THE distinctive Google Street View car which is wrapped in a unique sky-and-clouds design, has been spotted travelling the roads of West Cork recently.

The appearance of the specialised Opel Astra, equipped with its signature roof-mounted camera system, indicates a significant update to Google Maps imagery for the area is underway.

Residents in Skibbereen have reported seeing the vehicle.

'I saw it driving through Skibb whilst going to get my coffee' commented one Southern Star staff member.

The presence of the Google Street View car in West Cork means one thing: new imagery is being collected for Google Maps.

These updates are crucial for maintaining the accuracy and utility of the online mapping service.

As roads change, businesses open and close, and landscapes evolve, Google periodically sends out these vehicles to capture fresh views.

For West Cork, this update will provide an invaluable resource for tourists planning visits and for locals navigating their own communities.

Up-to-date Street View imagery allows users to virtually explore locations, scout out attractions, find parking, and even get a feel for the ambiance of an area before arriving.