West Cork facts for kids
West Cork (Irish: Iarthar Chorcaí) is a beautiful area in County Cork, Ireland. It's a popular place for tourists to visit and is also a special administrative area called a municipal district. This means it has its own local government, which is part of the Cork County Council.
West Cork includes many towns like Bantry, Castletownbere, Clonakilty, Dunmanway, Schull and Skibbereen. It also has charming villages such as Baltimore, Ballydehob, Courtmacsherry, Drimoleague, Durrus, Glengarriff, Leap, Rosscarbery, Timoleague and Union Hall.
The western part of West Cork is famous for its three main peninsulas: Beara, Sheep's Head and Mizen Head. There are also islands off the coast, including Bere Island, Sherkin Island and Cape Clear.
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Discovering West Cork's History
West Cork has a very long history! You can see signs of ancient times in the many old burial sites. These include large stone tombs, dolmens, tall standing stones and amazing stone circles from the Iron Age.
The area has been special for a long time. It was once home to an ancient kingdom called Corcu Loígde. Later, it was divided into large areas called historic baronies, like Carbery, Bantry, and Bear. The coast of Carbery is known for its many small islands, called "Carbery's Hundred Isles."
An important event happened nearby between 1601 and 1602. It was called the Battle of Kinsale. This battle was very important for Ireland's history. In the early 1600s, a place called Leamcon near Schull was a hideout for pirates. Pirates also traded easily in Baltimore and Whiddy Island.
Sadly, in the mid-1800s, West Cork was greatly affected by the Great Famine. This was a very difficult time for many people.
Today, West Cork is a municipal district. It is managed by 9 local councillors. Their main office is in Clonakilty.
West Cork's Amazing Geography
The western part of West Cork has a unique landscape. Its mountains, like the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and Caha Mountains, were formed millions of years ago. This happened during the Devonian period, when Ireland was much closer to the equator!
The three main peninsulas here are Beara, Sheep's Head and Mizen Head. Some of the well-known towns in West Cork include Bantry, Dunmanway, Skibbereen, Ballydehob, Castletownbere, Schull and Rosscarbery.
Getting Around West Cork
Years ago, West Cork had a railway system. The Cork, Bandon and South Coast Railway opened in 1849. It connected Cork City to many towns in West Cork, like Clonakilty and Skibbereen, and ended in Bantry. This railway closed in 1961. There was also a smaller railway, the Schull and Skibbereen Railway, which ran from 1886 to 1947.
Today, the main roads that help people travel through West Cork are the N71 and R586 routes.
Tourism and Fun in West Cork
West Cork is a very popular place for tourists. People love to visit its remote peninsulas, such as the Beara Peninsula, Sheep's Head and Mizen Head. The area also has beautiful beaches like Inchydoney, Owenahincha and Barleycove.
Many visitors enjoy exploring the towns and villages like Skibbereen, Clonakilty, Kinsale and Rosscarbery. When people talk about "West Cork" for tourism, it usually means all parts of County Cork south and west of the River Lee, except for Cork city itself. You might even see road signs pointing to "The West" or "West Cork."
A famous tourist route called the Wild Atlantic Way follows much of the West Cork coastline. It includes amazing spots like the Old Head of Kinsale, Dursey Island and Mizen Head.
Images for kids
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Lough Hyne, a beautiful lake near Skibbereen.
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Mizen Head, the most southwesterly point of Ireland.
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Altar Wedge Tomb, an ancient stone tomb from around 3000–2000 BC, near Schull.
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Drombeg stone circle, an ancient monument near Glandore, used around 1100 - 800 BC.
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Gougane Barra, a 6th-century Christian monastery site near the source of the River Lee.
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Timoleague Friary, a historic building founded in the 13th century.
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A beautiful garden on Garnish Island.
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A colourful street in Kinsale.
