Resembling something plucked straight from a picture-perfect postcard, this charming Irish village offers an idyllic retreat, brimming with tranquillity and vibrant hues, whilst being conveniently positioned near mountain trails and seaside panoramas.

Eyeries, nestled in West Cork, is regarded as amongst Ireland’s most picturesque villages, celebrated for its distinctive rainbow-coloured buildings that evoke a fairytale atmosphere.

Meticulously maintained, the locals take immense pride in their streets and floral arrangements, earning them multiple accolades in the ‘Tidy Town’ competition throughout the years.

Beyond its striking architecture, the village boasts magnificent mountain vistas encircling it and, naturally, coastal scenery across Coulagh Bay.

This prime location delivers spectacular sunsets whilst serving as an excellent starting point for discovering the Ring of Beara.

Positioned just eight minutes from Castletown-Bearhaven, the route across the peninsula is wonderfully accessible whether you prefer walking, cycling or motoring.

This particular loop experiences significantly less footfall compared to the Ring of Kerry, providing a much more peaceful experience for those keen to tackle the celebrated 140 km coastal circuit.

The bay itself exudes considerable serenity – being somewhat of a hidden treasure, it doesn’t draw huge numbers of tourists, providing a laid-back sanctuary.

Additionally, the waters are excellent for swimming, whilst the neighbouring pathways present superb walking and cycling routes.

The village boasts a delightful selection of establishments where visitors can enjoy a meal, pause for afternoon tea, or simply wander through whilst admiring the vibrant cottages.

It’s no wonder that artists flock to this location, captivated by its distinctive character and relaxed ambience.

Popular haunts tucked away in the village include the time-honoured Causkey’s Bar, O’Shea’s Bar and Murphy’s Restaurant. Given its coastal setting, seafood features prominently on menus throughout the local dining scene, with visitors singing its praises in their feedback.

A guest who visited Murphy’s, which has welcomed diners since the 1950s, posted an enthusiastic review on TripAdvisor, saying: “We had a gorgeous night in Murphy’s. Wonderful, attentive staff who even offered to take a photo of us and turned on the lights outside. The food was a real delight- fresh seafood and beautifully cooked meat. Would definitely recommend!”.

Another customer at the eye-catching pink Breen’s Lobster Bar and Restaurant left an effusive review declaring it was “so worth the wait”. They said: “Would plan my trip around this restaurant for fantastic, highest-quality fresh food, very well priced.

“Our waitress was fab and clearly knew her stuff and advised the fussy young one perfectly. Bonus was almost everything was gluten-free or available gluten-free. Very satisfied customer! Can’t praise it enough.”