Outdoor - Living the Sheep's Head Way

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
	No
TripAdvisor Reviews	No
Google Maps:	No
Facebook:	Yes

Heron Gallery Café & Gardens

January 4, 2014 by Dunmanus

Heron Gallery showcases the work of Annabel Langrish, as well as a unique and unusual collection of objet d’art, prints and original artwork.

Annabel’s compelling paintings focus on the diversity of the wildlife that surrounds us here on the Sheep’s Head peninsula. Heron gallery’s gardens – designed with an artist’s eye – are a great spot to enjoy the gorgeous, wholesome local food you’ll find in the lovely café.

The café serves Fairtrade organic coffee and teas, delicious scones and cakes, and, in summer, simple, wholesome lunches using locally-sourced organic produce. There is a lovely sunny terrace for those precious sunny days and free Wi-Fi can be accessed both inside and outside.

Heron Gallery Gardens

Our garden is open from April to the end of August. Visitors to the gallery and café are welcome to wander around and, if we get advance notice, we can prepare a slow food picnic that you can bring with you.

The organic gardens are informal, with colourful flower beds radiating out from a pond and pergola. There is a wildlife pond and walk around a large pond surrounded by wildflower meadow and young woodland.

We have planted an orchard of Irish heritage apples and you can see our 2 polytunnels and raised vegetable beds. We try to grow all the salads and vegetables we use in the café.

A path takes you up to the natural ridge area where there is a great view down Dunmanus Bay.

All visitors’ donations go towards our garden project which is to construct Ireland’s first barefoot path. Slowly, we are developing our idea for a path where you take off your shoes and experience mindful walking and connection with the earth through walking slowly with bare feet on different surfaces.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome. Children must be accompanied.

While the Heron Gallery in Ahakista is closed in the winter, you can see and buy Annabel’s work online, and in her Schull, Kinsale and Kenmare stores.

Location:	Ahakista, Co. Cork. Take the right fork in Durrus towards Sheep's Head. After Arundel’s Bar, turn right. We are 300 metres up the hill on the left.
Opening Hours:	The gallery is open throughout the year, seven days a week. The garden is open every day 10.30am to 5.00pm from Easter to end of August.
Tel.	00 353 (0)27 67278
Email:
Website:	http://herongallery.ie
	No
TripAdvisor Reviews	Yes
Special Dietary Requirements:	Coeliac-friendly. Vegetarian options.
Google Maps:	No
Facebook:	Yes

Bantry Bay Pony Trekking

November 25, 2013 by Dunmanus

Enjoy pony trekking in Bantry and take in fantastic views over West Cork’s bays and hills

Enjoy breathtaking scenery on a pony trekking trail ride through ancient forest to Maggie Murphy’s cottage on Hollyhill, just 5 minutes from Bantry.

One of our 20 ponies and horses will look after you as we ride along well-maintained private bridle paths. Children and adults, beginners and advanced riders, young and old, all are welcome.

We provide safety hats and back protectors and one of our experienced helpers will walk with you if you’re not used to horses.

Riding in small groups of no more than six means that you will receive our careful attention. There’s no traffic to worry about either when you’re pony trekking, just plenty of time to enjoy the ride through the ancient Deerpark forest, once part of the Bantry Estate.

We climb gently above the tree line where the hand-built paths cross heather and gorse hillside. More advanced riders can enjoy a canter while the less adventurous enjoy the scenery. Bring your camera because when we reach Maggie Murphy’s cottage there are wonderful views down Bantry and Dunmanus Bays.

Many of our visitors return time and again. We have a Horse Sport Ireland Level One coach on staff, and if you need some riding tips we can even arrange lessons in one of our purpose-built all-weather arenas.

All of this within easy reach of the bustling harbour town of Bantry, and the tracks and trails of the Sheep’s Head peninsula: a European Destination of Excellence! Pony trekking is a wonderful thing to do while you’re paying a visit to beautiful West Cork.

Pony Trekking Reviews

‘So friendly, amazing views, and they welcome beginners with open arms…’ (Sean and Mallory, Chicago)
‘Very welcoming, beautiful scenery, magical venue.’ (Trec Ireland)

Location:	Durrus Cross, Bantry, Co. Cork
Price:	Maggie Murphy's Trail costs €25 per rider.
Opening Hours:	Open all year from early to late!
Email:	[email protected]
Tel:	00 353 (0)87 776 5539 [Mobile]
	No
Website:	http://bantrybayponytrekking.com
TripAdvisor:	Yes
Google Maps:	Yes
Additional information:	Rides are accompanied by experienced and fully-insured guides. Riding hats and body protectors are provided. You should allow 1-2 hours at Hollyhill including the time spent getting to know your pony and for any photos you might like to take.
Facebook:	Yes
Twitter:	@BantryBayPony

Wild Atlantic Way Cruise

September 30, 2013 by Dunmanus

Discover Ireland’s rugged coastline on Carbery Sailing’s Wild Atlantic Way Cruise. Taste the salt air at the edge of Western Europe, and sample the fantastic food produced here on the Sheep’s Head peninsula – an unspoilt European Destination of Excellence.

As you watch dolphins and whales play in pristine waters, and explore the bays and islands around the Sheep’s Head, you’ll understand how the changing sea has shaped the landscape of the Sheep’s Head peninsula, and the lives of its people, across the millennia.

West Cork Wild Atlantic Way Cruise

Your journey will take place on a luxury Hallberg-Rassy yacht operated by Carbery Sailing from Ahakista.

Moving through Dunmanus Bay, watch the coastlines of the Sheep’s Head and Mizen peninsulas unfold alongside you. As we make our way towards the Atlantic, Chris from Carbery Sailing and his crew will share with you stories about the people who have made this remote landscape home over several thousand years.

Bantry Bay, bordered by the Sheep’s Head and Beara peninsulas, is one of the deepest natural harbours in Europe. The drama of this bay, which can be as flat as glass or angry enough to repel an invading fleet, is something to experience. The majestic outlines of Hungry Hill and the Sugarloaf stand over the bay. The hills transform the sea, the wind, and the quality of the light in ways that our visiting sailors are always amazed by.

We’ll also explore Roaringwater Bay, named for the sound of the waters that, powered by Atlantic gales, crash against its many rocks and 100 islands. No better place to experience the Wild Atlantic Way! For all its drama, the climate here, influenced by the Gulf Stream, is mild. As we sail, look out for the harbour porpoises, dolphins and whales which make this bay their home. You’ll need your camera ready throughout the trip to capture images of local dolphins, minke whales, sunfish and leatherback sea turtles.

You’ll encounter three magnificent bays on Carbery Sailing’s Wild Atlantic Way Cruise. We’ll also chart our course past West Cork’s 7 inhabited islands. Spend time with their unique communities and experience the stunning natural habitats on Sherkin and Bere islands during your sailing trip, and you’ll get a real sense on what it is to live life by the Atlantic, at the very edge of Europe.

Price:

Carbery Sailing’s Wild Atlantic Way Cruises start from €290 (per person, cabin-sharing).

Transport:

Ahakista is located 1.25 hours’ drive from Cork Aiport. Transfers can be arranged.
UK airports with flights to Cork Airport include:
Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle upon Tyne, Liverpool, London Gatwick, London Heathrow and London Stansted.

European airports with flights to Cork include:
Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Geneva, Girona, Lisbon, Milan, Munich, Nice, Paris and Warsaw.

Bookings and Enquiries:

You can either book a scheduled cruise, or contact Carbery Sailing’s Chris Forker to arrange a booking for dates to suit you.
Email: [email protected]