Attractions - Living the Sheep's Head Way

Ballycommane Garden

March 1, 2016 by Dunmanus

Throughout the year, Ballycommane Garden near Durrus offers an array of colour

This lovely West Cork garden features an abundance of flowers as well as a huge variety of mature shrubs and trees. From the ancient boulder-burial site, there is a breathtaking view over the broad valley of the Four Mile Water (Ballycommane River).

You’ll see sheep grazing peacefully on the green hillsides, a clear sign that you’re on the Sheep’s Head Way, one of Ireland’s best-loved walking routes.

Visitors to Ballycommane Garden enjoy the colourful display the garden offers whenever they decide to visit.

There’s lovely established hedging throughout the grounds. The cover provided by the extensive foliage has created tasteful, secluded areas for private contemplation in this lovely West Cork garden. We invite you to walk around, sit down, relax and escape the pressures of everyday life.

Ballycommane, which is located near Durrus, also offers lovely B&B accommodation.

Enjoy visits to a range of wonderful West Cork gardens close to Ballycommane!

Location:	Ballycommane, Durrus, Co. Cork.
Entrance Fee:
Opening Hours:	Call for details.
Tel.	353 27 62799 Email
Email:	:[email protected]
Website:	http://ballycommanehouse.com/
	No information currently available.
TripAdvisor Reviews	No
Google Maps:	Yes Latitude: 51.63577 Longitude: 9.47941
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Dunbeacon Pottery

January 22, 2014 by Dunmanus

Dunbeacon Pottery is created by Helen Ennis on the shores of Dunmanus Bay, inspired by West Cork’s land and seascapes

Our collection of functional pottery combines quality in craftsmanship with inspirational and modern designs. After working and apprenticing in potteries around Ireland, Helen Ennis took over the running of Dunbeacon Pottery in the year 2000.

Helen’s vision is to bring well-designed, affordable, functional ceramic tableware to a wider audience. Every single piece of Dunbeacon Pottery is handmade and finished to the highest standard. Visitors are welcome to call to the studio and shop to watch individual pieces being made.

Drawing on inspiration from the surrounding landscape, Helen creates pieces that perfectly capture the essence of Ireland’s southwest coastal region. The Ocean Collection evolved from her connection with the ever-changing energy of the Atlantic Ocean. Discovering traces of ancient Irish woodlands in the immediate area inspired the Woodland Collection. Helen’s pottery is styled and decorated by hand with a range of natural forms and glazes.

“In my work I strive to make pieces that will be reached for and enjoyed every day for many many years”

Dunbeacon’s collections have evolved from simple natural shapes to a comprehensive array of shapes and patterns that fit into every home, offering a wide range of bowls, vases, jugs, mugs, butter dishes and many other unique gift items. The tabletop pottery is both practical, beautiful and dishwasher safe. Each piece is made by Helen with pride and care. The striking Water’s Edge is a new addition to the Dunbeacon Pottery collection.

Located in West Cork, 3 miles from the village of Durrus in the direction of Goleen we welcome visitors to come and browse the showroom and watch the making process. A visit to Europe’s most south-western pottery is a must when touring West Cork!

Location:	Durrus, Co. Cork
Opening Hours:	Open to visitors.
Tel.	00 353 (0)27 61036
Email:	[email protected]
Website:	http://dunbeaconpottery.com
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Google Maps:	Yes
Facebook:	Yes

Bantry House and Gardens

January 8, 2014 by Dunmanus

Take a tour of Bantry House, an exquisite Irish stately home and gardens, still owned by descendants of the original Earl of Bantry who built the house in the mid-1700s

The house’s story is, as you’ll discover, closely interwoven with Irish history. Richard White, Earl of Bantry ensured – with the help of some fierce storms – that Theobald Wolfe Tone and the United Irishmen could not complete their plans to invade from Bantry Bay in 1796. Centuries later, the house was one of the few Irish stately homes to survive the War of Independence.

Bantry House provides a gracious setting for the many stunning artefacts which the family has collected from across Europe over the centuries. Meanwhile, the extensive landscaped gardens offer breath-taking views across Bantry Bay. Few visitors resist the temptation to climb the garden’s steps to gain a stunning perspective on this elegant and welcoming historic house.

Self-guided tours of the house and gardens are available, and guided tours with the owner, Sophie Shelswell-White can also be arranged (see below for details). A café is open here during the summer months.

