Attractions in West Cork

• Bantry House: This is a Georgian house which contains furniture and tapestries collected by Richard White 2nd Earl of Bantry, 1800-1868.


• Mass Rock on the picturesque southern road between Ballingeary and Inchigeelagh which dates back to the penal times.


• St Gobnaits Shrine at Ballyvourney is well worth a visit.


• The Lee Valley is very rich in heritage and there are many castles worth visiting.


• Macroom Castle: This was built in the 13th century by the O’Flynn family after the Cromwellian wars. Macroom castle was given to Admiral Sir William Penn father of William Penn the founder of Pennsylvania.


• Carrignacurra Castle Inchigeelagh, the chief stronghold of the O’Learys.


• Carrigapooka Castle near Macroom, built by the McCarthys.


• Carrignass Castle Kealkill, built by the O’Sullivans.


• Clapper Bridge built of stone slabs at the far side of Gougane Barra Lake.


• Cholaiste na Mhumhain located at Ballingeary in the heart of the Gaeltacht. This was the first Irish College in Ireland and was opened in 1904.