Skibbereen is situated at the heart of some of Ireland’s most beautiful scenery, with sandy beaches, quiet coves, energising rivers, lakes, hills and forests all around. This market town and the surrounding area are a haven for walkers, cyclists and nature lovers. The town offers interesting shops, restaurants, pubs, the fascinating West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen Heritage Centre and an 18-hole golf course. Here the inhabitants pride themselves on the quality of their local produce including local seafood, meat and bread and they hold weekly country and farmer markets. A little further afield you can find Kinsale, dubbed the "gourmet capital of Ireland". Overlooking the West Cork coastline, Leap and Rosscarbery are within easy reach, as are Ballydehob, Schull and Bantry. Dolphin and whale watching opportunities, beaches and rugged cliffs are all on offer in this beautifully unspoiled area of West Cork.