Courtmacsherry (or Courtmac) consists of a single long street on the south shore of Courtmacsherry Bay, with thick woods on rising ground behind. The woods (planted by the Earl of Shannon in the late 18th century) continue beyond the village eastwards to the open sea, ending abruptly at Wood Point. Between the village and "The Point" the trees run right to the water's edge and there are several natural bathing coves along the way.
There is a car park at the east end of Courtmacsherry. A pathway ascends above it. It passes bungalows, crosses a meadow and enters the woods, carpeted with bluebells, wood anemones and ramsons in springtime. The giant beeches, in full leaf, create an almost cathedral-like effect. The path, once used by charcoal burners, is well-made; the sea is below on the left and there are fine views of the opposite shore and many bathing spots.
Now, passing through a stile, you come upon a breathtaking view of the sea below, the Old Head of Kinsale, with its white lighthouse, and open fields stretching ahead. Beyond the bay mouth, you can see the big, white Garafeen Strand (Harbour View) on the opposite shore and, beyond, Coolmain Castle, owned by the Walt Disney family.