23 West Cork pubs with a spectacular view

Inspired by a recent article by the Journal.ie, titled “19 of Ireland’s most spectacular pubs to drink pints with a view” see here: http://thedailyedge.thejournal.ie/irish-pubs-with-a-view-1957363-Mar2015/  we decided it was essential to create our own list. We hope you enjoy our list, and please feel free to contribute or let us know if we forgot to mention your favourite ‘West Cork pub with a view’!

Due to people power and popular protest we have five new entries.

So in no particular order, here is no 1….

 

1. O’Sullivan’s Bar, Crookhaven

The only Cork Pub to make the Journal.ie ’19 of Ireland’s most spectacular pubs to drink pints with a view’ O’ Sullivan’s Bar is a worthy listing. Located in the beautiful seaside village of Crookhaven or ‘Crook’ as many people call it this pub is an institution on the Mizen Peninsula. You can sit down, relax and listen to the masts of the boats in the harbour cling in the Atlantic wind, and savour the warm sunsets from outside benches. In Winter, you can experience the real Wild Atlantic Way and listen to the wind howl from the safety of a stool by the fire, and watch the grey rolling clouds come in from the Atlantic.

According to Trip Advisor “You will not find a more perfect spot to stop, relax and have a bite of lunch. The best chowder around and absolutely delicious fresh crab sandwiches. Sit outside on the pier and enjoy the friendly service..”

O’Sullivan’s also claim to serve the most Southerly ‘Pint’ in Ireland, and it is Murphy’s Irish Stout, ..of course, like.

(Photos: /TripAdvisor)

Contact: http://www.osullivanscrookhaven.ie/ or https://www.facebook.com/osullivanscrookhaven 

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2. Bushes Bar & Jacobs Bar, Baltimore

Two pubs located side by side on the Waterfront in Baltimore, they share a spectacular view of Baltimore Harbour and out towards neighbouring Sherkin Island. A pint sitting outside on a bench or converted old whiskey barrel is a must when you visit Baltimore. See the sunset fall behind Mount Gabriel and listen to the impromptu live Irish music sessions in this lively village. Visit during the annual Pirate Festival or Fiddle Fair and you will not be disappointed. Baltimore is steeped in maritime history, the story of the Algerian Pirates is one to discover if you visit Dún na Séad (fort of the jewels) castle that was built in 1215 but restored to its original grandeur.

(Photo: Best Photos of Baltimore/Facebook)

Find out more: http://www.baltimore.ie/ and http://fiddlefair.com/

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3. Arundels by the Pier, Ahakista (Sheep’s Head)

Located on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula, this pub is situated in the spectacular Dunmanus Bay with views out towards the Mizen Peninsula to the south. You can watch local fishing boats unload their catch and enjoy some fantastic local produce, all while enjoying a pint. “Devine seafood and a warm welcome in this tiny gastro pub by the sea’ – according to one TripAdvisor user.

 

  (Photos: Arundels by the Pier/ Facebook)

Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arundels-by-the-Pier/

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4. Kingfisher Bar, Celtic Ross Hotel, Rosscarbery

A perfect place to stop on your travels along the N71, the Kingfisher Bar is home to an amazing view of the Rosscarbery Causeway. This is the best place in West Cork to savour a pint while watching migratory birds swarm in the sky, as the neighbouring estuary is a hive of wildlife activity. You can act like the neighbouring swans and relax and enjoy the pink sunsets in this romantic location.

(Photos: Celtic Ross Hotel/ Facebook)

Find out more: http://www.celticrosshotel.com/

 

5. Barleycove Beach Hotel, Mizen Head

No folks this is not a photo of Oahu island in Hawaii, this is Barleycove Beach, Mizen Head. Situated in a priceless location, Barleycove beach is a gem in West Cork. The beach itself has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation by the European Union, due to the variety of wildlife and interesting habitats present in the sand dunes. The hotel has a wooden terrace with seating to look out and absorb this Wild Atlantic View. I don’t think you can get closer to paradise..

 

Find out more: http://www.barleycovebeachhotel.com/

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6. The Islanders Rest, Sherkin Island

This is island living, sun shining on the glistening water, music playing and the faint hum of the ferry making its way into the pier. The Islanders Rest is a must if you are visiting Sherkin Island. No where else on earth has views like this. You can enjoy a great pint here while looking out towards Baltimore and the Beacon Cliffs. Yachts and ferries pass by slowly and dolphins are often seen in this bay, where else could you get it?

Ferries only a short 15 min crossing from Baltimore Village.