Location:	Bantry, Co. Cork
Opening Hours:	Open Tuesday to Sunday. Closed Mondays.
Winter Hours:	Closed from October-March 2015.
Admission Fee:	Visit the Garden Garden: €5 Annual Garden Passes: €10 and €30 Visit the House and Garden Adults: €11 Concessions/Groups: €8 Groups (20+): €7 Family Tickets 2 Adults 2 Children: €26 Child 6 -16 years old: €3 Child under 6 years old: FREE All the above are self-guided options Guided tour 2pm Tuesdays: €15 per person (includes self-guided visit)
Website:	http://bantryhouse.com
Tel.	00 353 (027)50047
Email:	[email protected]
Credit Cards:	Yes
TripAdvisor Reviews:	Yes
Google Maps:	Yes
	The House and Garden is partially wheelchair accessible with most of the formal garden to visit on gravel or flagstones. The house has the ground floor which consists of the halls, 2 drawing rooms featuring furniture and tapestries from Versailles, the Ante Room and dramatic Dining Room. We do not have a lift and there are 2 full flights of stairs and then half flight going to the library and bedrooms.
Facebook:	Yes
Twitter:	@BantryHouse

Black Gate: Alice West Centre & Café

January 4, 2014 by Dunmanus

The café, art gallery and butter house museum at the Black Gate in Kilcrohane celebrates the crafts, history, and walks of the Sheep’s Head peninsula

The old butter house building at the Black Gate dates from the 1890s. It was once a busy trading centre for the people from the north and west of the peninsula who were able to sell home-produced butter and eggs there.

In 1968, English-born artist Alice West bought and restored the building as a rural craft museum. For many years, the Black Gate museum outside Kilcrohane served as her home, but it was also open to the public. Alice was an enthusiastic patron of traditional music and a mentor to young people who Alice encouraged to learn craft skills in her basement workshop.

On her death, Alice West bequeathed the Black Gate to the community. Today, many of her paintings, and examples from her collection of rural antiquities are on display in the recently-renovated building.

The Sheep’s Head peninsula in West Cork is home to the Sheep’s Head Way walking route, spectacular scenery and unspoilt countryside. The Alice West Centre at the Black Gate is ideally situated as part of your walk or driving tour whilst also being a worthwhile destination in itself.

Call in for tea, coffee, snacks and Wi-Fi. With outstanding views across Dunmanus Bay, the Alice West Centre provides a welcoming venue to visitors and locals alike. Regular events include storytelling, traditional dancing and craft demonstrations.

Carraig Abhainn Gardens

January 4, 2014 by Dunmanus

Carraig Abhainn Gardens are the beautiful gardens in Durrus cultivated by Hazel and Eugene Wiseman.

Situated in Durrus on the Sheep’s Head peninsula at the top of Dunmanus Bay, Carraig Abhainn is a large garden [1 Hectare (2.5 acres)] bounded by a mill stream, giving this oasis a wonderful sense of peace and serenity.

The mature trees along the river bank and the waterfalls, together with the surrounding hills, give very welcome shelter and protection for the wide variety of tender plants that thrive here.

The garden consists of islands of trees and shrubs surrounded by grass, bark, and gravel paths and has four locally-built bridges crossing the mill stream.

Carraig Abhainn is part of the West Cork Garden Trail. Other wonderful gardens along the Sheep’s Head Way include those at the Heron Gallery and at Bantry House.

Location:	Durrus, Co. Cork. Next to Wiseman's shop.
Entrance Fee:	€5
Opening Hours:	1st March – 31st October , Mon – Sat 9.30am – 7.00pm, Sunday by appointment.
Tel.	00 353 (0)27 61070
Email:	[email protected]
Website:	http://www.carraigabhainngardens.com
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TripAdvisor Reviews	No
Google Maps:	No
Facebook:	Yes

Glenilen Farm

December 31, 2013 by Dunmanus

When Valerie Kingston began bringing cheesecakes to sell at Bantry market in 1997, she found that people just loved the rich tasty milk produced on Glenilen farm in Drimoleague.

Today, Alan and Valerie’s cheesecakes, yoghurts and desserts have gained a reputation across Ireland and beyond, and the family farm is a hive of activity.

But while the business has grown, the cows continue to lead a blissful life by the Ilen River, and Valerie continues to work on developing mouth-watering recipes, thoroughly taste-tested by the Kingston family!

Glenilen Farm Visits

OPTION 1: GUIDED – ADULT GROUPS
1 hour guided tour, by Alan or Valerie Kingston or a member of Glenilen Farm staff.
• Observe production from viewing corridor.
• Brief history of Glenilen Farm.
• Visit farmyard; hens, calves, solar panels, milking parlour.

How much does it Cost?
€50 group rate for groups of 1-10 persons. For groups of more that 10 persons the charge is €5 p.p.
Rate includes a free jar of Glenilen Farm yoghurt.

OPTION 2: GUIDED – SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY TOURS
1.5 hour guided tour, by Alan or Valerie Kingston or a member of Glenilen Farm staff.
• Observe production from viewing corridor.
• Brief history of Glenilen Farm.
• Visit farmyard; hens, calves, solar panels, milking parlour.

How much does it Cost?
€3 p.p. up to a maximum of 50 students.Group split into two with groups over 30.
Rate includes a free jar of Glenilen Farm yoghurt.

What should we bring?
All visitors should come prepared for the Irish elements and wear wellies if possible.
Bring a raincoat, and/or sunscreen hat if necessary.

Email us on [email protected] or phone +353 (0)28-31179 to make a booking.
Bookings are by appointment only. Tours run each Monday morning at 10am, subject to availability.