There is so much to see and do for Families in West Cork all year round.
See our full list below or check out this handy West Cork Guide
Stuck on a rainy afternoon with nothing to do, or just fancy checking out the latest films? Located just 200 metres from The Maritime Hotel, Bantry’s Cinemax offers all the newest cinematic releases. For more information visit www.cinemaxbantry.com
Start out on their amazing driving simulators, change a wheel in their maintenance centre and test out your driving skills on their purpose built track. Because their track is on private land, you’ll be fully insured to drive there from the age of 14 up. Offering individual lessons, summer camps, cycle training and days out, there’s always something happening at the Bantry Driving Academy. For more information visit www.bantrydrivingacademy.ie
This is an award winning Maritime Museum and Heritage Attraction. From the visitor centre, there is a 10 minute walk along a path and down the 99 steps which lead you to the arched bridge and the signal station. Each room of the Mizen Experience is dedicated to a fascinating aspect of things pertaining to the Mizen. For more information visit www.mizenhead.net
Enjoy the magical riverside walk, which is part of the Drimoleague Heritage Walks. Guided walks and meeting the animals up close are available by prior arrangement. They have cats, dogs, ducks, chickens, miniature donkeys, giant rabbits and of course Alpacas. For more information visit www.westcorkalpacas.com
On the Planetarium’s 8 metre dome, the Carl Zeiss single sphere sky projector shows an accurate representation of the night sky from anywhere in the northern hemisphere. Located in the seaside village of Schull, the 70 seat Planetarium has a beautiful situation beside the harbour. For more information visit www.westcorkweb.ie/planetarium
Stop into the Toy Soldier Factory and Visitor Centre near Macroom for a fun and memorable day out for all the family. They offer workshops which include casting, painting or assembling your own Toy Soldier or Fairy. For more information visit www.toysoldierfactory.ie
Located in Rosscarbey, it has 18 holes of fun for all the family and as its surface is on the latest astro turf, it’s not weather dependant. Everything else has been kept as natural as possible with timber posts, red brick paths, local stone, a wooden bridge, oak barrels and even wooden treasure chests. For more information visit www.smugglerscove.ie
Located in Clonakilty, see the hand-made model of West Cork towns. In scale 24:1, it’s possible to tour all the towns in one hour. Watch the G-scale model trains in motion or take a ride on the unique road train from the model village to Clonakilty Town and district. Then finish off your tour with a cup of tea in an authentic dining car. The village also has a children’s indoor playroom and outdoor play area. For more information visit www.modelvillage.ie
Nestled in the Shehy Mountains of West Cork, just 4km from the scenic Cousane Gap, Shehy Highland Park is a peaceful outdoor park and working sheep farm.
Explore three marked walking trails suitable for all ages, leading to waterfalls, archaeological sites, and stunning mountain scenery rich in wildlife and native flora. Picnic areas throughout the park make it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.
Overnight campervan parking is available, with fresh water on site, and guided driving tours can be booked online or via WhatsApp.
A hidden gem for families, walkers, and nature lovers alike. - Visit shehyhighlandpark.com for more