 (Photos: The Islanders Rest/ TripAdvisor & Robbie Murphy/Facebook)

Find out more: http://www.islandersrest.ie/ and http://www.sherkinisland.eu/ferry

 

7. Dinty’s, Casey’s and Maloney’s Bar Union Hall.

These three pubs have some beautiful views of Union Hall bay, a picturesque fishing village with a jam packed festival during the summer months. Fresh fish is a speciality here as the local fishing fleets dock yards from this village. Dining on Union Hall smoked fish washed down with some local beer is an essential activity when visiting this colourful village. Sit down in the waterside beer gardens and you may be close enough to catch the fish yourself!

 (Photo: Union Hall Festival by the Sea/ Facebook, & Dinty’s Bar/Facebook)

Find out more: http://unionhallwebsite.blogspot.ie/

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8. Dunmore House Hotel, Clonakilty

Located only a few minutes from bustling Clonakilty town a spectacular vista of the Atlantic Ocean greets you on arrival at Dunmore House Hotel. This hotel hugs the wild atlantic coastline and Inchydoney Beach (listed as Ireland’s no 1. beach in 2015) is visible from the front decking. If you are travelling along the coast road to Galley Head Lighthouse, mark this on your map as a place to stop, relax, get a drink and take in these spectacular views.

(Photo: Dunmore House Hotel/Tripadvisor)

Find out more: http://www.dunmorehousehotel.ie/

9. Tin Pub, Ahakista (Sheep’s Head)

Taken from their own description it is one of the truly unique Irish pubs. Located on the Sheep’s Head peninsula, the Tin Pub has remained the same since day one. Sample the stout in the traditional interior, or outside in the beer garden over looking the bay, this is a gem not to be missed.

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(Photos: Tin Pub/Facebook & Wayfarer.com)

Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/TheTinPub and http://livingthesheepsheadway.com/

10. The Bulman Bar, Kinsale

You cannot miss this bright and colourful pub as you drive the coast road in Kinsale, its bright warm yellow exterior often matches the vivid sunsets year round. Only yards from the sea, there is plenty of seating to sit out and observe the yachts sail by in nearby picturesque Kinsale. According to one visitor on TripAdvisor “From sitting next to the cozy fire with a Franciscan Well Red in hand, to a Bulmers outside in the summer, this is the best place in Kinsale”.

(Photos: The Bulman/Facebook)

Find out more: http://www.thebulman.ie/

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11. Eccles Hotel, Glengarriff

This hotel is steeped in history and has an oriental feel to its facade, it is in one of the best locations to savour the magnificent Bantry bay. The hotel is located only a short distance from the tropical Ilnacullin/ Garnish Island and the Bamboo park. The perfect place to take in the lush green landscape of Glengarriff.

(Photos: Tripadvisor & EcclesHotel.com)

Find out more: http://eccleshotel.com/

12. Club Cléire & Ciarán Danny Mike’s, Cape Clear Island/ Oileán Chléire

These two pubs are located only minutes from the pier and have spectacular views of the wild and natural vistas of this unspoiled island. Cape Clear is accessible by ferry from Baltimore and Schull and hosts an International Story Telling Festival in September. Why not visit to practise your Gaeilge as the island is a Gaeltacht region, or view the seals, basking sharks or dolphins that are often spotted in the surrounding water.

(Photos: capeclearhostel.com & Tripadvisor)

Find out more: http://www.capeclearisland.ie/index

13. Glandore Inn, Casey’s Bar and Hayes Pub, Glandore

These three pubs are situated on one of West Corks most beautiful villages, Glandore where you could spend hours taking in this beautiful harbour. All three pubs have their own unique character and local seafood again is the most popular choice to accompany a pint. Once you visit I guarantee you will return.

(Photos: Tripadvisor)

Find out more: http://www.glandorevillage.ie/

14. Bank House, Whiddy Island

Located next to the pier on Whiddy Island this can be your first or last port of call when you visit this fascinating island. Sheltered by the beautiful mountains of the Beara peninsula to the north and the Sheep’s head peninsula to the south, Whiddy’s unique location and unparalleled scenery make it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a pint on this charming island. Being just offshore from Bantry town, access is easy, and the ferry crossing only a matter of minutes.

