We're planning our third trip to Ireland for this July. On our last two visits, we spent most of our time along the west coast, from Donegal down to Kenmare. This year, we'd like to try a self-catering place in the south as a base for a week.<BR> Clonakilty looks interesting to us. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Like you I have spent most of my previous visits on the west coast. This July I have reserved a self catering house in Clonakilty-Stonewood. The gal I've dealt is great, helpful, quixk response, flesible.<BR>From Clonakilty we espect to visit Cobh, Kinsale, Glengariff, the many fine beaches of west cork, Blarney,, etc. I have been told that Clonakilty ton also has a number of eating establishment in<BR>all price ranges aas well as great music!
Hi Mary and Cavan<BR><BR>I spent fall of 2000 in Ireland. I rented a cottage off the internet that was in West Cork on the bay! The nearest town was Clonakilty. I can tell you what I did if you are interested! The cottage was a great find, in that the weather was 'very Irish'! I looked foreword to my recovery nights out of the rain, having tea in this lovely cottage Very reasonable priced!<BR>http://www1.minn.net/~rr5106/cottage.html<BR><BR>JOHN<BR><BR>
MaryZ,<BR><BR>I commend you for choosing Clonakilty as the base for a week's stay. The west Cork countryside is a delight, and seven days will give you ample time to get to know its subtle charms.<BR><BR>While I can't speak to self-catering opportunities (I typically opt for B & Bs), allow me to suggest several of the region's attractions:<BR><BR>Kinsale: Allow a full day for this busy, up-market town. Take a stroll along the harbor to Charles Fort. Have a pint at the nearby Bulman Pub. Stroll Kinsale's narrow streets and enjoy some fine shopping. Have lunch at the justifiably popular Blue Haven. Also, take a guided tour around downtown Kinsale. It's a nice introduction to the town's history and a good way to work off that lunch.<BR><BR>Cobh: Northeast of Kinsale is the seaside town of Cobh. The town is steeped in history, including ties to the Titanic and Lusitania. There's a very fine harborside museum, The Queenstown Story, with plenty of information on these two ships, as well as Cobh's ties to Irish emigration. As a follow-up, hike up to the imposing St. Colman's Cathedral. Your walk will be rewarded with striking views of the harbor and beyond.<BR><BR>There is much to explore that is west of Clonakilty, including Glandore, a very attractive village that is popoular with European holiday-makers.<BR><BR>Further west is another attractive village, Castletownshend, which is home to one of Ireland's very best pubs, Mary Ann's. Looking for an ideal lunch spot in the Irish countryside? Head for Mary Ann's.<BR><BR>Continuing west you'll have the opporttunity to do some memorable island hopping with trips to Sherkin Island and Cape Clear. Boats leave from the town of Baltimore.<BR><BR>Lastly, the N71 allows you the chance to explore some of Ireland's most appealing seaside villages, including Schull and Crookhaven, and then on to the dramatic lighthouse at Mizen Head. This is wonderful countryside for touring and even getting lost. You'll see few tour buses, and there are some first-rate restaurants to enjoy. (Obtain a copy of The Bridgestone 100 Best Places to Eat in Ireland 2003, at bridgestoneguides.com)<BR><BR>Best of luck.
Thank you, Cavan, John & David. I'm liking the idea of Clonakilty more and more after reading your posts.<BR> John, the cottage looks wonderful, but I'm afraid it's already booked for the summer.
Mary, I was in that area in November of last year and got a great feel for this town. It has a cozy downtown area with plenty of stores, restaurants and the such. Although I didn't stay there, I definitely would. It is central to many wonderful coastal towns and there is a resort not too far in Inchey Doney(sp) right on the water that does self-catering but is a bit pricey. Michael Collins is from just outside Clon, as the natives call it, and there is an impressive statue of him in the center of town. One of the posters mentioned Castletownshend which I really thought was interesting tucked away from the world, on the water with a very cozy feel. Anywho, I don't think that you would be disappointed with this area. Good Luck, Keenan
Hi MaryZ:<BR><BR>It is a great house that gets repeat customers! Use the website for links on the area! MaryAnns, as DavidD mentioned, was a wonderful pub! One of those quaint spots that are off the tourists trail! The town of Clonakility has a famous resturant that I am drawing a blank on( tought getting old!) Called Au- something! Anyway it is a nice working town with all the feature to make for a great base<BR>JOHN
My curiosity finally got to me and I clicked on this thread. Boy was I surprised - you all are talking about a place in Ireland. I had misread the title. I thought is was: Clonakitty, (Clon-a-kitty) and had something to do with those scientists who cloned a cat!!!!
