This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you are better prepared for what to expect, what not to expect and can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Skibbereen. To help you make friends with Skibbereen before you visit, we've included a few helpful and fun things you should know about the area. Enjoy!
The small town Skibbereen, County Cork, Ireland, is the capital of West Cork and is the hub for all kinds of activities such as industry, agriculture, and tourism in the wide region of West Cork. The River Illen runs through Skibbereen before it flows into the Celtic Sea; the name comes from the literal translation "little boat harbour." West Cork offers plenty of picturesque and authentic fishing villages that travelers can discover easily, using Skibbereen as a starting point. Tourists that want to see an authentic rural life style should visit Baltimore, Union Hall, Glandore, Ballydehob, and Castletownshend. These beautiful small fishing villages along the coast are best to reach by car and it's only a fifteen-minute drive.
The modern Heritage Centre informs interested tourists about the eventful history of the area. The Skibbereen Heritage Centre focuses on the tragic events of the Great Famine that occurred in the mid-nineteenth century. Skibbereen was one of the worst-affected areas in Ireland; exhibitions and interactive stations give the visitors a very vivid impression of this tragedy.
Sport enthusiasts enjoy golf, water sports, and cycling in the area. The beautiful salt-water lake Lough Hyne is only five kilometers away from the town and was declared Ireland's first Marine Nature Reserve. The lake is fed by tidal currents, creating a unique nature with a vast variety of plants and animals that is one of the most-studied sites in the world of marine research. Several adorable festivals also take place in town every year.
Even in summer, temperatures will rarely reach twenty degrees Celsius or more. Be prepared for a quite wet but mild climate with daily maximum temperatures ranging from thirteen to eighteen degrees between May and October.
Your options for hostels in Skibbereen, County Cork, Ireland, are extremely limited, but in the surrounding area you can find additional small guesthouses and hostels. To be flexible and to get a real feeling for West Cork, it is highly recommended to travel the area by car. The prices for hostels in Skibbereen, County Cork, Ireland, and the surrounding area are very reasonable, and even in summer you could be lucky to find some spare beds if you have not booked in advance. Additionally hostels and budget accommodations can be found in Baltimore and Bantry, both in a range of ten to twenty kilometres.
Written by local enthusiast for Skibbereen hostels
Flo
