Glengarriff is a small village of 200 people situated in the southwestern area of Cork County in the Beara Peninsula. It is located on the Glengarriff Bay, an inlet of Bantry Bay. This region is known for mountains, natural beauty and its proximity to the famous nearby Garinish Island. Glengarriff is one of the oldest tourist spots in Ireland.
Glengarriff’s strategic position at the foot of the Cana Mountains offers a protective harbour at Bantry Bay’s northeastern corner. The Caha Mountains shield Glengarriff from the harsh winds. This geographical layout creates a perfect and sheltered environment to explore the Bay Area.
The environment of Glengarriff is subtropical with a distinct microclimate that allows the existence of plants like Irish Spurge, the Mediterranean strawberry tree and the filmy ferns. The town is also a major destination on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Glengarriff is a fine spot to keep an eye on the remote past of Ireland. The name of the place, Glengarriff, comes from Gleann Gairbh, which means the rugged or rough glen in Irish. An example of a single location that defines the cultural heritage of the town is the Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve.
The White family purchased the land in the 1700s, and it became part of their estate. Another important heritage site is the Kealkill Stone Circle located in Glengarriff. It is a beautiful monument that offers a good view of the bay and the nearby area.
Popular writers like Wordsworth and Thackeray have visited Glengarriff and have spoken about its elegance. Since the 1700s, Glengarriff has stayed a popular holiday destination.
One iconic place to visit is the Glengarriff Bamboo Park. You will get to see various species of palm trees, bamboo and various tropical plants. You can also take a walk on the Beara Way. It is a national marked trail that offers you the chance to see the mountains of the Beara Peninsula and the rugged coastline.
If you are with your family, you should visit the Blue Pool. It is a family-friendly natural park with stone steps that lead to the water. The Blue Pool is a great place to take a swim during the warm summer months. It offers a nice and sweet spot to see seals.
From Blue Pool, you can take a short ferry trip to Garnish Island. It is known for its exotic trees, Greeco Italianate architecture and beautiful gardens. Another great place is the Esknamuky Walk & Waterfall. As you move along the path, you cross the Canrookska River by passing over the stone bridge. You get a beautiful view of the mountains and see the waterfall.
You can get into the town by road. You can approach Glengarriff either by coming from the Kerry side or the Cork side. The Cork to Castletownbere bus service is responsible for the transport to Glengarriff.
Another way to get into the city is by sea and land on the natural, spectacular harbour of Glengarriff. You can stay at the Glengarriff lodge, which is a private 40-acre woodland estate. To make the adventure more interesting, you can walk around while taking your tour of Glengarriff.
Glengarriff is not the name of a small town in a corner of Ireland. It is where individuals can find peace, adventure, inspiration and an escape from the busy urban lifestyle. The heritage sites, ancient woodlands, and waterfalls are all a testament to the beauty of Glengarrif.