flanneruk

We've rented a cottage outside Midleton for a week in a week or so as part of a major flannerclan event in the area.

Unfortunately, Mrs F now can't drive for a few weeks. And, much as I love West Cork, I really don't want to drive round Cork and back for my jollies, and I'm not that happy about driving across to Kerry and back, either. And don't get me wrong - but Cork city's not exactly Florence.

So where's nice east or NE of Cork, easily driveable to? Preferably somewhere the flannerpooch can have some nice, Englishly accessible, walks. I'd like him to think of Ireland as the land of his Boss's fathers - not yet another European country where it's impossible for a spaniel to get the decent runs over open countryside he takes for granted here in the Cotswolds.

Tony2phones

Ballyannan Wood and Glenblower Forest park might be options, just ask the locals when you get there. Just take care and consideration for other users of the paths,
http://www.foundmark.com/Ireland/Cor...rs/ectour.html
http://www.corkcoco.ie/co/pdf/437333791.pdf

taconictraveler

We loved Shannagarry, and the Ballymaloe House, which may be to reach for your blood ( it would be for me NOW) but great for a meal, and the whole area between Ballymaloe and Shannagarry seeme open, with beach walks, etc. - though we didn't have a dog!,

Would love to hear a trip report if you stay in that area, and esp. Where you eat. ( even if it's at your rental!)

flanneruk

" Ballymaloe House, which may be to reach for your blood "

At €75 for a pretty dull-looking five course supper, I'm certainly too poor for their food on any kind of regular basis - though we've negotiated some access to their gardens for the flannerpooch. Their cooking courses while we're there are mind-numbingly boring ("afternoon tea and cakes"): the good stuff ("How to cure a pig in a day and use every morsel") seems to have been kept till we've gone. I'm trying to arrange something around their kitchen garden (sans pooch)

Beach walks, cocker spaniels and a clean house can be mutually incompatible (nothing transports sand as efficiently as a curly cocker whose biggest pleasure after eating is rolling on wet beaches). But we'll see if a haircut might help.

Tony: hit the spot perfectly

Thanks so far: any more ideas?

Tony2phones

Coillte have an open forest policy unless they are working an area. We take full advantage here in East Galway/Clare the complete list of their operations in Cork can be found in this Link
http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie/

hetismij2

Can't help with the dog walking, though I am following this thread with interest, in case we decide to take our pooch there.


If you want to treat Mrs Flanner to a nice piece of jewellery can I recommend Silverstone Dimensions in Midlteton, www.sdyolzari.com. Some very original designs and a delightful man making them.
I bought a lovely necklace (from the shells collection) there courtesy of DH's company when we visited county Cork at their expense after DH worked 20 years for them.

Have a good trip, and lets us know how Flannerpooch enjoys Ireland.

Itallian_Chauffer

Midleton is part of our "regular Stomping Grounds' and a delightful area to spend some time. Would be interested to hear about the cottage that you have booked, for future reference.

As Tony mentioned:

http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie/?id=53&rec_site=147

Also in the area / vicinity:

https://sites.google.com/site/corkos...watergrasshill

https://sites.google.com/site/corkos...an-forest-park

https://maps.google.ie/maps/ms?msa=0...41d6d4fa08a270


A somewhat 'Cork-centric' discussion:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showt...php?p=80786745

Not TERRIBLY far afield, Ardmore has some nice walking bits, nice archeological sites and tremendous views -- and I can heartily recommend the White Horses, for a lovely meal:

http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/...n-1558292.html


The Copper Coast Drive is closer than Kerry and VERY nice, as well.

http://www.discovertramore.ie/copper.pdf

Bob

SeeDee

Colligan Wood near Dungarvan is a pleasant stroll for both man and dog.
An interesting food related diversion en route might be a visit to O'Brien's Chop House in the village of Lismore. With a name like that, surely they will be able to provide chewing material for your four legged friend....

SeeDee

Sad to report the demise of O'Brien Chop House; its owner announced today on the national airwaves that it will be closing down in the very near future.