With brightly coloured cottages and houses, sheltered by a mountainous landscape, Glengarriff makes for a cheerful place for a self-catering break away. The fairly small village is located in County Cork in the south western part of Ireland, and is a haven for tourists and natural lovers due to its stunning setting by Glengarriff Bay and the cove of Bantry Bay, where the sea meets the mountains.
Hints and Tips on Cottage Holidays in Glengarriff
The village has a rich history as it has been a famous and popular holiday destination for the Irish since the 1700s, growing considerably during the Victorian era. Today, it is still one of Ireland’s top holiday places, especially during the summer months, as it has a mild climate which barely sees any snow, and is serene, filled with beauty and is a relaxing place with much to recommend it.
There are lots of attractions in Glengarriff to discover on a cottage holiday, and its natural backdrop is the main draw to the village. With the rugged mountains and bay providing a peaceful and awe-inspiring view, perfect for painters and photographers, there is much to do from just wandering through the scenery to taking a picnic to relax by the bay with a loved one. An interesting and unique place to visit close to Glengarriff is the Italian Gardens on Ilnacullin. Set on the nearby Garnish Island, these wonderful gardens can be visited by ferry where you may be able to spot seals, and see beautiful ponds, plants and trees set in an Italian style.
Glengarriff Forest is a must-see when enjoying a self-catering break in this area, as it features some of the most ancient birch and oak trees in the whole of Ireland. Another place to visit is Bamboo Park with a playground for children and a Blue Pool lagoon, perfect for taking the kids along to. Kayaking can also be done for those who love to get the adrenaline pumping, and with a vast array of pubs, restaurants and cafes, some with live music during the popular summer months, there really is much to do in Glengarriff. Culture lovers will appreciate the art galleries in the village, and with a medium population of 800 people, a visit to Glengarriff may see you make friends with locals and start to feel like one yourself.
We hope you've found our information on this part of Ireland helpful and may be even a touch inspirational. For more information on things to discover in and near Glengarriff we recommend that you visit the Failte Ireland run Tourist Information Office which is open in season.
Glengarriff is a charming and popular tourist hotspot for those wishing to get a feel of life in County Cork. With incredible scenery, friendly people, an interesting history, culture and good food at every turn, it is one of the gems of Ireland. With countryside and coast galore to discover, whether visiting for a romantic holiday or family break away, a stay here can offer you the best of both worlds.
Whether you choose to book a holiday cottage in Glengarriff, an apartment, a lodge or another type of self-catering holiday accommodation, we hope you have your best holiday yet in Cork.