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You are here: Home / Archives for Things to do

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.

Filed Under: Attractions, Food, Food Producers, Food Tours, Things to do

Things to Do

December 31, 2013 by Dunmanus

 
Whether you’re learning to carve letters in stone, taking the helm of a yacht on Bantry Bay, or getting a taste for Irish life in a West Cork café, great memories are waiting to be made here in a part of the world that’s rich in stories, scenery, culture and flavour.

Choose your own pace: walk the renowned Sheep’s Head Way route which runs the length of the Sheep’s Head peninsula and offers stunning views across the three West Cork peninsulas. Take in great views as you drive the Wild Atlantic Way, or hire bikes and cycle the Sheep’s Head cycling route.

Explore West Cork’s waters: Kayak around the islands in Dunmanus Bay, go sea angling for the day, or take the helm as you sail on West Cork’s three amazing bays.

Trace Ireland’s history: Seek out our Bronze Age monuments and early Christian settlements, or make yourself at home in the elegant surroundings of historic Bantry House. History’s monuments are all around us here, and the best old traditions are kept alive by the blacksmiths, potters, stone carvers and cheese-makers who draw inspiration from our dramatic landscape.

Filed Under: Things to do

Kealkill Stone Circle

December 31, 2013 by Dunmanus

Kealkill’s magnificent stone circle is one of the most striking examples of megalithic architecture in Ireland.

The structure is made up of a circle of five axial stones, with a further two stones nearby, the tallest of which is over four metres high.

A small cairn of stones is also located close to the circle, with a ‘kerb’ of stones set upright in a radial pattern around the inside.

The elevated position of the stone circle on a mountain ridge gives extensive views across Bantry Bay to the west. You will look out over miles of hills and valleys in every other direction except south, where the mountain rises above the circle.

You’ll need to park at the roadside to access the farmer’s field in which Kealkill stone circle is located, but a walk from Carriganass Castle in the village below is rewarding. While the walk up through Kealkill village and on up to the circle is fairly strenuous, the views from there, across Bantry Bay towards Beara, and out towards West Cork’s highest peak, Knockboy (Cnoc Baoi), are breathtaking.

Filed Under: Attractions, History, Things to do Tagged With: megalithic, stone circle

Gougane Barra

December 30, 2013 by Dunmanus

Gougane Barra

‘The church on the lake’ at Gougane Barra is one of Ireland’s hidden gems.

During your visit, you’ll explore the traces of the hermitage at Gougane Barra where St. Finbarr lived. The beautiful chapel built in his memory on a small island on the still lake, known as St. Finbarr’s Oratory, is one of the most magical places to get married in Ireland.

The oratory is set against the stunning backdrop of the lake and West Cork’s beautiful Caha mountains. It’s a wonderful spot to engage with Ireland’s fascinating past and gorgeous scenery, and a visit here offers the traveller a moment of peace that will enrich the soul.

While Gougane is a wonderful place for contemplation, it’s also a great place to explore on foot or bike because it marks the junction of two of Ireland’s major way-marked walking routes: the Sheep’s Head Way and the Beara-Breifne Way.

The award-winning Sheep’s Head Way and the Beara-Breifne Way meet here, and – even on a short visit – there are a number of short, off-road circular loops for groups to choose from.
 

There is no admission fee for Gougane Barra. A car parking fee is charged if you drive further into Gougane Barra Forest Park

Location:Bantry, Co. Cork
Opening Hours:
Admission Fee:Free
Website:http://gouganebarra.com
Tel. 00 353 (0)26 47069
Email:[email protected]
TripAdvisor Reviews:Yes
Google Maps:Yes
Wheelchair accessible?
Facebook:Yes
Twitter:@gouganebarra

Filed Under: Attractions, History, Things to do, Walking

Stone-Carving Courses

December 21, 2013 by Dunmanus

Learn traditional stonework skills in stone carving courses under the tuition of an experienced stonecarver on West Cork’s Sheep’s Head peninsula.

Victor Daly leads regular letter-cutting and stone carving courses at his workshop just outside the village of Ahakista on the Sheep’s Head peninsula in West Cork. His 2-day stone-carving workshops are held throughout the year. Please get in touch to arrange a course, tailored to your requirements on days that suit you. Letter-cutting courses are also available.

