From the fantastic natural harbor of Cork, the Irish coast tends to the west southwest. The entire coastline is part of County Cork, and the locals call it West Cork.
It’s a fantastic place to sail. The orientation of the coastline largely protects it from the worst of the everpresent northwest swell of the north Atlantic, and a series of bays, rivermouths, and outlying islands provide a myriad of options for stops and exploration.
The town of Baltimore is home to its iconic beacon, the village of Schull is a perfect stop for reprovisioning and walks ashore, and the tiny settlement of Crookhaven is a common spot for sailboats crossing the Atlantic to make first landfall in Europe.
Oso spent nearly a month poking up and down West Cork, and could have spent double that time. Warm local pubs in every village, a friendly welcome from locals, and short daysails between well-protected anchorages makes for great cruising under sail.
