Page 45 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 2: Islands and Lighthouses 43

VISITING INCHYDONEY
AND GALLEY HEAD
Inchydoney Surf School
Inchdoney Beach; 086 869 5396;
www.westcorksurfing.com; open
Jun–Sep: daily; Oct–May: Sat–Sun
Galley Head Lighthouse
Above Inchydoney Beach, one of the loveliest on this stretch of coastline Tours run by the Irish Landmark Trust.
www.irishlandmark.com
Michael Collins self-catering accommodation. The
Michael Collins (1890–1922), the rocks at the end are a good place
nationalist military and political from which to spot whales and
leader, was born in Clonakilty at a dolphins. The drive to Dromberg
time when West Cork was the passes some lovely beaches as well
nationalist heartland. He rose to as the ruins, in private grounds, of EAT AND DRINK
prominence during and after the
Easter Rising of 1916, but was Castlefreke Castle.
assassinated aged 31. His monument ª Return along the road and take KINSALE
in Clonalkilty was unveiled in 2002 the first left onto the L4006, then go Blu at the Blue Haven moderate
by Liam Neeson, who played him in straight through the next crossroads. This restaurant, in the Blue Haven
the film based on his life. The Warren Blue Flag beach and Hotel, serves modern Irish cuisine
Castlefreke Dunes are on your left. with seafood and fresh locally sourced
produce both strongly featured.
Turn left onto the R598 to Rathbarry Pearse Street; 021 477 2209;
4 Inchydoney Island for Castlefreke Castle and Wood. www.bluehavenkinsale.com; closed
Co Cork Continue on the R598, from which Sun & Mon Oct–Mar
This little island is linked to the main- there is a lovely viewpoint on the left, Fishy Fishy Café moderate
land by a causeway, so you can drive overlooking headlands and islands. Not surprisingly, from the name, this
on to it. The focal point is Inchydoney You’ll also pass Owenahincha beach. busy café and restaurant serves locally
Island Lodge & Spa, a luxury resort Turn left onto the N71 to Rosscarbery, caught seafood with a twist in bright
modern surroundings.
spa with a thalassotherapy pool. then left again onto the R597 towards Crowley’s Quay; 021 470 0415;
Inchydoney is also home to the Glandore. At Drombeg, take a left www.fishyfishy.ie; daily mid-Mar–
West Cork Surf School, which offers signed for the Stone Circle. There is a mid-Oct, closed Sun & Mon eve
a range of surfing lessons provided car park, from which the circle is just CLONAKILTY
the waves are good. short walk away.
ª Return to Clonakilty and take the An Sugán inexpensive
This bar/restaurant is renowned for its
N71 for Skibbereen. After Lisavaird, great seafood, including Bantry Bay
turn left signed for Long Strand. Take mussels. Its open fires and child-friendly
the right-hand fork at the Y-junction atmosphere make it a popular spot.
onto the R598. After Rathbarry, take 41 Wolfe Tone Street; 023 883 3719;
the second exit at the roundabout by www.ansugan.com
Castlefreke Post Office. Take the next Tigh de Barra inexpensive
right turn for Galley Head and go A cosy, wood-panelled pub that’s a
mecca for musicians, with traditional
straight through the next crossroads, Irish music on Mondays, and live music
then turn right. Stop when the cliffs nearly every other night.
come into view. 56 Pearse Street; 023 883 3381;
www.debarra.ie
5 Galley Head AROUND GALLEY HEAD
Co Cork Pilgrim’s moderate
Galley Head is an attractive headland This pretty little restaurant, on the road
jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. to Drombeg Stone Circle, serves up
Dating from 1873, the lighthouse fresh, inventive, modern takes on local
here was one of the most powerful produce, including foraged ingredients
and some global flavour influences.
of its day. On private property run 6 South Square, Rosscarbery; 023 883
by the Landmark Irish Trust, the 1796; open Wed–Sat eve, Sun lunch;
lighthouse now functions as Above Lighthouse at Galley Head www.pilgrims.ie
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–€50; expensive, over €50

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