The Blue Pool is a magical harbour hidden in the middle of Glengarriff. Pedestrian access to the blue pool is beside Quills in the centre of the village. The blue pool is formed where the river meets the sea, a wonderful rocky inlet which is surrounded by lush vegetation. There are a number of beautiful walks through the woods with views of the harbour that are well worth exploring…
The Blue Pool Glengarriff
The Blue Pool Ferry runs from this harbour to Garnish Island
Turners Tunnels
As you approach Glengarriff from the Kenmare side the main tunnel dramatically frames the entry into the county of Cork. The vista that unfolds before you on the Glengarriff side is stunning with a view of Barley Lake and Bantry Bay.
The Bay Run is an annual event – a spectacular half marathon from Glengarriff to Bantry along the beautiful Bantry Bay.
Registration is now open for Bay Run 10 on May 2nd 2010 so sign up early to avail of the discount.
Contact:
Tel: 086 041 1110
Web: www.Bayrun.ie
Barley Lake
Directions – Take the Kenmare road out of Glengarriff Village and the turn for Barley lake is signposted (left) just about a mile up the road.
A visit to Garnish is a must for anyone visiting Glengarriff. It’s one of the genuine hidden treasures of West Cork.
Garnish Island (Confusingly officially called Ilnacullin) is just a short boat trip from the village. The voyage is short, scenic and suitable for all (the route to the islands are protected from the sea and the trip is generally flat calm).
It’s a lovely destination on a sunny afternoon, with a beautiful Italian garden and a selection of tranquil walks. The Island is apporximately 15 hectares and was originally designed by Harold Peto for its owner Annan Brice. The Island was bequeathed to the Irish State in 1953 by Roland Brice and is now maintained by the OPW. There’s a good example of a Martello Tower on the South side of the island with a wonderful view over Bantry Bay.
There is a cafe on the Island for tea coffees and light snacks.
Ferries run from The Pier and The Blue Pool with a smaller boat running from Ellen’s Rock
Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve is a wonderful place for a walk. The reserve is managed by the The National Parks and Wildlife Service, who do a great job of maintaining the walks and managing the woodland.
The Nature Reserve covers some 300ha and form one of the best examples of oceanic sessile oak woodland in Ireland, being rated second only in importance to the Killarney oakwoods. The Nature Reserve is part of the much larger Glengarriff Harbour & Woodlands Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
At one time the woods were part of Lord Bantry’s estate, but they were handed over to the State in 1955 for forestry purposes. However in 1991, the woods were designated as a Nature Reserve and the woodland is now owned and managed by NPWS primarily for conservation and amenity purposes.
Contact
Tel: 027 63636
Web: www.glengarriffnaturereserve.ie
The Ewe Scupture Gallery
Contact
Tel: 027 63840
Looking for Adventure Sports in the area? Tadgh Boyden of Edge Adventure is a qualified instructor in a number of adventure disciplines and offers adventure for all levels from begginer to expert. The range includes sea kayaking, river kayaking, rock climbing and hill walking. Discounts are available for groups…
Contact
Tel: 087 7924841
Web: www.edgeadventure.com
The Glengarriff Theatre Group presents Don’t Dress For Dinner
by Marc Camoletti
Charity Performance:
Thu 18th June - 08:30pm Doors open at 8:00PM in Glengarriff Village Hall, This performance will be in aid of the Niall Mellon township trust.
Final Performance:
Fri 3rd July – 08:30pm Coinciding with Maureen O’Hara Golf Classic. Doors open at 8:00PM in Glengarriff Village Hall.
Glengarriff Theatre Group is a vibrant amateur drama group that strives to deliver great entertainment.
Performances are typically two act plays and generally are performed in Glengarriff Village Hall.
Contact:
Web: www.gtg.ie