Seaside Charm in West Cork

Lady Carbery's Lake Cottage, Castlefreke Clonakilty, Co. Cork

A unique and historical 17th century stone cottage of character on the west coast of Cork beside a mile long sandy beach (3 minutes walk), which is favoured by surfers. From the master bedroom you look onto Kilkern Lake. At night time the beam of the Galley Head lighthouse sweeps the Western Horizon, and the distant rumble of the waves, as they scrape the shore. Originally the property of Lord & Lady Carbery, it was a favourite party, picnic and weekend retreat of the noble Lords and Ladies of their wide social circle. Following a fire at the castle in 1910 the family moved into this cottage, which Lady Mary extended and modernised. Her son, who was noted not only for his three wives, but for his dramatic aeroplane displays over the village and his republican sympathies, later renounced his title and his lands in Ireland and moved to Kenya where he ran a coffee plantation. He became a prominent member of the "Happy Valley" set made infamous in the film White Mischief! 
The current owners have once again extended and modernised it, carefully preserving the original features.

 Accommodation consists of 3 double bedrooms, 2 en suite, and a twin bedroom. There is a bathroom, and the house has both tubs and power showers. The main bathroom has a Jacuzzi. There is a large conservatory with seating for 8 off the Kitchen, which has a microwave, electric cooker and dishwasher as well as a washer dryer in the Utility room. The house is heated by oil fired central heating. 

The house is decorated in an eclectic style with some interesting and unusual art. The beds and kitchen appliances have been recently renewed and the house is very well maintained. There is a security alarm and plenty of space for parking. The garden has a barbecue and garden furniture.

The house is 1 hour from Cork City and close to Clonakilty (11 km) and Roscarbery. Fishers Cross and Dan Toms are two pubs within a 15 - 20 minute walk, and within a 15 minute drive there are several excellent restaurants (West Cork is known for the quality of its food).  The golfer will find it an absolute Mecca with with over 12 courses within an easy drive

The house is 1 hour from Cork City and close to Clonakilty (11 km) and Roscarbery.

Of interest in the area is the large Celtic Cross on a hill overlooking the sea. It dsates from the last century and stands in memory to the 9th Lord of Carbery. Castle Freke Castle built by Arthur Freke in 1641 is a Gothic ruin, destroyed by Cromwellian forces in 1648. 

About three miles from Rosscarbery, in the centre of Castlefreke woods, are the ruins of the ancient castle of Rathbarry. This medieval fortress was erected in the 15th century by Randal Oge Barry. It was the most westerly stronhold of the powerful Norman family, Barry, who held vast areas of County Cork from Midleton to Rosscarbery

Glandore and Union Hall are beautifully old world villages overlooking unspoiled Glandore Harbour. Sheltered from the North and West winds, this is an excellent harbour for boating and fishing. The mild winters here encourage luxuriant foliage and Mediterranean shrubs, making possible the commercial cultivation of winter flowers such as violets and anemones. Myross Woods adds to the scenery. The area has been called the 'Garden of Carbery', and the description by the Rev. Murray in the last century remains true today:
"Cloudless sky and sparkling sea,
Cliff and shore and forest tree,
Glen and stream and mountain blue,
Burst at once upon the view.
The gay the beautiful, the grand
Blending over wave and land
'Till the eye can see no more
Than it hath is sweet Glandore" 
The longest established regatta in West Cork takes place here annually. The two islands you can see in Glandore Harbour are known as Adam and Eve. The advice given to boatmen entering the harbour is "to avoid Adam and hug Eve" - sensible advice! Poets and writers have found peace and tranquillity here, among them Sean O'Coileain, 'The Silver Tongue of Munster'. 
The long narrow bridge at the head of the inlet leads to the colourfully painted village of Union Hall, which derives its name from the passing of the Act of Union in 1801. Union Hall (pop. 750) is a thriving fishing village. There are many sheltered coves, beaches and woodland walks. Ceim Hill Museum (signposted) is a most unique and amazing private collection of ancient stones and folk material in a hilltop farmhouse, well worth a visit.

Rosscarbery, a cathedral town of serene beauty. Nearby is a beach and an enclosed Lagoon; ideal for angling and sheltered water sports. There is a leisure sailing centre here with craft for hire. There are also restaurants here, an 18-hole pitch and putt course, a childrens playground and tennis and basketball courts. There are walks and picnic areas at Castlefreke Woods, Dromillihy Wood and Rineen Wood; the Long Strand at Owenahincha is nearby. 
Rosscarbery was originally a monastic settlement (St. Fachtna) as important as Glendalough and Clonmacnoise, and since 1162 the centre of a separate diocese. On the East side of the village is the little St. Fachtna's Cathedral, originating in pre-reformation times, with continual renovations and additions until the 19th century. The entrance hall inside the Romanesque doorway contains a life size statue of the 9th Lord of Carbery. The small museum housed here contains the relics of two faiths. Two miles East is Bohonagh Stone Circle, including a displaced stone with cup marks, a low tomb, a well and a portal tomb. It is not easy to reach, and you are advised to have a good 6" map with you! Two miles South East is Inch Strand sheltered by Cloghna Head. Cleena's Rock here is said to be haunted by the goddess Cleena, one of the three magic waves of Irish Mythology. The noise of the sea entering the sea-caves adds drama to this belief. 
Castle Salem - This 15th century castle is one of the best preserved castles in Ireland. 70 feet high with massive walls and loopholes, and the usual spiral stairway. The original castle dates from about 1470. After the rebellion of 1641 the castle passed from the Carbery family to a Major Apollo Morris, whose son William was a close friend of William Penn. There is an interesting old Quaker graveyard here. The present house built at right angles to the castle, dates from 1682. Open daily.

