The Journal is partnering with Allianz Insurance for this series that showcases the most beautiful drives in Ireland. For our next instalment, we’re heading down to the bottom of Ireland as we make our way across the rugged beauty of West Cork.  

AS IRELAND’S LARGEST county, Cork has got pretty much everything you could want when on holiday, from a buzzing city to a beautiful coastline.  

West Cork in particular boasts some of the most stunning scenery you can avail of on the entire island. There’s lots of unbeatable craic waiting around every corner down in Cork, which its residents believe is the real capital of Ireland – a trip to find out why is an absolute must.  

If you’d like to get to know the Rebel County more and be blown away by what’s on offer, we’ve compiled a road trip that encompasses some of the best beaches, historical sites, coastal views and beautiful towns that make Cork, Cork. 

• Where: Co Cork. 
• The route: Beginning in Kinsale, a gorgeous town that is hugely popular with tourists from Ireland and abroad, we’ll take the scenic route along the coast to the Seven Heads Signal Tower. It’s a great place to hop out of the car and stretch the legs before heading to the West Cork Railway Village, Inchydoney, which is a golden sandy beach that stretches out in front of you for miles and miles. End the day in Clonakilty, where you can catch a gig in De Barra’s Folk Club if you’re lucky. 
• Photo opportunities: Given the rugged landscape of West Cork, which is part of the Wild Atlantic Way, almost anywhere along the route presents the perfect opportunity to take a snap. We recommend the secluded Kinsale Beach for a scenic shot or the extremely pretty Clonakilty. 
• Pit-stops: Stop off at Timoleague and check out the ruins of the old Abbey. This provides a fascinating insight into the history of the area, with a stunning view of the nearby bay as the backdrop. 
• Something different: The Inchydoney Surf School is Cork’s longest-running surf school. They offer classes for all ages and experience levels, as well as simple board and rental hire. All the teachers have expert knowledge of both surfing and the currents at Inchydoney, so you’re in good hands. 

Kinsale is defined as the southerly starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way, and its beautiful harbour is the perfect place to kickstart any trip. It’s also thought of as the beginning of West Cork, which stretches out for miles and miles of stunning landscapes, up to the border with Kerry. It’s a lovely blend of quaint and modernity, and is home to a number of award-winning seafood restaurants, including the must-try Fishy Fishy. Take a trip over to the bridge to Kinsale Beach.

History buffs will enjoy our next stop, which is the old signal tower at Seven Heads. Built during the turbulent early 1800s, this tower’s role was to ward off any possible western invasions from the power-hungry Napoleon who was rumoured to be eyeing up the south coast of Ireland as a potential launching point for a full-scale war against the British Empire. Today, only the ruin of the tower remains, and is located next to a WW2-era lookout post. You’ll only be able to access it via a local road not suitable for cars, so you may need to bring a pair of wellies if you want to get up close and personal with this piece of history. 

The scenic route to our next stop sees you weave in and out of a number of stunning coves and inlets, especially around Ring. This route will see you make your way to the West Cork Model Railway Village, the only Model Village in Ireland. You can check out its faithful recreation of the old West Cork railway line, complete with miniature trains hurtling around the track. It’s sure to bring out the little kid in all of us! 

Having admired the sparking blue waters all day, it’s time now to get up close and personal with the sea. Head out to Inchydoney beach from the Model Village, a route that will see you take in more breathtaking views before arriving at the strand. Parking may be limited, but there’s an overflow car park a short spin down the road. There are a couple steps down to the beach, but nothing too taxing. Enjoy splashing in the waves or relaxing on the sand with a book. It’s a popular surf spot, so you’ll see longboards and bodyboards alike in the water. 

Once you’ve dried off, get jump in the car and head towards Clonakilty. This town is one of Ireland’s most charming, with gorgeous shopfronts and window displays, as well as a number of craft stores selling the best local products. You can’t go wrong with any of the spots open for food in the town, with a huge variety of options available. Try and time your visit with one of the many gigs on in DeBarras Folk Club – it’s an incredible authentic Irish pub that has played host to a huge number of touring bands, musicians and comedians. It’s an iconic concert venue, and well worth a visit.

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