Cork: Castles, sea views offer fine backdrops

Rossbrin and Stouke, West Cork

WE set off from Rossbrin Quay, with the ruined tower of the O’Mahony castle on the opposite headland. This rectangular tower was reputedly built in 1310, but the surviving remains are of 15th or 16th century origin. We make our way east along the water (i.e. facing the sea, we go left).

At the eastern end of the bay side road, we come to a pebble beach with a small, gurgling stream pouring from under the honeysuckle on the ditch behind us.