Skibbereen is a friendly market town set on the River Ilen. Brightly painted buildings and shopfronts add a splash of colour to the atmospheric town centre. Venture out of town to discover pristine Atlantic islands and kayak on a bioluminescent lake.
Things to do in Skibbereen
From independent boutiques and bookstores to cosy pubs and cafes, the Skibbereen town centre is packed with small businesses. The Skibbereen Farmers Market pops up on weekends and attracts vendors from across County Cork. Fill your bags with organic produce, farmhouse cheeses, fresh-baked bread, local honey, grass-fed meats and more.
Learn about the people, places and events that have shaped the town over the centuries at the Skibbereen Heritage Centre. It’s housed in the Old Gasworks Building and features exhibits on topics like the Great Famine and the Irish War of Independence.
Spend the day in the charming seaside village of Baltimore. Stroll around the lively village centre and stretch your legs on scenic coastal trails. Head south to visit Mizen Head, one of the most southerly points on the Irish mainland.
Board a ferry and sail to Carbery’s Hundred Isles. Boats depart from Baltimore and take you to islands like Sherkin and Cape Clear. Stroll along sandy beaches, visit ancient megalithic tombs and dine at family-run pubs. Look for dolphins, whales and seabirds as you sail through cobalt-blue Roaring Water Bay.
Discover pristine marine landscapes in Lough Hyne, one of the first Marine Nature Reserves in Ireland. The saltwater lake is fed by the Atlantic Ocean and can be explored on foot or by kayak. Book a night tour to see the lake lit up with shimmering bioluminescent plankton.
Getting around Skibbereen
Skibbereen is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in County Cork, a 1.5-hour drive from Cork and two hours from Kerry. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Skibbereen and explore County Cork at your own pace. Cork Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.