Easy and breezy.

That’s the vibe you get when you nip off down to West Cork in the summer.

You could fill your day with activities, of course (there’s loads to explore) or you could slide on the flip-flops, whack on the sunglasses and take a perch on a high stool for a frosty pint outside an old bar and remember what it feels like to be unrushed again.

If it’s the latter you’re after, the town of Schull is the place to do it.

Not too big (you can stroll from one end to the other in ten minutes) and not too small, Schull has just the right amount of distractions without taking you away from the wholesome views of the boats bobbing about in the harbour for too long.

June and July, in between the hectic Fastnet Film Festival, which attracts hoards, of celebs, celeb-spotters and film fans to the town and the popular Calves Week Regatta in August, are the perfect months to visit.

Plus it’s just an hour and a half from the city so it’s ideal for a last-minute jaunt if the mood takes you.

Drop anchor 

With parking aplenty just across the road and a bus stop around 20 steps from the door, The Schull Harbour Hotel is not just a convenient base for your stay, it’s also the most scenic choice. Take a sea view room to make the most of the endless blue outside the window.

The basement pool has a sauna and steam room, ideal for a re-set after a day of exploring or a splash around with the kids. There’s also a large playground right across the road (epic harbour views too) where little ones can blow off some steam before dinner.

Ride the tide to relaxation

You know the coffee is good when there’s a line outside the door. Amar’s Café serves West Cork Coffee and a selection of cakes and bakes in a bright and comfortable café.

The real gem is out the back; a large garden where you can kick back and sip your espresso in the dappled sunlight of a big tree. A fine spot to start that book you’ve been meaning to read all year.

Afterwards, take a stroll down the hill behind the café to the harbour or hike (or drive) up Mount Gabriel, which offers stunning 360 degree views from the top.

The Colla Loop is an easy 9km walk on small roads which starts in Schull and boasts more beautiful views while the Schull to Toormore Walk (10km) finishes in a lovely forest and river trail.

Soothe your muscles at the Heat Shack Sauna followed by a dip in the sea at Ballyrisode Beach. For more adventurous folk, Schull Water Sports Centre has a range of fun activities and Schull Sailing will whisk you off on a half day sail around Roaring Water Bay.

Shop for goodies 

Schull has a lovely selection of gift and homewares shops – check out the beautiful handmade-in-India jackets and furniture in East Meets West at the top of the town or swing by Barnett’s for hoodies, tees and dresses.

East Meets West, Schull

Every Sunday during the summer season you can visit Schull Country Market from 10am to 2pm at the Pier Road Car Park. You’ll find vegetables, fruit and salads harvested that morning as well as the renowned Gubbeen cheeses and cured meats from the Ferguson family farm just a couple of miles up the road.

Grab a lobster roll from the blue Get Fed food truck to devour on the grassy hill overlooking the water.

Cast away your cares

Adventuring finished, it’s time to head out in search of dinner (and pints). If the weather is fine, grab a drink at the Schull Harbour Hotel’s Gracie Blue Bar to sip outside in the harbour view dining area.

The hotel’s restaurant is the place to go for fresh seafood (try a big bowl of the Steamed Roaring Bay Mussels with nduja and tomato broth, parsley and grilled sourdough), with market specials like monkfish and scallops on the menu nightly.

They also serve a fine selection of whopper burgers, fish and chips and a 12-hour Lamb & Tomato Ragu Tagliatelle Pasta served with salsa verde and parmesan – just the thing to set you up for a night of exploring the local bars later on.

You can book an overnight package at The Schull Harbour Hotel, including accommodation, a full Irish breakfast, a two-course meal and a house cocktail in The Gracie Blue Bar from €250 here. You’ll find a long list of activities and attractions to enjoy in Schull and the surrounding area here.