Six Reasons To Visit 'Ireland's Trendiest Village' This Summer

Six Reasons To Visit ‘Ireland’s Trendiest Village’ This Summer

Megan Cassidy

It may sound like a fictional Irish village from some pisstake Hollywood movie, but Ballydehob in West Cork is fast becoming a popular foodie destination.

The recent opening of Restaurant Chestnut by acclaimed chef Robbie Krawczyk has only consolidated this fact, but there are plenty of other great reasons to pay this trendy village a visit this summer.

Here’s just a few:

It’s a foodie paradise

It’s no surprise Robbie Krawczyk chose the picturesque village for his latest venture Restaurant Chestnut – it already has a thriving food culture with local produce and homemade hearty recipes to be found on nearly every corner. Get lunch ‘made with love’ at Budd’s Restaurant, or stock up on healthy eats at Hudson’s Whole Foods.

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A post shared by Mee (@meeburke) on Jun 3, 2018 at 11:13am PDT

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Breakfast in ballydehob

A post shared by Catherine Melvin (@hudsons_wholefoods) on Jun 9, 2018 at 2:41am PDT

It’s home to Levi’s Pub

A truly authentic Irish pub owned by the same family for over 100 years, the new generation have kept the pub completely up to date and thriving. You’ll find a great selection of craft beers to sip on to some live music. Perfect.

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The stunning coastal setting

Nestled into the Wild Atlantic Way, you’ll never be bored in Ballydehob. There’s always something to see and do for water lovers – head out for a trip around the bay or see the stunning Twelve Arch Bridge.

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A post shared by simon chambers (@mandalay_gardens) on Jun 4, 2018 at 5:25am PDT

Out and about on an evening trip around #roaringwaterbay #aughadown #ballydehob, we passed by #kilcoe castle & such a fine evening it is on the #wildatlanticway. Going by the #skeams now & heading home for #heirisland ???? pic.twitter.com/cmds5lvB5Q

— Heir Island Ferries (@HareIsland) June 10, 2018

The festival scene is buzzing

Trad music, maritime festivals – there’s a whole summer season of fun in the colourful village. This weekend sees the Fastnet Maritime festival take over the town with Sea songs, shanties, dance, craft market, maritime food stalls, workshops, sea songwriting competition, music in the pubs and main stage near Ballydehob pier.

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#Ballydehob#jazzfestivalfuneralmarch

A post shared by Bentley Ngulube (@cubunendoro21) on May 5, 2018 at 12:06pm PDT

The beautiful Kilcoe Castle is nearby

A stunning medieval castle owned and restored by Jeremy Irons is just a short distance away from the village of Ballydehob, overlooking Roaring Water Bay.

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Drone photography like this reveals the dramatic coastal landscape of West Cork. This lush region of the Wild Atlantic Way is home to sweeping hills, jagged coast and pretty islands – all sculpted over time by the elements. This shot by @bkinsella10 captures gorgeous Kilcoe Castle, near Ballydehob. #drone #WestCork #Cork #Island #KilcoeCastle #Ballydehob #WestCoast #WildAtlanticWay #WAW #Ireland #sea #instatravel #travel #LonelyPlanet #lp #holiday

A post shared by Wild Atlantic Way (@thewildatlanticway) on Jul 29, 2017 at 9:00am PDT

The nature walks are breath-taking

‘Fastnet trails’ incorporate a whole system of long and short walks for nature-lovers, with jaw-dropping scenery along the way. The walks cover a total of 80km, so you’ll never run out of new trails to explore. Check out the Facebook page here.