites recorded by the Cork Archaeological Survey in the Clonakilty area. Tours during summer time at 12 noon, 2 pm and 4 pm.
Skibbereen Heritage Centre, Old Gasworks Building, Upper Bridge Street, Skibbereen
Tel. 028 40900 Fax: 028 40957
The Great Famine Commemoration Exhibitions is a compelling reminder of this important event in Irish History. Learn about the Great Famine of the 1840’s when over a million died. Skibbereen was one of the worst affected areas in Ireland, as evidenced by the mass graves near Skibbereen, where almost 10,000 are buried. Rediscover this era through exhibits, dramatisations and interactive stations.
Discover Ireland’s first Marine Nature Reserve and unique salt water lake at the Lough Hyne Visitor Centre. Find our about the history, folklore and formation of this natural phenomenon and see the salt-water aquarium with common species found in the lake.
Audio visual available in English, French, German and Irish.
Full wheelchair accessible.
The Old Midleton Distillery, Midleton
Tel. 021 4613594 Fax: 021 4613642
The award winning Old Midleton Distillery is a carefully restored 18th century distillery on 12 acres. Visitors are shown an audio0visual presentation available in 6 languages, followed by a guided tour of the old distillery, including Grainstores, Brewhouse and Still House.
Planetarium, Colla Road, Schull
Tel. 028 28552
Apart from the obvious fact, that it has a connection with stars, the name Planetarium gives no idea of the remarkable spectacle that awaits each visitor. Sitting under the hemispherical dome in a darkened auditorium, spectators can see an amazingly realistic and accurate reproduction of the star studded night sky. The audience sees the heavens portrayed with such realism they feel they are sitting out of doors on the clearest of nights. Star shows are 45 minutes long and are thus unsuitable for children under the age of 7.
Mizen Head Visitor Centre, Harbour Road, Goleen, West Cork
Tel. 028 35115 Fax: 028 35603
An award winning Maritimes Museum and Heritage Attraction, this authentic all-weather experience is a must-see with its spectacular location on high cliffs with swirling Atlantic-Ocean tides. The Mizen is famous for its wildflowers and sightings of wildlife, dolphins, whales, seals, gannets, kittiwakes, choughs – the bird migration north-south flights path is just a mile off shore.
Fota Wildlife Park, Carrigtwohill Co. Cork
Tel. 021 4812678 Fax: 021 4812744
Fota Wildlife Park is one of Europe’s most progressive wildlife parks with over 90 species of wildlife from 5 continents. The Park is set on 70 acres of open countryside with many of its species wandering freely around the park’s natural and attractive environment. The Wildlife Park aims to be a leading contributor to the conservation of wildlife through conservation education, the breeding of endangered species and the promotion of conservation world-wide.
Facilities include free playgrounds, awacachi tour train, oasis restaurant, special childrens events, summer camps, summer safari days, picnic and rest areas.
The Queenstown Story, Titanic Exhibition, Deep Water Quay, Cobh
Tel. 021 4813591 Fax: 021 4813595
Discover Cobh’s unique origins, its history and legacy at The Queenstown Story – a multimedia permanent exhibition at the restored Victorian Cobh Railway Station. Retrace the steps of the 2.5 million adults and children who emigrated from Ireland via Cobh on Coffin Ships, early steamers and finally on the great ocean liners. Discover Cobh’s special connections with the ill-fated Titanic which sank on her maiden voyage – Cobh was her last port of call. Relieve the horror of World War 1 and the sinking of the Lusitania off Cork Harbour with the loss of 1,109 lives. Learn about Annie Moore and her two brothers who left Cobh for a new life in America and how she was the first emigrant ever to be processed in Ellis Island
Cork Heritage Park, Bressboro, Blackrock, Cork
Tel. 021 4358854 Fax: 021 4359395
The Heritage Park deals with a variety of themes including Cork’s rich maritime heritage and Fire Service. Other features include a picnic area, games room, children’s corner and pet farm.
Cork City Gaol and radio Museum, Cork
Tel. 021/4305022
Cork City Gaol is suitable for all ages (Tours provided in 8 languages).
Visitors wander through cell wings furnished with life0sized wax figures, each representing a particular period in Irish history. Original graffiti on cell walls tell the innermost feelings of some inmates, while a spectacular sound and image presentation tells the social history and contrasting lifestyles of 19th century Cork
The Radio Museum Experience is uniquely situated in the former Governor’s house.This separate attraction brings visitors on a journey down the wavelengths of time to meet Marconi, whose name is synonymous with radio and to review remarkable equipment from the Museum Collection and visit the restored 1920’s 6CK Radio Broadcasting Studio.
Blarney Castle Estate, Cork
Tel. 021/4385252
Situated 8 km from Cork City, this historic castle is most famous for its stone which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. The stone is set in the wall below the battlements and to kiss it one has to lean backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk.
In the grounds of the castle you can find the Rock Close, restored stableyard and old farm machinery, Blarney lake and wildlife, arboretum and gardens, garden walk and woodland walks.
The English Market, Grand Parade, Cork
Located in the heart you will find a variety of shops selling everything from bread, cheeses, poultry, meats, olives and fish. The Market has been in existence since 1788. The elegant 19th century fountain at the centre of the marked was made locally by W.R. Harris of great Georges Street and was once the main source of water supply for the traders. There is a café and restaurant located on the first floor overlooking the market where you can sit and savour the atmosphere of Cork city.
Charles Fort, Kinsale Co. Cork
Tel. 021 4772263
Constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification, Charles Fort is a classic example of a star-shaped fort. As one of the largest military forts in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. The most significant of which include the Williamite War in 1690 and the Irish Civil war of 1922-23.
Visitors are advised to wear suitable footwear due to uneven terrain. Restricted access for people with disabilities
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