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THE MIZEN PENINSULA
West Cork has been described as 'A Place Apart', by location - tucked at the very south western end of Ireland. A long bony finger of land pointing boldly into the Atlantic Ocean, the Mizen is different. Magical names: Dereenatra; Knocknaphuca; Ballyrisode; Mount Gabriel, Fasnet Light and Heron's Cove. High hills, low mountains, rivers, streams, hidden valleys, soaring cliffs and sandy beaches and an ocean that is never far from view, it is the ideal holiday destination.
Walker, swimmer, horseman, sailor, painter, golfer, writer, birdwatcher or just professional relaxer this is a place you could be happy in. The weather is mixed and rarely that cold. We enjoy summer sun and unseasonably good weather in spring and autumn. That said, we do rain rather well, mist and fog on occasions and, well, sometimes the wind can be spectacular. The Gulf Stream affects us and there are pockets of lush vegetation and microclimates.
THE VILLAGES OF THE MIZEN
Each village along the Mizen has its own character from the quayside hamlet of Crookhaven with more pubs than shops and nearby access to the long, sandy strands at Barley Cove, Chimney Cove and the Shelly Strand. Next is sleepy Goleen, which thrums with activity in the summer and returns into hibernation for the winter.
Schull is fashionable, with all kinds of shops, bars, restaurants and cafés. The Sailing Centre hosts international class Regattas throughout the year and in August there is a week of sailing events along the peninsula culminating in Schull Regatta. During the year there is an arts festival, the Corona Fastnet short film festival and a triathalon. See www.schull.ie. To the east is post card pretty Ballydehob, with its special name, artistic community, unique 12 arched viaduct, interesting antique shop and the best pubs to catch an impromptu traditional music session. In May there is a Jazz Festival and lots more events through the year, www.ballydehob.ie
... AND BEYOND
From here you hit the N.71 the road which, if you like to tour, links you to Bantry and the Beara peninsula, The Ring of Kerry and Killarney, Skibbereen and on to Cork and the rest of the world. Kerry, Cork air and Rinkgaskiddy ferry ports are roughly 85km www.fastnetline.com. Dublin, 400km. Rosslare ferry port 200 km.
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WEST CORK FOOD
The area is renowned for its quality food and each town has its country market day where local produce can be sampled. Tasty jams, artisan breads, honey and cakes, locally produced salamis, sausages and meat and fish fresh from the ocean. Gubbeen, Durrus, Gabriel and Desmond cheeses are made locally. Producers exchange goods on their travels bringing in items from farther afield. Many are members of the Slow Food Movement, so alongside the indigenous treats the markets are a source of foreign delicacies. From beyond the shores of West Cork come olives, oils, vinegars, nuts, cheeses, pimentos, relishes and marinades …. the list goes on.
ALL YEAR THROUGH
Bustling and busy, but not over crowded in the height of the season, the Mizen always has an attractive face. Spring, autumn & winter the pace slows and there is time for chat or an impromptu music session in one of the bars. Generally the weather is not unkind and the countryside is still beautiful.
Spring presents us with masses of wonderful flowers in the hedges and meadows, by the seashore and on the high hills. In autumn the ditches and hills are ablaze with montbretia, gorse and bracken, the colour of Harris tweed. A walk in winter, on a deserted beach, hot toddies beside a blazing fire are not an unappetising proposition and prices are kinder outside the high-season months of summer.
SCHULL CAMPUS
www.schullcampus.com
THOMAS NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
www.newmanofschull.com
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