7 Reasons to visit Glengarriff in the Winter
West Cork is even more glorious in the Winter. The bustle of the summer months is quietened, and it takes on a whole new calm. To stand at the edge of Glengarriff harbour looking out towards Bantry Bay is an experience for the soul. The sense of calm you feel casting an eye out on the few boats brazening the winter sea, the odd sighting of the majestic sea eagles swooping down in search of prey, and the constant changing colours of the mountains’ reflection on the rippling water.
Yes, you need to wrap up well, though the air is milder than our more north easterly neighbours. But it makes that hot port or coffee from one of the local brasseries all the more soothing. Walking out to Poulgorm (The Blue Pool) has a different feel. The sound of the waterfall is more pronounced as you approach the serenity of the pool, and the paved pathway out around the headland is breathtaking at every turn and look-out point.
And it is not just when you arrive that the experience begins, it is also the journey. The mountain road over the Cusán is when you feel you have arrived in West Cork. The gentle climb, with hardy sheep perched on the rocky outcrops, the browns, purples and yellows of the heather and gorse, all lead to summit and the vast views of West Cork and Kerry as you turn every corner. The white smoke from the chimneys of the whitewash farm house you pass almost gives you an urge to knock on the door to get a glimpse of the cosy indoors. Yet, the best is still to come. Leaving Ballylickey where you can stop at Cronins shop to pick up some supplies, the panoramic views of Bantry Bay await you. From the eye-catching inlet at Snave to the panoramic views taking in Sheeps Head and the Mizen beyond, the journey is awesomely breathtaking.
And then you arrive in Glengarriff!
What is there to do in Glengarriff in the middle of the Winter when you arrive? Here is my suggested itinerary for a two day visit.
- The Jewel Lodge and Spa. Choose from one of the luxury 2-bedroom apartments which can accommodate four guests, or the Jewel Suite for a couple’s romantic get-away. Every window has a mesmerizing mountain view. The kitchens are supplied with a breakfast starter pack, and there is a dining in option supplied by a local caterer on most days. The village is less than a 20 minute walk away with its choice of restaurants and bars. When it is quieter in late January, the larger town of Bantry is only 15 minutes away.
- The outdoor Riverside Spa. This is an experience that is best done in the Winter. It includes spending time relaxing in the luxurious heat of the hot tub and cabin sauna in the outdoor spa under the oak trees before taking the invigorating cold challenge into the river plunge pool (optional of course). The drench bucket or outdoor shower are other cooling off options. Interludes can be taken lying on the beds or in the infrared sauna pod in the indoor relaxation room, or sitting under a heater on the veranda sipping herbal teas, listening to the river flow by below.
- Glengarriff Golf Club is just across the road for the golfing enthusiasts and can be booked in advance of your stay. The golf course boasts spectacular views of Glengarriff Harbour along its 9 holes.
- Poulgorm (Blue Pool). You can walk to Glengarriff village where among some lovely gift shops and pubs, you will find the entrance to Poulgorm, or the Blue Pool. The pool itself is one of the most serene spots on the planet, but from there, you can then take the path that will lead you out along a headland with breathtaking views of the harbour and Garinish Island.
- Glengarriff Nature Reserve is a 3 minute drive from the village out the Kenmare Road. Here you will find a myriad of walks to suit all abilities, taking a gentle amble along the River or a steeper but rewarding walk up to Lady Bantry’s lookout. For running enthusiasts, there is a ParkRun here every Saturday morning. It has to be the nicest parkrun in the country, along the river and meadows, but save some energy for that last kilometre climb.
- Kenmare: To sample a bit of Kerry while you are at it, Kenmare is less than a 30 minute drive from here along the Tunnel Road. Whether it is afternoon tea and a view of the art collection at the Kenmare Park, or simply to walk around the colourful shops in the town, it is well worth a visit.
- Bantry town is a 15 minute drive in the other direction. Market Day on a Friday is a must, with its array of stalls offering food, beverages, gifts and clothing. The Square becomes alive with shoppers and sellers, but you can take your coffee and sit down and look dreamily down the bay in the middle of it all.
For the person wishing to step back from it all for a few days and truly reconnect with nature, and themselves, Glengarriff in the Winter has it all.
Get in touch with us: info@thejewel.ie phone 027-72444
