County cork - where should we stay?

[Lovewhereilive]

Would like sea views, to be near a pub/ restaurant (don't mind walking a bit to get to it).

Been looking at Kinsale, Ballycotton and Skibbereen.

Anyone know the area and can advise me please? We would like to whale watch, do walks, cycle, and sample the pubs and restaurants.

Need a cottage for 5 of us (got 3 noisy active boys).

Have a look at www.copperbeechfarm.net. We stayed last August with 2 boys and loved it. It's near Kinsale. The children have so much freedom and love watching the milking! No sea view though. We stayed in The Barn. Can't wait to return.

I'd recommend Ardmore. Pretty little village on the coast just over the border from co cork in county Waterford.

Look at Shamrockcottages, it's a UK based site.

Kinsale is lovely. I think of it as more for adults though.

Clonakilty is briliant for children. Great town too. I think there is a quality hotel there that has good cottages. Inchadonney beach hotel is also lovely - may be houses to rent there too.

Schull is a very cool and beautiful town - you could see Skibbereen, Bantry, and most of west cork from Clon or Schull.

I live in West Cork and would be happy to help.

This website is one I'm involved in and is great if you want walking and a base around Bantry.
Sheep's Head Way

Ah great response, thanks everyone, will have a look this eve at all the suggestions. And brill to have a local to ask too.

Out friends have a fab pub and restaurant in beautiful Baltimore. Enjoy!

Need to look on a map where all these places are, will do once I stop taxi driving my kids later. Very excited - love planning a holiday!

I like the look of all these places!
Thanks for the tips.

Are we likely to see whales and dolphins from the shore or do we need to take a boat trip? And what is the best time of year to see them? Was planning on visiting at May half term.

If we take our bikes will there be enough trails, quiet roads for us to actually use them? My youngest will be 7 but he is good on a bike, did 14 mile ride last summer.

I second Clonakilty, the Quality Inn is great for young families, Inchydoney is a bit more adult/upmarket.

Oh yes, Schull is lovely too.

We stayed in Rosscarbery, and would happily return. Skib is wonderful, it has such character ??

Thanks for all the recommendations, have booked a place in Baltimore, bit of a drive but hopefully worth it!