Sheep's Head Way Food Cafés Restaurants, Producers, Tours

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.

Blairscove House

December 31, 2013 by Dunmanus

Surrounded by 4.5 acres of lawns and gardens, in West Cork, Blairscove House and restaurant is the ideal place to spend a few relaxing days

Since 1972, Blairscove has remained in the hands of the same family; and Philippe and Sabine De Mey, the present owners, continue to provide top quality dining and accommodation.

The accommodation at Blairscove House consists of four apartments which are situated around the courtyard of a Georgian house and two cottages, one in the grounds and the other 14km away at Dunmanus pier. All the accommodation can be rented on a self-catering basis from Saturday to Saturday. The courtyard apartments can also be rented on a bed and breakfast basis.

Award-Winning Restaurant

The gorgeous restaurant is recommended by the Michelin Guide, has been awarded AA 5 stars, and has 2 AA rosettes.

The stunning Blairscove dining room is high-beamed like a church, converted from the former stables. The setting makes this a very popular setting for weddings and special celebrations!

The dining room is headed by a wood burning grill where meats are cooked over embers. The restaurant is open for dinner from mid-March to the end of October Tuesday to Saturday. Vegetarian options and we can also offer food prepared with ingredients not containing gluten.

For the active, the Mizen peninsula’s sandy beaches are just a short drive away and the Sheep’s Head peninsula boasts miles and miles of scenic walks. Bantry, Schull, Ballydehob and Skibbereen with their festivals, pubs, shops, and restaurants offer plenty of action, not forgetting the golf courses of Bantry and Glengarriff which are among the most scenic you will ever play.

The pace is slow, the people are friendly. Pubs are plentiful and the food is wholesome and fresh. Above all, at Blairscove you will discover a place which is cosmopolitan and sophisticated, yet at the same time unspoilt and breathtakingly beautiful.

Location:	Durrus, Sheep's Head peninsula, Co. Cork
Phone:	00 353 (0)27 61127
Email:	[email protected]
Website:	http://www.blairscove.ie
	Access to grounds, however all bathroom facilities located on first floor.
	Yes
Credit Cards:	Yes
Facilities:	Restaurant with accommodation. Substantial garden.
Special Dietary Requirements:	Special dietary requirements can be accomodated.
TripAdvisor Reviews:	Yes
Google Maps:	Yes
Facebook:	Yes
Twitter:	@blairscove

Bantry House Tearoom

December 21, 2013 by Dunmanus

There are few nicer things to do in summer than enjoy tea and cake in the lovely surroundings of Bantry House tearoom after a stroll around the beautiful house and gardens.

The team serves light lunches and teas, daily soups and specials, as well as home-made cakes and scones. Traditional afternoon tea is also served, by appointment, in the library of Bantry House (Min. 24 hours’ notice. Booking essential: €25 per person/€30 with glass of prosecco, 2pm-5.30pm)

Bantry House is a wonderful heritage site, and the views across Bantry Bay and Whiddy Island aren’t to be missed when you’re making your trip to West Cork!

The house and its tearooms are open from Easter until the end of October each year, and each July the tearooms play host to ‘Meet the Writer’ events as part of the West Cork Literary Festival.

Sheep’s Head Producers’ Shop

December 18, 2013 by Dunmanus

Are you looking for art, crafts and artisan food that have been imagined, created and grown by people living in one of Ireland’s most remote communities?

Then look no further than the Sheep’s Head Producers’ Shop in Kilcrohane village. At the shop you’ll find ‘everything from paintings to potatoes’, all produced here on the Sheep’s Head peninsula.

We offer visitors an ever-changing range of local food, produce, plants, baking, hand-made crafts and art. There’s a treasure trove of items from ceramics, jewellery and driftwood creations to paintings, photography, knitwear and tweed hats in The Old Creamery. It’s a great destination for anyone who is interested in the best of what’s handmade and locally-produced, and it gives you the chance to meet the producers who share the task of running the shop and market.

The Sheep’s Head Producers began their work together when they started a Sunday Market in 2011. The shop at The Old Creamery, was opened in 2012. Both are run by a pioneering group of foodies, growers, craftspeople, designers and community activists. Some of us have lived here our whole lives, others have been drawn here from the UK, continental Europe and the USA. All of us have one thing in common: our passion for creating food, plants, art and crafts that reflect the unique character of the Sheep’s Head peninsula.

The work of more than 80 rural-dwelling artists, crafters and food lovers is gathered here, and you’ll get a real sense of the area’s rich and vibrant culture when you visit.

So, come and meet our producers and browse our wares in Kilcrohane village. We hope you’ll enjoy our unique showcase of the tastes and treasures from a magical place.

Details
Location:	Kilcrohane, Sheep's Head peninsula, Co. Cork
Opening Hours:	Our Market Shop is open 7 days a week all year round. The Sunday Market, is open from from 11am to 1pm during the summer months (see calendar for details).
	Yes
Website:	http://sheepsheadmarket.wordpress.com/
TripAdvisor:	Yes
Google Maps:	Yes
Facebook:	Yes
Twitter:	@shproducemarket

The Quays

December 12, 2013 by Dunmanus

The Quays Bar and Restaurant is the perfect spot for a fine pint of Guinness and a bite to eat during your stay in Bantry.

The Quay’s Bar is situated in the heart of Bantry town and serves meals Monday to Saturday.

The bar has a large sandwich menu which includes light meals and snacks as well as a daily specials board. This usually includes a roast dinner option, a vegetarian option, a fish dish, a pasta dish and a selection of other more substantial meals or just order a pint and a bowl of hand-cut chips.

The Quay’s Bar plays a very important role in the drinking culture in Bantry. Mid-week is always a laugh and sometimes a heated event with the introduction of a deck of cards or a set of darts. The chat and banter is always flowing!

The weekend starts on Wednesday and finishes on Tuesday because we believe three days isn’t enough. There is a D.J. on Fridays and Saturdays. As Saturday night usually ends too early for most of us, The Quays Bar often (not always) decides to have a bar extension and stay open until 2 A.M. with kind permission of the courts of course. Sunday evenings host live traditional, rock and/or Irish bands so be sure to be in early to get a seat.

Location:	Wolfe Tone Square
Opening Hours:	Monday - Thursday: 10:30 - 23:30 Friday - Saturday: 10:30 - 00:30 Sunday: 12:30 - 23:30 Food: 10:30 - 3:30, Mon-Sat, Fri 5-8.30pm.
Tel:	00 353 (0)27 50900
TripAdvisor Reviews:	Yes
	No
	Yes
Facebook:	Yes

The Snug

December 11, 2013 by Dunmanus

Enjoy a tasty bite to eat in The Snug – a popular destination for Bantry’s locals and visitors alike.

This cosy bar is located in the heart of Bantry on Wolfe Tone Square. Wholesome meals, sandwiches and soup are served at the Snug in a friendly atmosphere. The portions are legendary, and the quality of the food and service help to ensure the place’s popularity.

It’s been named in The Daily Telegraph as one of the best places to eat Sunday lunch: ‘“Lunch” is served from 12 to 9pm so whether you’re skipping breakfast after a late night, or eating late after a long hike, you can fit your day around it.”’

And it’s the place to find a perfect pint too.

What’s not to like!

Location:	Wolfe Tone Square, Bantry Co. Cork
Opening Hours:	Monday - Saturday, 10.30-21.00 Sunday: 12.30-21.00
Tel:	00 353 (0)27 50057
Email:
Fully-licensed Bar:	Yes
	No
	Yes
Special Dietary Requirements?
TripAdvisor Reviews:	Yes
Facebook:	Yes