Heritage and Sight Seeing in West Cork

The West Cork Model Railway Village 

The first of its kind in Ireland, visitors can experience the sights and sounds of life in West Cork during the 1940's. Situated beside picturesque Clonakilty Bay, The Model Village depicts in miniature, life and industry in West Cork as they were 50 years ago. The theme is enhanced by the miniature working railway. In addition to the model village, the "Tsu Tsu" - is an old style train that travels around the town at different stages during the day.  Tel. 023 88 33224, www.modelvillage.ie 

Michael Collins House - Emmet Square

Michael Collins House, Clonakilty is a museum dedicated to Irish patriot and revolutionary hero, Michael Collins. Visit to learn about the “Big Fella” himself, his life story entwined with the history of the fight for Irish independence. The museum is presented in an accessible manner through guided tours, interactive displays, audio visuals, artefacts and more, bringing the history to life for all the family.  Tel. +353 (0)23 88 58676 , www.michaelcollinshouse.ie

Walking Trails

Clonakilty is the ideal base for exploring beautiful West Cork countryside and experiencing wonderful scenery and wildlife in the area. "The Sheeps Head" is one of the more popular trails in West Cork and consists mainly of hilly terrain and incorporates the Sheep's Head Peninsula and the greater Bantry area. It offers picturesque views of lakes and the coastline and is suitable for all levels with shorter loops for the casual walker. A map of the area can be viewed here.

The "Beara Way" trail is popular for the more intense walker and covers over 120 miles from Glengarrif all the way to Kenmare in the Ring of Kerry. This trail can take around 8 days to complete.

West Cork Garden Trails 

Visit the top 25 gardens in destinations throughout West Cork, including Dunmanway, Ballinascarthy, Enniskeane and Bantry.   Visit www.westcorkgardentrail.com for more information.

Skibbereen Heritage Centre, Skibbereen 

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 access. Tel. +353 (0)28 40900,  www.skibbheritage.com 

Mizen Head Visitor Centre, Harbour Road, Goleen, West Cork

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. Tel. +353 (0)28 35115 Fax: +353 (0)28 35603, www.mizenhead.net 

Jungle City

Fresh from London and Edinburgh Frindge Festival, 24 brightly painted life - size animal sculptures have been installed in every nook and cranny around Clonakilty town. Jungle City is a free attraction that both children and adults will absolutely love! They are beautifully decorated by local and international artists. The five types of animals featured in Clonakilty Jungle City include Elephants, Tigers, Orangutans, Crocodiles and Hornbills. these are all featured in Clonakilty Jungle City because they are endangered because they are losing their forect homes.