Coast & Islands
Cork has a coastline stretching over 1100 kilometres along the south-west of Ireland – dotted with charming coves and inlets and dozens of golden sandy beaches.
As a result, it has some of the best sailing in the world, attracting amateurs and professionals alike. Every second year, it hosts the internationally renowned Fastnet Race, which in 2007 was won for the first time ever by an Irish yacht, Chieftain.
There are eight small islands off the coast, including Sherkin Island and Garinish Island – all accessible by ferry or cable car from the mainland.
Garinish Island is just a short boat trip from the little fishing village of Glengarriff in West Cork. It’s unique because its sheltered location and the warming currents of the Gulf Stream mean it has a microclimate which is almost subtropical, allowing the cultivation of rare plants and ornamental shrubs not normally grown outdoors in northern Europe.
The Marine Station on Sherkin Island is also a magnet for nature lovers. This privately funded and family-run enterprise carries out long-term monitoring of the flora and fauna along the West Cork coastline. It also aims to raise awareness of the marine environment in Ireland, especially amongst young people.