There’s so much to explore in West Cork. I wish I could have enjoyed a Galley Head lobster in Clonakilty and lingered by the coastline, which sure is nice and clean, a little longer. Wherever you go, stout is on the menu, be it Murphy’s or Beamish.

But keep your eyes and ears open for a ceilidh (KAY-lee), a fun-filled night of laughter, dance, good company, and of course, music.

Your nearest and dearest are far from here, so don’t treat safety as another thing on your to-do list. Here are a few things to bear in mind when you’re grabbing your coat and keys:  

No Matter If You’re Going For A Walk Or Joining In On Local Events, Stick With The Crowd 

Corkonians aren’t smug folks, it’s just that we love showing off our county, especially when it comes to the places we love to wander at night, like the greenway along Lough Mahon, which is lit from Pairc Ui Chuimh out. If you want to achieve union with your thoughts, don’t go it alone. There’s a workshop with Sara Granovetter on April 18.

You’re safer in the company of others, who can see what you don’t and are ready to help, so take the initiative and throw yourself in there, acting as if you’re an accepted member of the circle. 

Don’t Accidentally Leave Your Drink Unattended, Even For Just A Minute 

So, what’s your poison? Around here, the favorites are whiskey, gin, and vodka. If someone offers to buy you a drink to jump-start a conversation, pay close attention to the bartender while it’s being made, just in case, and keep the glass with you from that moment on. Spiking can happen anywhere. When you wake up the following morning, you deceive yourself into thinking that you have a hangover until you start making sense of what has happened. Use your own can or bottle and steer clear of the punch bowl; not that this makes a place to be avoided. 

Of course, not everyone does, but about half of lads and lassies go out once a week, and in small doses, alcohol is relaxing, allowing you to do things you wouldn’t do otherwise… but it can be bad for your health. It’s easy to get carried away, so avoid rounds and sip more slowly to make it last. Does it look like your drink has been moved, or is it fuller than it was when you last checked? Take no chances. In my opinion, friends should be honest with each other, so if you’re comfortable doing so, tell them you’re doing your best to cut down on your drinking. 

Make A Safety Plan Long Before The Darkness Has A Shot To Settle 

Safety ought to be top of mind, which is why you should look into the dangers, risks, and threats you might grapple with. Picture this: you go down a flight of stairs to get to the bathroom because you’ve had one too many, and you slip and fall on the wet floor pretty hard.

This is downright negligence, and the law is on your side, so check with someone who can guide you before striking up a conversation that could have long-lasting consequences. Don’t put it off for too long. 

When staying out late, we forget that buses and trains don’t run 24/7. A taxi takes you straight back home, so book one while you still have a clear mind; your driver knows every shortcut, road closure, and anything else that might slow you down. Stick to your curfew or make plans for the next morning as an incentive to wrap this fairly early. Ellen’s Kitchen has fluffy pancakes and sausage rolls, all served fresh, and unless you’re actually royalty, you won’t find a better excuse to get up early. 

It’s Best To Leave Your Valuables At Home And Only Bring Only Your Basics 

Your phone is more of an extra security measure. If you’re lost somewhere, your friends can find you using the location you shared in your conversations, so you’re never truly alone. Carrying large amounts of cash isn’t such a good idea because thieves are watching your every step. Even if someone gets their hands on your phone, they can’t pay for anything without your PIN or face scan, so use a mobile wallet backed by a credit card. Showpiece necklaces. Earrings that sparkle with every turn. Remarkable bracelets. Don’t take them with you when you’re out and about to avoid unwanted attention. 

Keep Out Of Trouble, Even If Some People Get On Your Nerves 

One person wants to dance until the sun comes up, while another would rather find a quiet corner and sit down to catch up - not surprisingly, it creates a bit of friction. Tempting as it may be to ignore the conflict, it won’t magically disappear because you look the other way. When you mix a tightly packed space with loud music and a high-energy atmosphere, stress levels can rise fast, and when you add alcohol, things get out of hand. If there’s a fight or an argument, stay out of it, especially if this is your first encounter with violence. 

Wrapping It Up, You Should Trust Your Instinct When Something Doesn’t Feel Right 

West Cork is a very friendly place. A common mistake to believe is that if nothing’s ever happened to you until now, you’re safe by default, but that kind of thinking can create problems for you. If you know in your heart and gut that something is out of place, stick to your decision to remove yourself ASAP. Ask For Angela is used across Ireland, so if someone doesn’t take no for an answer, you can get help by reaching out to venue staff and saying the code phrase. They’ll call security and/or the police. The best course of action is to walk away because people shamed in public can get aggressive.