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All about Schull

General Information
How to get here

Information on Schull and surrounding areas.

You'll be well and truly spoilt for choice when you visit Schull! Areas of outstanding beauty along with local interest and a rich history will have you totally captivated.

In welcoming you to Schull we very much hope you will enjoy your visit. Summertime offers many diversions for your holiday entertainment and enjoyment.

Availing of the many watersporting activities, you could find it extremely difficult to decide between windsurfing, sailing dinghies, kayaks or going under for a bit of scuba diving. You could find everything necessary to fill your stay by wandering down to the pier and checking with the local adverts. If sailing is your chosen adventure, novice or just for a tune-up, the Fastnet Marine Outdoor Education Centre offers '5 day sailing courses' throughout the summer.

The waters off our picturesque coastline are filled throughout the summertime with dolphins, seals, whales and sharks (if you go to the right areas). Schull is blessed with a variety of boatmen who would be able to deliver you to just the spot. Stop on one of the islands and take a snapshot or two of the lazing seals (if you've got a keen eye, you can usually spot a seal or two playing peek-a-boo around the pier).

The local angling competitions are a must for those wishing to put a wager on their skills as a 'Capt.Ahab'. The Schull Sea Angling Club holds regular competitions which are open to all visitors; you should check locally for exact dates. If a private outing is your choice, then check the adverts and pick a boat for the day with your family and friends.

Every child is dying to spend a day with his toes buried in the sand, and Barleycove is just the place! Waiting invitingly with its golden sand and stretching surf, Barleycove is absolutely a must. Nationally known as one of the most picturesque strands in Ireland, as the rolling sanddunes collide with rugged cliffs, children will find warm rivers meandering from the warm sandy dunes into the waiting sea. A perfect day out. If a quick swim on shallow, sandy beaches are what you're looking for, then Ballyrisode is just for you. But, make sure you leave early as parking is limited and sometimes difficult.

Many sailing events are hosted by Schull throughout the summer: Calves Week (7 days of competitive yacht sailing), the Fastnet International Schools' Regatta, the Munster Laser Championships, European Junior 420 Championship Trials and camp and the Junior Helm Championships for the younger sailors.

Ferries are available for tours around the islands, or for those wishing to spend a day on Cape Clear, Sherkin and even over to Baltimore, a ferry will deliver you and shuttle you back to Schull in the evening.

On the land based side of things, there is a number of pony trekking facilities varying from riding on the local roads to venturing off towards the sunset across the open countryside. Bicycles can be hired for a closer and more intimate look at the sights that flash past, usually seen by the motorists, at a pace to suit yourselves.

There are plenty of walks and golf for those who enjoy a walk with a purpose. There are tennis courts, a squash court (at Schull Community College), a planetarium, a library and a children's playground.

On the first Sunday of most months the Mizen Historical Society takes off into the countryside on one of their outings. A lively group who always welcome new faces.

Sunday is also the day for the ever-popular Schull Country Market, running from Easter to Christmas you'll find the finest of local produce, crafts and lots more besides.

Garden enthusiasts should look for the 'West Cork Garden Trail' brochure with details about area gardens which are available to the public. Further afield, you could visit the Mizen Head Visitors Centre , at the outstretched tip of the Mizen finger with its famous suspension bridge. Enjoy your tour of the lighthouse.

Those interested in arts and crafts should stop at one of the Craft Centres locally and take advantage of the talents of the many excellent craftspeople in the area of West Cork. Courses are held in many local studios and galleries and give children and adults the rare opportunity to exploit their own talents and take home a treasured piece of jewellery, sculpture, pottery, or just a decorative object which only you can appreciate and cherish.

And of course, a fine selection of pubs and an ever increasing variety of restaurants are waiting to cater for you after a long day's excursion. Could there possibly be a better way to prepare for tomorrow?

How to get to Schull

Schull is located in the far South-West of County Cork, Ireland - about 100km / 60 miles south-west of Cork City. You can get to Schull from outside Ireland by sea ferries or air. Although the Irish road network has improved greatly in the last decade, it can still take much longer than you might expect to travel relatively short distances - so please take this into account when planning your itenary. After all - you’re on holiday - so you won’t want to be rushing!

For visitors from the UK / EU, the newly-reinstated ferry service between Cork and Swansea (South Wales) offers a relaxing overnight mini-cruise as a great start to your holiday, and saves you more than 375miles / 600km driving on a round trip  - see www.fastnetline.com for more details.

Click on the airports / ferry ports for more information.

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