(Photos: Irishrugbytours.com & Whiddy Island Ferry/Facebook)

See more at: http://www.whiddyferry.com

15. Gougane Barra Hotel

An iconic attraction in West Cork Gougane Barra is a mystical place to visit, the hotel is located next to the crystal clear lake and the nineteenth century oratory which stands near the original monastery is famous for its richly decorated interior and as a place of retreat and relaxation. This place is the very antithesis of Temple Bar, and is the perfect location to unwind in the hotel bar. According to TripAdvisor: “Gougane Barra – it is the most serene, peaceful, and relaxing place I have ever encountered”.

(Photos: GouganeBarraHotel.com)

Find out more: http://www.gouganebarrahotel.com/

 

16. Millbrook Bar, Castletownbere

This tiny little pub is located on the bridge into Castletownbere village. This colourful little pub has some amazing views of the harbour and is only a few minutes from the famous McCarthy’s Bar.

 

(Photo: pbase.com)

Find out more: http://www.bearatourism.com/

17. West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen

It is not everyday you can enjoy a pint on a disused railway bridge overlooking the beautiful Ilen River. The West Cork Hotel is located right on the Ilen and a clever use of the disused bridge means you can do just that. The river is teeming with wildlife including otters, swans, and herons. You can bask in the evening sunshine whilst watching small boats and rowers glide underneath the bridge and down towards old court estuary.

 

(Photos: WestCorkHotel/ Facebook)

Find out more: http://www.westcorkhotel.com/

 

18. Pink Elephant, Kilbrittain

Due to popular protest, The Pink Elephant has been added to the list. What a view in picturesque Kilbrittain. It is a restaurant & bar right on the coast of West Cork, just a few miles west from Kinsale.  The bar has some magical Atlantic views over Courtmacsherry Bay, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink on the outdoor patio.

(Photos: Pinkelephant.ie)

Find out more: http://www.pinkelephant.ie/

19. Urhan Inn, Beara Peninsula

Another Beara contender this bar is unrivalled when it comes to picture postcard perfection. Nestled along the R575 road to Eyeries, count this pub as your go to stopover when touring the Beara Peninsula.

(Photos: http://www.vfi.ie/)

Find out more: www.bearatourism.com

20. Minihan’s Bar, Lisheen

Minihan’s bar located in Lisheen, is only a short distance from Skibbereen town and has one of the most impressive view of Roaringwater Bay. From here you can spot the famous Kilcoe Castle which is occupied by actor Jeremy Irons. The vista ahead reveals some of Carbery’s hundred isles and not to mention you may spot the light from the Fastnet Lighthouse on your way home. Known for its live music sessions, this is the closest you can get to rural Ireland. Its location is indeed off the beaten track, but is ‘not to be missed’ according to one of our UK visitors.

(Photos: Facebook/Geograph.ie)

Find out location here: https://geolocation.ws/v/E/2439643/minihans-bar-lisheen-upper-townland/en

21. Barry’s Bar, Deasy’s Harbour Bar and Seafood Restaurant and Kitty Macs Bar, Ring (Clonakilty)

Popular protest from loyal customers granted the worthy inclusion of these three pubs located in beautiful Ring, Clonakilty. Follow the old Timoleague Road for a coastal view of Clonakilty Bay that reaches out to the spectacular Inchydoney Island. Ring village is known for its fantastic local seafood and great hospitality so make sure you mark this colourful little village on your to do list.

 

(Photos: Kitty Macs, Deasy’s Facebook/ Google Street View)

Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kitty-Macs and https://www.facebook.com/pages/Deasys-Harbour-Bar-Seafood-Restaurant/126741324027491?sk=timeline

22. Causkey’s Bar, Eyeries (Beara)

Situated on the majestic Beara peninsula, Causkey’s Bar is the location to visit if you want the most panoramic view of the neighbouring landscape. Its brightly coloured front fits in with the world famous Eyeries village. Tourism Ireland kicked off its promotional drive for 2015 with an end-of-year campaign which included ‘wrapping’ the Daily Telegraph with images of Ireland, including a wonderful image of the picturesque village of Eyeries in West Cork. The wrap was seen by more than 1.2 million readers, better get there quick before everyone else does!

 

(Photo: Bearatourism.com)

Find out more: http://www.bearatourism.com/shopeyeries.html

 

23. Blue Horizon, Garrettstown

There is no better location to take in in the beauty of Garretstown beach and surrounds. The Blue Horizon a pub and B&B offers just that with ample seating for you to enjoy the perfect pint. Only a few minutes from the Old Head Golf Links, why not make this place your ‘après-golf’ stop off.

 

(Photos: http://www.thebluehorizon.com/ & Trivago.ie)

Find out more: http://www.thebluehorizon.com/