Lisnagun Ringfort (and Animal Park) at Darrara, very near Clonakilty is a reconstructed Early Christian Ringfort or defended farm dwelling, on the original site, following intensive archaeological discovery and excavation. You can see the circular ringfort behind its raised earthwork defences, its clay and wattle circular house cooking areas, outhouses, souterrains (underground passages for safety and food storage), and replicas of household utensils, weapons, and farm implements. The Ringfort community was self-sufficient in meat, cereals and vegetables, cloths and implements. In early Christian times there were some 30,000 similar dwellings in Ireland. Here you get a keen sense of in late Iron-age times.
Coppingers Court, on the old Rosscarbery-Glandore Road is an old 17th century fortified Elizabethan House whose pointed gables and octagonal chimney are still visible. Fearing attack from the dispossessed Clan O'Driscoll, Coppinger built for comfort and defence, and included a gallows in his design. It is supposed to have a chimney for every month, a door for every week and a window for every year. Traditions that Coppinger is said to have been a man of obsure origin, and quickly rose from being a poor and humble man to a position of power and property are incorrect as he was a member of the wealthy Cork City merchant family, who, along with the Skiddys, were the last remnants of the Norse traders. His intention was to build a market town around his court and construct a canal along the Rowry River, from the town to Millcove. The wars of 1641 upset his plans however. The house was attacked and partially burned.

The Michael Collins Memorial at Sam's Cross, 5.5 km from Clonakilty, stands in memory to a great patriot, soldier and statesman of the 1916-22 period, born in nearby Woodfield in 1890. The memorial is the work of the late Cork sculptor Seamus Murphy, and was unveiled by Tom Barry, another maverick hero of those troubled times.
At Clonakilty you can see Irelands largest outdoor Model Village built to scale, located off the Inchydonny Road outside Clonakilty, and including a miniature working railway .

€200 Refundable security deposit is required.

Dunmore Golf Club, Muckross, Clonakilty 
Located 3 miles outside Clonakilty town, Dunmore Golf Course is a very challenging test of golf no matter what your handicap. Built on a wonderfully scenic site overlooking the Atlantic, this 9 hole Parkland Course is a treat at any time, though relatively short at 4500 yards. The course is adjacent to Dunmore House Hotel where meals and Club hire/Caddy-car hire can be arranged if the clubhouse is not open. Clubhouse attended to for summer months only. Tel. 023/34644 Other Activities 

Lisselan Estate Golf Course, Bandon Road, Clonakilty 
The majestic six hole golf course contains some of the most sceneic and challenging golf holes to be found anywhere in the world. “Probably the most unique course in the world” Christy O’Connor 
Tel. 023/33249 Fax: 023/34605 
email: info@lisselanestate.com 
www:www.lisselanestate.com Other Activities 

Clonakilty Pitch and Putt, Fernhill Road, Clonakilty 


Skibbereen and West Carbery Golf Club, Skibbereen 
Skibbereen is an 18 hole, par 71 parkland golf course containing three par 5’s and four par 3’s. The traditionally designed course presents magnificent views of the world famous Lough Hyne and Mount Gabriel hills. The natural drainage of the course and the exceptional mild climate due to the gulf stream, will guarantee enjoyable golf through the year. 
Tel. 028/21227 
email: info@skibbgolf.com 
www:www.skibbgolf.com Other Activities 

Bandon Golf Club, Castlebernard, Bandon 
Set on the undulating slopes of the beautiful Bandon Valley, this 18 hole Parkland course enjoys a magnificent sylvan setting. Founded in 1909, Bandon was the first West Cork Club to extend to 18 holes. The course boasts a wonderful variety of wild life and recently headed the Golf Ecology Unit as the course with the greatest number of bird species in Ireland. 
Tel. 023/41111 Fax: 023/44690 
email:bandongolfclub@tinet.ie Other Activities 

Bantry Bay Golf Club, Donemark, Bantry 
Bantry Bay Golf Club’s 18 Hole Championship Cours, open all year, towers over the head of Bantry Bay, in the far West of County Cork. Fourteen holes immediately overlook the shore where the warm Gulf Stream first gouch land on this side of the Atlantic, Fuchsias abound, and there are splendid panoramic views across the sea and islands to the Beara Mountains, Sheep’s Head and the Mizen Penninsula. 
Tel. 027/50579 email:info@bantrygolf.com 
www:www.bantrygolf.com Other Activities 

The Old Head of Kinsale Golf Club, Old Head of Kinsale 
Old Head Golf Links is built on a 220 acre diamond of land, jutting out over two miles into the Atlantic; the promontory is almost an island with numerous coves running beneath your feet as you play the course. Comprising of five par 5’s, 5 par 3’s and eight par 4’s, the links stretches to over 7200 yard form the tips and with a minimum of six tees on every hole, the course provides a stern test to the touring pro and high handicapped alike. Nine holes play along the cliff tops, and all eighteen holes provide stunning ocean views. 
Tel. 021/4778444 email:info@oldheadgolflinks.coml 

www:www.oldheadgolflinks.com Other Activities 

West Cork Golf Academy, Mr. Cahal Heapes, Ballydehob, West Cork 
The academy has facilities to cover every type of shot required of a golfer. The 5 holes have sand and water hazards and are “tight”. All are welcome from beginners to advanced golfers. Basic tuition is available. Services: Driving range and lessons, club hire, caddy hire, practice greens and bunkers, chipping areas and driving range (16 bays). 
Tel. 028/37700 Fax: 028/37707 


Bandon Pitch and Putt, 16 Ardan, Bandon 
Tel. 021/44226 Other Activities 

Rosscarbery Pitch and Putt, The Warren, Rosscarbery 
Tel. 028/48203 Other Activities