- West Cork
West Cork ( _ga. Iarthar Chorcaí) in south-west
Ireland , lies in Ireland's largest county,County Cork . The area is actively promoted as distinct from other areas of the county, such as the more populated northern or eastern parts of the county, as well as the more urban area ofMetropolitan Cork . Those from this quite rural part of Ireland, often describe themselves as being from West Cork. Road signs may be found around Cork city and elsewhere directing traffic for "The West", or "West Cork". It is famous for the rugged beauty of its peninsulas, such as the remoteBeara Peninsula ,Sheep's Head andMizen Head Peninsulas.The town of Bandon is described as the "Gateway to West Cork". The area of West Cork is not strictly defined but at it's broadest definition, it includes all parts of Co. Cork south and west of the
River Lee with the exception of Cork city and suburbs.Notable
The area is notable for having been linked together by the
Cork, Bandon and South Coast Railway , which began in Cork city, travelled across the county, with branches toClonakilty (junction at Gaggin) andSkibbereen (junction at Drimoleague), before terminating atBantry . The closure of the railway is still a grievance for many in the area. The narrow gaugeSchull and Skibbereen Railway closed in 1947. Nowadays the main infrastructural backbone is provided by the N71 and R586 routes.Other towns in West Cork include
Bantry ,Dunmanway ,Kinsale ,Skibbereen ,Ballydehob ,Castletownbere andMacroom (perhaps the most northern area described as West Cork).A large part of the area is contained within both the Catholic and Church of Ireland Dioceses of Ross. These Dioceses no longer exist separately but are part of the larger Dioceses Cork & Ross (& Cloyne in the case of
Church of Ireland ).External links
* [http://www.westcork.ie/ West Cork Tourism] Official Site
* [http://www.bringbacktheswanseacorkferry.com/ Campaign to restore the Swansea-Cork Ferry link - the easiest way to get to West Cork from the UK / EU]ee also
*
Charles Vallancey
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballydehob]
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