Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Schull

"No visit to Bantry could be considered complete without a visit to the stately Bantry House & Gardens. Bought by the White Family in 1765 and enlarged by Richard White, the 2nd Earl of Bantry,it is now lived in and owned by the Shelswell-White family, descendants of the Earls of Bantry. The house has an eclectic collection of tapestries, furniture and art treasures."

"One of Ireland's most famed manors is noted for its picture-perfect perch, on a hillock above the south shore of Bantry Bay. The fine…"

"This horticultural miracle of an island was created in the early 20th century when the island's owner commissioned architect Harold Peto to design a garden on the then-barren outcrop. Topsoil was shipped in, landscaped gardens laid out, and subtropical species planted; camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons now provide a seasonal blaze of colour. The 10-minute boat trip to the island departs from the village pier and passes colonies of basking seals and a nesting site for white-tailed eagles, which were reintroduced to Ireland in 2007."

"This horticultural miracle of an island was created in the early 20th century when the island's owner commissioned architect Harold Peto to design a garden on the then-barren outcrop. Topsoil was shipped in,... Top ChoiceFort in Kinsale"

"Many visitors head to Glengarriff because of that Irish Eden, Ilnacullin. On Garnish Island, offshore from Glengarriff and beyond islets…"

"This one is slightly different to the other options on the list but come on who doesn't want to go walking with alpacas?. This special farm allows you take an alpaca for a 40 minute walk while walking along a trail that runs past gorgeous fields, forestry and past the stunning waterfall. As well as the alpacas you can visit the rescued rabbits, donkeys, Shetland ponies, hens, cats and fogs."

"West Cork's adorable alpaca walk is a must for this summer's bucket list. Waterfall Alpaca Farm in Castledonovan, near Drimoleague, is a magical place where you can visit the cutest of furry mammals and even take them out for a hike. The nature-loving owners even rent out cabins for those who want the full wild experience."

"Allihies Copper Mine Museum - The objective of the museum is to recognise, research, preserve and celebrate the rich mining heritage of Allihies. The museum achieves this through the display of artefacts, the use of photographs, illustrations, original drawings and documents, diagrams and maps, as well as a number of key large-scale models together with text panels. The location of the museum is a key factor being the Methodist chapel built in 1845 for the Cornish miners working in the mines.The Mountain Mine copper vein in Allihies, was discovered in 1813."

"In 1812, life in Allihies changed utterly when a rich copper deposit was discovered in the area and the biggest copper mining enterprise in Ireland was established by the Puxley family which saw the Industrial Revolution spread its tentacles to this most remote corner of Ireland. Visit Allihies Copper Mine Museum and discover this extraordinary story of exemplary engineering coupled with less than exemplary social conditions. For more information visit www.acmm.ie"

"Sherkin Island is situated very southwest of Cork and a perfect location if you want to go camping without getting disturbed, especially since the island has a population of around 111 people. To get to the island, you can take a 10 minute ferry from Baltimore harbour. Silver Strand tends to be where people pitch up for a night."

"Visit For: Art, Walking Trails, Retreat.Distance: 40 Minutes (43KM) From Clonakilty to Baltimore Pier. Transport to the Island: 10 Minute Ferry from Baltimore Pier. (Photo: @sallyannewade)"

"Derrynane House was the home of Maurice 'Hunting Cap' O'Connell, a notorious local smuggler who grew rich on trade with France and Spain. He was the uncle of Daniel O'Connell, the 19th-century campaigner for Catholic emancipation, who grew up here in his uncle's care and inherited the property in 1825, when it became his private retreat. The house is furnished with O'Connell memorabilia, including the impressive triumphal chariot in which he lapped Dublin after his release from prison in 1844."

"5km West of Ballingeary on R584 to Bantry, at the Pass of Keimaneigh, Gougane Barra, Ballingeary Ireland+353 21 488 2218http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie/index.php?"

"More than 20 years in the making, this interactive sculpture garden is imaginative, thought-provoking and humorous, with nature and art working together to provide an unforgettable walk in the woods."

"Located in West Cork looking onto the Atlantic Ocean, the Beara Coast Hotel awaits you during your Wild Atlantic Way journey. This boutique hotel is the perfect destination for a romantic hideaway or hub to explore all West Cork has to offer. Explore Bere Island or take a day trip to Kenmare in Co Kerry or Bantry in Cork Cork and then relax in this recently renovated hotel."

"Everyone feels at home in this famous old bar, especially visiting and local sailors. It's choc-a-bloc with genuine maritime artefacts such as charts, tide tables, ships' clocks, compasses, lanterns, pennants et al - but it's the Bushe family's hospita ..."

"Visit For: Cookery Classes, Sailing Classes, Retreat.Distance: 45 minutes (45KM) from Clonakilty to Cunnamore Pier. Transport to the Island: Short ferry from Cunnamore Pier (Photo: @heirislandretreat). Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty."

"Barleycove Beach is one of the more popular places for wild camping in Cork (the fact that it’s one of the best beaches in West Cork helps!). It was created in 1755 when 15ft waves from a huge tsunami that originated from an earthquake in Portugal permanently displaced all of the sand, creating the beach. The Blue Flag beach is big enough for long walks or a wee dip in the crystal clear waters."

"Barleycove Beach was created back in 1755 when a Tsunami was recorded near Lisbon, causing 15ft high waves to hit the area where one of the best beaches in West Cork now sits. This sandy beach is nestled between the headlands on the Mizen Peninsula. It’s an ideal beach for families as it’s lifeguarded on weekends during bathing season."

"On Heir Island—a four-minute ferry ride—this unlikely venture is a pilgrimage spot for food lovers, who praise the high standard of cooking...Read More"

"Visit For: Historical Sites, Birdwatching, Water Activities. Distance: 50 minutes (50KM) from Clonakilty to Bantry Harbour. Transport to the Island: 15 minutes ferry from Bantry Harbour"

"Only 12km by 7km, Bere Island has around 200 permanent residents and attracts scores more to summer holiday homes. There are ruined Martello towers, craggy coves good for swimming, and a 19km loop of the Beara..."

"Visit For: Historic Sites, Whale Watching, Walking Trails.Distance: 1.5 Hours (95KM) from Clonakilty to Castletown - Bearhaven. Transport to the Island: 30 minute ferry from the Pontoon. (Photo: @angelatbyrne)"

"Visit For: Cookery Classes, Sailing Classes, Retreat.Distance: 45 minutes (45KM) from Clonakilty to Cunnamore Pier. Transport to the Island: Short ferry from Cunnamore Pier (Photo: @heirislandretreat). Click here for google maps directions from Clonakilty."