Location: Skibbereen
Top Things to do in Skibbereen
What to do and see in Skibbereen, Province of Munster: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Skibbereen (/ˌskɪ.bəˈriːn/; Irish: An Sciobairín), is a town in County Cork, Ireland. It is located on the N71 national secondary road. The name "Skibbereen" (sometimes shortened to "Skibb") means "little boat harbour". The River Ilen runs through the town; it reaches the sea about 12 kilometers away, at the seaside village of Baltimore. As of the Census of Ireland 2011, the population of the town (not including the rural hinterland) was 2,568. Skibbereen is in the Cork South–West (Dáil Éireann) constituency, which has five seats.
Restaurants in Skibbereen
1. Drombeg Stone Circle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 446 reviews
Reviewed By Chrisyberg - Canton, United States
We finally found this lovely stone circle. Someone spent much time making the walkway to it covered with Fusia. Very interesting and there is almost no one here. You almost have the place to yourself. Very interesting to explore
2. Liss Ard Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By Ashimo - Limerick, Ireland
James Turrell's Sky Garden at Liss Ard Estate was my favourite thing that we visited on our recent trip to Clonakilty (and that's saying something). Before you visit you should check to see when the Sky Garden is available for public viewing. We checked their Facebook page but you can also ring or email them. When we arrived we met the most fabulous lady at reception (unfortunately we didn't get her name). She was so so friendly and helpful and didn't mind that we kept coming back to her with various queries and requests. We collected the key for the garden and had the place virtually to ourselves bar a couple of families who wandered in (tip: close the gate behind you after you enter). The garden itself is so tranquil and really allows time to take in the beautiful sky above (a good time to visit is when the sun isn't high in the sky and of course when it's not raining). Of course, when in the Sky Garden it's important to be respectful of this wonderful piece of earth art which we are privileged to view. Climbing on the sides of the crater has caused damage to this artwork so if visiting with children (or overgrown children) it's important to make sure they refrain from the temptation of climbing. Otherwise there is a very real prospect that it will eventually be closed to public viewing. After you drop the key back to reception consider purchasing the Sky Garden book for just €5 which details the planning, development and concept of the garden.
3. Lough Hyne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
Reviewed By clarad2013 - Cork, Ireland
Beautiful place to visit and even better when its sunny for some snorkelling to look at the under water life. Beautiful part of Skib. Woupd recommend it to anyone for a walk around, a picnic or a quick dip. There is also an option for a hike right next to the lake with amazing views.
4. Skibbereen Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 368 reviews
Skibbereen Heritage Centre's Great Famine Exhibition tells the poignant story of this pivotal period in Irish history. Skibbereen became notorious as one of the worst affected areas in all of Ireland and this tragic era is now brought to life via the latest multimedia technology. Walk or take a virtual tour of sites associated with the Great Famine that still exist today including the mass graves where almost 10,000 people are buried. At Skibbereen Heritage Centre you can also discover the unique nature of Lough Hyne, a salt-water lake just 5km from Skibbereen which is Europe's first Marine Nature Reserve. Find out about the history, folklore and formation of this renowned natural phenomenon with a multi-lingual audio-visual display and follow with a trip to the lake and follow the Knockomagh Wood Nature Trail which overlooks the lake. Skibbereen Heritage Centre also offers a genealogy service for the greater West Cork area, an archaeology trail, a gift shop, reference library and a great welcome!
Reviewed By FoxWynne - County Cork, Ireland
This museum, though small, looks extensively at the causes and effects of the Irish Famine, with particular emphasis on the impacts in the local area. I was surprised at the depth of detail, especially the interlocked causes of the Famine - the museum didn't pander to any simplified explanation, nor did it lay the blame in any particular camp, and did a fantastic job of illustrating the points with interesting examples (written, documentary and through artefacts). The museum also has a very natural flow, which helps direct the visitor, and nicely covers both the background and the aftermath of the Famine years. Unfortunately, the Irish version of the Jeremy Irons video does not actually have Jeremy Irons speaking in Irish, it's merely subtitled. The accompanying Lough Hyne video is definitely worth seeing, especially if you're planning on making a trip down to the lake itself. The staff are friendly, the space is bright and there is a lovely view over the Ilen (spend a couple of minutes on the terrace). When we visited, it was during the easing of the initial lock-down, and, given the restrictions, the museum was very well-equipped for visitors, with disinfectant available at the entrance and beside each interactive exhibit.
5. Skibbereen Farmers Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By webblorna - Garstang, United Kingdom
A great market atmosphere, it has a real buzz of local produce and local people all enjoying market day. Local fish, meat, veg, bread, crafts, plants and antiques can be found. The bread available all around was lovely and we would highly recommend the salad stall as a tasty bite for lunch.
6. Cycle West Cork
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
