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Things to do in West Cork
![Gougane Barra Trails & Forest Park](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/d80439b1-51dc-450e-ae17-560b927821a1/Gougane+Barra+Trails+West+Cork+Discovered-03.jpg)
Gougane Barra Trails & Forest Park
Nestled in the heart of West Cork lies the tranquil gem of Gougane Barra, a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.
![Mullaghmesha Hill Walk](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/47d9b8d7-794a-4848-9f31-f677ab4a1e42/Mullaghmesha+Hill+Walk+West+Cork+Discovered-1.jpg)
Mullaghmesha Hill Walk
Mullaghmesha Hill Walk is the perfect escape into nature's embrace. Nestled in the heart of West Cork, this stunning hill walk offers a rich tapestry of sights and sounds that will leave you in awe.
![Gougane Barra](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1704913172976-CW1XA4N8P8W1DGMMHPL3/Gouganne+Barra+West+Cork+Discovered-3.jpg)
Gougane Barra
Nestled in the picturesque West Cork countryside, Gougane Barra holds the promise of a truly enchanting experience surrounded by serene beauty and natural wonder.
![Brow Head, Crookhaven (a Star Wars Location)](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1675106707068-HQW895VNR46FII92SPBI/Brow+Head+Crookhaven+West+Cork+Discovered-6.jpg)
Brow Head, Crookhaven (a Star Wars Location)
Brow Head is a magnificent Headland near Crookhaven and also a Star Wars Location.
![Castlefreke, Kilkeran Lake & High Cross](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1672692237207-F2E8BVXRTFITG9XUC5F0/Castlefreke+Kilkeran+Lake+Long+Strand+Loop+Walk+20230102+West+Cork+Discovered-2.jpg)
Castlefreke, Kilkeran Lake & High Cross
A wonderful, scenic walk that brings you up to the High Cross, overlooking Castlefreke, Rathbarry old churches, onward through Castlefreke Forest, past Kilkeran Lake and along above the Dunes of Long Strand with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean with Galley Head Lighthouse to the east of the strand.
![Owenahincha Beach](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1656075247055-WF9X51FVHDPNI3VQTZV0/Owenahincha+Beach+West+Cork+Discovered-08.jpg)
Owenahincha Beach
The Beach of Owenahincha is sort of divided into 2 sections by rocks on the shore and a set of rocks at the tip of a sand spit right (only visible at low tide) in front of the lifeguards house.
![Red Strand](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1656071934718-80A8O8TE8Q386IKHRCBH/Red+Strand+West+Cork+Discovered-4.jpg)
Red Strand
Red Strand, near the village of Ardfield is only about 15 minutes from Clonakilty in West Cork on the Wild Atlantic Way.
![Dundeady Cliff Walk by Galley Head](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1656068184684-Q3WDZLAWKJKHP4R5JUVC/Dundeady+Walk+Galley+Head+West+Cork+Discovered-8.jpg)
Dundeady Cliff Walk by Galley Head
This quite short but very scenic walk along the cliffs boasts some spectacular views West over Long Strand and out as far as the “Stags” off Toe Head in the far distance.
![Long Strand, Castlefreke](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1649842167898-QT96AMJDXBNO063OMEHG/Long+Strand+-13.jpg)
Long Strand, Castlefreke
A very long beach, renowned for surfing, only a few kilometres from Clonakilty and Rosscarbery on the Wild Atlantic Way in West Cork, Ireland.
![Castletownshend](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1646217031450-0RNM2NOGHSN87GNQ5PUW/_MC60938.jpg)
Castletownshend
Explore Castletownshend, a picturesque village, featuring some beautiful Georgian houses and the iconic two large sycamore trees curiously positioned in the middle of the main street.
![Castlefreke Forest](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1627403775734-XTP94OPUQNDSWFDI3XRE/Castlefreke+Forest-1.jpg)
Castlefreke Forest
Castlefreke is a wonderful collection of woodlands that are linked by a number of trails. The best view of the Castle is from the Owenahincha entrance.
![Galley Head Lighthouse](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1626190740364-ATHC4W3B23YSEFXQAAJ6/Warrent+Strand-3.jpg)
Galley Head Lighthouse
Galley Head Lighthouse near Castlefreke is a short drive from Clonakilty or Rosscarbery. There are some stunning views of it from a headland north east of it.
![Blue Pool, Glengariff](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1621505123172-J827XTXBKNLWX25LP8EW/Blue+Lagoon-2.jpg)
Blue Pool, Glengariff
The Blue Pool is a special place…its naturally somewhat magical harbour is hidden yet super accessible only a few minutes walk from the Main Street in Glengariff.
![Carrigfadda Hill Walk](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1621332658741-BIKSTBSNME5ZFHNKIOZ1/Carrigfadda-14.jpg)
Carrigfadda Hill Walk
A steep hill was that holds a magnificent reward for the effort - with views over a vast expanse of coastline from the Old Head of Kinsale, Galley Head Lighthouse, Cape Clear, Mount Gabriel to Mushera mountain.
![Downeen Castle](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1616502555633-MJ7QTXZOZIYB7OIAXD4A/West+Cork+Discovered+Downeen+Castle+Aerial-6.jpg)
Downeen Castle
Downeen Castle, specifically its southerly tower which sits on a little island and which was formerly joined to the mainland, is located just a few kilometres outside Rosscarbery.
![Baltimore Beacon](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1615817270423-1CMH35LUOMWFNXRL17G7/West+Cork+Discovered+Blog+Baltimore+Beacon-5.jpg)
Baltimore Beacon
One of West Cork’s most beautiful spots, only 15 kilometres from Skibbereen and just outside the beautiful harbour town of Baltimore on the Wild Atlantic Way in West Cork, Ireland
Inchydoney Beach - Inchydoney Island, Clonakilty
One of West Cork’s most beautiful beaches, only a few kilometres from Clonakilty on the Wild Atlantic Way in West Cork, Ireland
![Three Castle Head](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1604442585878-JOMAV2E8BWL372276EDT/P1040566-HDR.jpg)
Three Castle Head
It’s hard to describe this amazing spot, only a short distance from Mizen Head and Barleycove in West Cork on the Wild Atlantic Way.
![Courtmacsherry to Woodpoint walk](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1603963108305-RGYIYCBD7VIKULLHV6I5/West+Cork+Discovered+Woodpoint+Courtmacshserry+Sunrise+2020-10.jpg)
Courtmacsherry to Woodpoint walk
Part of the 7 Heads Walk, this short portion from Courtmacsherry to Wood Point is the perfect way to combine a woodland trail with stunning seascapes.
![Toe Head](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e9471bf3d1461047aa277e0/1598963550961-W8OS8XB264GF7OZITVPO/P1030541-HDR.jpg)
Toe Head
Although I have been living in West Cork for many years, I have discovered this somewhat hidden gem only recently whilst studying maps for potential sunset locations. It’s hard to describe it without being there, but there is something mythical about this magnificent location and its dramatic cliffs and outcrops.