The beautiful Lough Hyne viewed from the top of the Knockonagh Forest Walk.

This enchanting lough is Europe's largest sea-water lake and boasts an amazing array of unusual marine life. Despite numerous studies, scientists have still to unearth the mystery surrounding the fact that the lough is always some 3 degrees C warmer than the sea and contains marine life usually only found in the Mediterranean. It is only 4 km from Skibbereen. Visit the Lough Hyne Interpretative Centre at Skibbereen Heritage Centre which shows an audio visual in English, Irish, French or German, explaining the unique nature of this, Ireland's First Marine Nature Reserve.

Take your pick from the delightful choice of fishing villages. Fashionable Baltimore is the gateway to Sherkin Island and Cape Clear.

Don't miss the castle home of the Townshend family, suprisingly at Castletownshend, the village which provided inspiration for writers Somerville and Ross (and favourite spot of BBC Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman).

Glandore and Union Hall sit opposite each other across the estuary and both are equally quaint with great pubs and restaurants usually with sea views (all between 5km and 15km from Skibbereen).

The austerity of the past can be witnessed at Abbeystrewery where some 10,000 victims of the Irish Famine are said to be buried. 1.5 million Irish people died in the famine within the two years of 1846/47 and the period can best be summed up in these words:"Oh God that bread should be so dear - And human flesh so cheap". It was enough to drive any strong man to drink - except those who joined the Temperance Society - the first in Europe - to abstain from alcohol. (Famine Trail starts in Skibbereen Town Square - follow numbered plaques). At Skibbereen Heritage Centre, The Great Famine Commemoration Exhibition uses today's multimedia to give an insight into these awful times. Open 7 days high season, contact +353 28 40900 for further information and opening hours.

Ireland's most beautiful scenery. Sandy beaches, secluded coves, fast-flowing rivers, lakes, hills and forests - all easily accessible for walkers, cyclists and drivers. All within 5km of Skibbereen

 If West Cork is the garden of Ireland then don't miss the most enchanting gardens of West Cork. Lissard is 40 acres of woodlands, wildflower meadows and lakes devoted to creating a better understanding and appreciation of the beauty, philosophy and interacacies of Irish nature (within 1km of Skibbereen).  The West Cork Garden Trail takes place annually in June and while many of the gardens are open to visitors throughout the summer, some are open to the public only during the Garden Trail.

For the more energetic, Skibbereen offers great leisure facilities. There is a fine 18-hole golf course which is both forgiving, yet challenging (within 2km of Skibbereen).

The River Ilen offers salmon and sea trout game angling, from the town centre north for 5km, while the lakes of Shepperton (5km from Skibbereen) offer peaceful coarse fishing in gorgeous surroundings. Sea Angling is available from Glandore, Union Hall and Baltimore.

The indoor sports centre (town centre) offers tennis, badminton, indoor bowls, soccer, table-tennis, raquetball, a fully equipped gymnasium plus a sauna.

Scuba diving, sailing and watersports are available in Baltimore.

Above all else, West Cork - and its capital Skibbereen - is famus for its food, its friendliness and its traditional flavour. Having now been bestowed the the title 'Gourmet Capital of Ireland', West Cork has many first class restaurants that frequently grace the pages of the national press. Almost every village has an award winning eatery......... and last but not least there's the people.

One thing you can depend upon is the warmth of the welcome you'll receive from the people of Skibbereen. It's a friendly town where people have time to stop and have a chat in the shops. The impromptu sessions of live music as well as top flight performers are always in evidence as part of the lively nightlife that Skibbereen has to offer.