30 May 2023
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
“The new guide complements the Council’s Historic Towns Map series now available for 11 towns in Cork County, including Bantry, Skibbereen, Clonakilty, Schull, Dunmanway, Castletownbere, Kinsale and Bandon.”
The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Danny Collins recently launched a new guide map highlighting the rich and unique archaeological heritage of the West Cork countryside.
Cork County Council has launched the 101 Archaeological Sites to Visit in West Cork map. Produced by Cork County Council’s Heritage Unit, it is a useful guide for anyone wishing to experience at first hand the wonderful rich archaeological heritage of the West Cork from Kinsale to Mizen Head. Pictured at Bantry Tourist Office is Ruth O’ Brien CCC, Eileen O’ Shea, Bantry Dev & Tourism, Sharon Conroy CCC Yvonne O’ Driscoll CCC, Sharon Corcoran CCC
The ‘101 Archaeological Sites to Visit in West Cork’ guide map features well-known monuments such as Drombeg Stone Circle, Timoleague Friary, and Charles Fort, as well as lesser-known sites like Ardgroom Stone Circle, Kinneagh Round Tower, and Cahervagliar Ringfort. It also includes monuments from more recent times, including Martello towers, signal towers, water-powered mills and mining remains.
The map provides a brief description of each site, along with its grid coordinates, making it easy for visitors to find and experience the rich heritage of West Cork. The new guide complements the Council’s Historic Towns Map series now available for 11 towns in Cork County, including Bantry, Skibbereen, Clonakilty, Schull, Dunmanway, Castletownbere, Kinsale and Bandon.
Speaking at the launch, Mayor Collins said, “West Cork is home to a wealth of archaeological sites that tell the story of our unique cultural heritage, from Stone Age burial tombs to medieval castles and abbeys. This guide map will be an excellent resource for both locals and visitors to the area, providing a comprehensive list of accessible sites that showcase the diverse history of the area.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, added, “We are delighted to launch this guide map which is sure to be a valuable resource for visitors to our county. It is an excellent example of how Cork County Council is working to promote and enhance our county’s unique cultural heritage, while also supporting our local tourism industry. Offering an easy-to-use guide to West Cork’s archaeological sites, I have no doubt that this guide will help to further enhance the visitor experience in Cork County.”
The “101 Archaeological Sites to Visit in West Cork” guide map and the Historic Towns Series are available for download on the Council’s website at www.corkcoco.ie Copies are also available at local Tourist Offices.
