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Town in County Cork, Ireland
Photo: National Library of Ireland on The Commons, No restrictions via Wikimedia Commons
Skibbereen is a village in the southwest of County Cork, Ireland. An Sciobairín means "the little boat harbour" - it would have to be a small boat to get this far up the River Ilen. Skibbereen was one of the worst affected places during the Famine of 1845-52, and it's reckoned that up to 10,000 victims are buried in the mass grave here, with a similar number fleeing to an unknown fate. The village is nowadays a small resort, with a population of 2900 in 2022.
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Ionad Oidhreachta an Sciobairín
Museum with exhibitions on Lough Hyne, and on the Great Famine when this area was badly hit. They also have resources for genealogy research.
Exhibitions of modern art, studio space and classes, in a boxy rust-coloured building that some hate.
A neo-classical building completed in 1826. The title "cathedral" is informal, it lost that status when the diocese was merged with Cork in 1958.
An artificial grassy crater, created by American artist James Turrell. It contains a stone double bed where you view the sky above. Visit also the rest of the hotel gardens and surrounds.
Friendly mid-range hotel, some rooms tired but great service and value for money. With kennels. Not to be confused with West Cork Hostel on Main St, a mercy that it's closed.
"A credit to the town" is visitors' reaction to this smart mid-range hotel. That said, one of the few people not to post a favourable review was Michael Collins, since he was slain in an ambush shortly after dining here in 1922.
Remarkable B&B in a Victorian townhouse, the whole place is a work of art, and the owner Mona Best gets the basics right as well.
Well run site open May - Sep. 60 pitches for caravans, motorhomes, and tents.
Grand country mansion open April-Oct, often hosting weddings. The Turrell "Sky Garden" is in its grounds.
Splendid welcoming guesthouse.
Skibbereen is on N71, about 85 km west of Cork. Bus Eireann 237 runs daily every two hours from Cork via Inishannon, Bandon, Clonakilty, Rosscarbery and Leap, taking 1 hour 45 min to Skibbereen.
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Cork · International · ORK
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