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Co. Cork
Description
Rosscarbery is a picturesque town that is tucked around a
lagoon. It grew up around St. Fachtna's
monestary, established in the late sixth century. Now, this is a great spot for bird watching,
horseback riding, or sailing.
What to See and Do
Doswell Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in town,
exhibiting primarily paintings. Hubert's
Crafts has loads of Irish-made handicrafts for the folks back home: baskets,
ceramics, and sweaters. Visit the
Farmer's Market, every Saturday from 10AM to noon. Rosscarbery Pitch and Putt is a local golf
course to get your swing on. Visit St.
Fachtna's R.C. Church, on the edge of the lagoon. Check out the community notices board in the
town square for information about local happenings, such as music at Ross
Cathedral. Visit Drombeg Stone Circle,
off the R597 west toward Glandore. Laze
around on the sandy beaches on the Galley Head peninsula - take the coast road
toward Castletreke. Warren Beach,
Ownahincha Beach, and the Long Strand are good bathing spots with lots of
velvety sand. For the more adventurous,
rent a paddle boat or canoe at the Marine Leisure Centre; sailing lessons are
available as well. The Dromillihy Forest
Park is a good place to get out of the sun and to get the blood flowing with a
brisk walk, on the N71 road to Leap.
Where to Eat and
Drink
If you want to cook up some of the local vegetables, farmers
are set up at roadside, selling fresh potatoes from their fields. O'Callaghan Walshe is a fine seafood restaurant
in town, and it looked really good. Open
for dinner only, Wednesday to Sunday from 6:30PM to 9:15PM. Entrees such as "Whole Roasted Rosscarbery
Lobster" (45 euro). A bottle of house
red wine is 19.70 euro. And for
desserts, they leave it up to your imagination - I am curious about the "Boom
Chick A Wow Wow" (7 euro). Steven's
Bistro has an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, specializing in
steaks, soups, and sandwiches. Roc's
Traditional Fish and Chips is pretty self-explanatory and looked good. The Pilgrim's Rest caters to tired travelers,
serving homemade cakes and scones, fresh coffee, breakfast, and lunch.
Where to Sleep
O'Rioron Caravan Park, if you're pulling your own shelter
for the night. The Celtic Ross Hotel is
a three star accommodation in town. Or
Rent a Celtic Cottage on the beach for your entire family (www.celticcottages.ie). You'll also find hotels all along the beach
on the coastal road toward Castletreke.
How to get there
By car:
From Clonakilty, take the N71 west to Rosscarbery.
From Skibbereen, take the N71 east to Rosscarbery.
By bus:
See www.buseireann.ie
website for all current travel details and restrictions.
When to go
April through October, when the days are longer and the
sun more likely to show. Rosscarbery
Annual Regatta in August. Rosscarbery
Family Festival in August. Rosscarbery
Annual Horse Fair in August. Rosscarbery
Walking and Heritage Weekend in November.
Written by Liz O'Malley - Summer of Travel 2007
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