Stone-Carving Course Details

This workshop is aimed at beginners who would like to develop stone-carving skills for use on a range or projects. Victor will introduce you to the use of stone moulds, the use and care of key tools, and some of the key techniques which form the foundation for a stonemason’s craft.

You will put your skills to use on a small project, and you’ll be able to take this home with you.

Tools and materials will be provided.

Victor’s classes fill up quickly, so do sign up to learn a traditional skill in an extraordinary setting.

For forthcoming dates, see our events calendar at https://livingthesheepsheadway.com/whats-on

Price:The two-day course costs €250 per person
Other information:Tea, coffee and biscuits are included.
You will need to bring appropriate clothes, strong footwear, and a packed lunch. Contact Victor for details of local accommodation providers.
Tel.00 353 (0)86 0514116
Email:[email protected]
Website:thestonecarver.com
Location:Rossnacaheragh, Ahakista, Sheep's Head peninsula.
Time:Tea, coffee and biscuits are included.

You will need to bring appropriate clothes, strong footwear, and a packed lunch.
9:30am-3:30pm.
Facebook:Yes

Filed Under: Activities, Courses, Crafts, Things to do Tagged With: courses, craft, stone-carving

Cronin’s Forge

November 28, 2013 by Dunmanus

The tradition of Celtic design inspires the modern blacksmiths who work at Cronin’s Forge on the shores of Dunmanus Bay.

You’re welcome to visit the forge to see that tradition embodied in contemporary craft pieces created by Brian Cronin, a fourth-generation blacksmith.

Brian was introduced to the craft of blacksmithing by his father Kevin who started the family-run business with his wife Carmel 30 years ago. Kevin had learnt his skills from his grandfather, so the forge is built on skills passed down from generation to generation.

Brian’s designs reflect the landscape, history and tradition of West Cork, as well as the Celtic influences his father loved. Both have contributed to a distinctive ‘Cronin’s Forge’ style of ironwork that you’ll quickly learn to recognise and appreciate. After your visit to the forge you’ll find it’s easy to spot Cronin’s gates and railings as you travel along the peninsula!

Cronin's Forge Fire Log HolderOn your visit to the forge, you’ll see the beautiful lamps and candle-holders made here, some with hand-blown glass shades. Hand-made fire irons, and tiny toasting forks are some of the items visitors like to bring home as a memento of their stay in West Cork.

Cronin’s Forge is also home to craftwork produced by a handful of talented West Cork artists who have their wares on display in the Cronin’s Forge craft shop.

These pieces, chosen to compliment items in the forge’s own collection, demonstrate the same care for design and workmanship that the Cronins themselves show in their own work.

Crafts West CorkYou’ll find Mairi Stone’s exquisitely-textured porcelain inspired by nature’s organic forms and structures alongside glasswork from Trish Goodbody, and a range of cushions and soft furnishings that work brilliantly with the ironwork on display.

The expansion of the craft shop demonstrates the strength and depth of the local craft scene, and in fact Carmel Cronin has commissioned a ‘Cronin’s Forge’ mug from Helen Ennis at nearby Dunbeacon Pottery for the craft shop’s launch.

‘There’s such a wonderful craft scene, here on the Sheep’s Head peninsula. and in West Cork more generally,’ says Carmel. ‘And, as more visitors head our way to see our dramatic coastline, we’re hoping they’ll enjoy discovering some of the craft pieces our landscape inspires.’

Celebrities who own Brian’s work include Graham Norton and Irish international rugby star Ronan O’Gara.

Cronin’s handmade iron pieces are distinctive examples of modern Irish craftsmanship, and will stand the test of time. You are welcome to talk to Brian about any commissions you might have in mind.
 
Groups are welcome. Just get in touch to schedule your group visit.

Location:Durrus, Sheep's Head peninsula, Co. Cork
Opening Hours:Mon - Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 - 16:00
Tel. 00 353 (0)27 61114
Email:[email protected]
Website:http://croninsforge.ie
Facebook:Yes

Filed Under: Crafts, Culture, Things to do Tagged With: group visits welcome

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