Ballydehob/Schull

As you continue west towards the Mizen peninsula the terrain becomes increasingly rugged and barren with Mount Gabriel and its instantly recognisable radar domes as your landmark.

The quirkily named Ballydehob is a village instantly recognisable by its twelve arch railway viaduct a relic of the past but now incorporated into a unique walk at the entrance to the village. As with most villages in West Cork it hosts its own annual festival in August each year and has ample accommodation, restaurants and bars for the weary and hungry traveller. An enquiry about the story behind the statue on the main street of Danno Mahony, world champion wrestler, will tell you all you need to know about the essential pride of place, a mainstay of Irish character not yet lost to modernity.

Schull, another fishing port further west along the road, is yet another village which sustains a multitude of activities throughout the year. Sailing of course is a major part of the lifestyle here and the local sailing club has a busy schedule of races and classes year round including the entertainingly named “Calves Week” a derivation from Cowes Week one assumes. In addition there are any number of walks, or for those who like to combine several forms of exercise at once, you can join the local tri-athletes for one of the many events they run throughout the year.

Recently the ambitious locals have also started a very successful short film festival sure to become a rival to the great film festivals of the world. Such is the enterprise of small villages in this part of Ireland – one might say a “Cannes do” attitude! In addition there is the successful Sunday Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – well worth a visit for good food and crafts made locally. Schull planetarium is also a popular attraction with visitors.  

All in all, there is enough breathtaking scenery in the region to make you want to return every year, or simply give in as many do, and settle here permanently!