The larger Irish cities, such as Dublin, Cork, Belfast, and Galway, are major tourist attractions due to their easy access, unique histories, vibrant nightlife, and a plethora of activities and experiences . However, rural Ireland offers all these benefits and more for travellers willing to venture off the beaten path.
The Wild Atlantic Way coastal route, stretching from Co Donegal in the northwest to Co Cork in the south, is a treasure trove of beautiful towns and villages , each offering something unique and worthwhile for travel enthusiasts. One such village that embodies the best characteristics of the western coast of Ireland - quaint charm, breathtaking scenery, vibrant local culture, and intriguing history - is Crookhaven in Co Cork.
Despite its name suggesting a haven for crooks or criminals - and there is indeed a rich history of piracy in the area - it actually derives from the Crooke family, who owned large estates in Co Cork in the 1600s. This connection to the Crookes ended around 1665 when Sir Thomas - also the founder of the nearby town of Baltimore - and his son and heir Sir Samuel passed away.
Crookhaven, a charming village with a permanent population of less than 60, sees its numbers swell during the summer months as tourists and holiday homeowners descend on the picturesque spot. Among the three pubs available for visitors, O'Sullivan's stands out, boasting the title of Ireland's "southernmost pint."
O'Sullivan's, a family-run establishment since its inception in 1933, is renowned for its delicious, locally sourced food. The fish is freshly caught by local fishermen, while the seasonal vegetables are grown in their own garden.
The pub, run by four generations of the O'Sullivan family, offers stunning sea views due to its prime location facing the harbour. Its authentic stone floors and decor provide the quintessential Irish pub experience, catering to all senses and types of travellers.
Despite its small size - the entire area spans less than one square mile - Crookhaven has made significant contributions to the world of shipping and communications. Its strategic location between mainland Europe and the United States made it an important stopover for ships sailing between the two continents.
Guglielmo Marconi, the Italian inventor who developed the radio-based wireless telegraph system, conducted experiments in Crookhaven in the early 1900s. Marconi, who later established a wireless telegraph station in Clifden, Co Galway , worked in this beautiful spot in Co Cork from 1901 to 1914.
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The Crookhaven Lighthouse, one of Ireland's most iconic lighthouses built in 1843, offers an unforgettable stay. The adjacent cottage, refurbished twice in 1999 and 2008, provides a breathtaking view over the west Co Cork sea and is designed to be bathed in light.
Reaching the village requires a drive as there's no regular public transport. It's 82 miles from Cork City and 238 miles from Dublin , but the scenic route makes the journey worthwhile.
The area is packed with amenities, especially for watersport enthusiasts. The Crookhaven Harbour Sailing Club runs sailing courses from June to September and hosts boat races on weekends, attracting large crowds.
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