David O’Halloran runs the The Lifeboat Inn with his husband Martin, in the beautiful West Cork village of Courtmacsherry. Here, he shares his top tips for anyone planning on visiting the area:

"I moved to Courtmacsherry because I believe it is a true hidden gem of west Cork. It is a tranquil coastal village full of natural beauty and character. Whether you’re a serious hillwalker, a weekend walker or just a casual stroller, there are mapped out walking routes for everyone. My favourite is the Fuchsia Walk which is a 40 minute loop through the village along the coast and through the woods. There are fuchsia hedges dotted all along the way in vibrant colours of reds, purples, and whites and it’s simply beautiful.

There are some fabulous local beaches such as Dunworley Bay, Broad Strand and Blind Strand which I highly recommend for de-stressing and unwinding so don’t forget to pack a picnic. Courtmacsherry is well regarded for its fishing. We are lucky to have a fantastic sea angling centre which provides for fishing, boat hire and dolphin and whale watching trips. The sheltered harbour provides a great backdrop for bird watching also. The mudflats are a bird-watcher’s paradise and the bay is recognised as a special area of conservation.

I find the history of the village very interesting for example the lifeboat station which was established in Courtmacsherry in 1825, is one of the first to be founded in Ireland. Its volunteer crews have performed many rescues, the most famous in 1915 when the lifeboat of the day rescued survivors of the Lusitania sinking.

Opening The Lifeboat Inn in Courtmacsherry with my husband Martin was a challenging but exhilarating time. It has definitely been worth all the hard work. We wanted to create a space that reflects the best of Irish hospitality. In Courtmacsherry there are plenty of cafes and pubs to hang out in and get to know the locals and you’re sure to meet some interesting characters along the way. I love the strong community spirit in the village."

Lifeboat Inn gastropub is located in Courtmacsherry, Cork | www.lifeboatinn.ie | 0238864656

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