Greetings from Gougane Barra Hotel

Greetings to Ireland South West from Gougane Barra Hotel where we are really enjoying this fine Autumn weather and making the most of it. We are looking forward to adding bits and pieces to this blog from our side of the mountain and we hope you can enjoy reading about the places we go, the people we see and the things we get up to!!
Slan Tamaill!

Autumnal Colours

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Blue Pool Woods

As a child I was often taken for rambles through Killarney’s Blue Pool Woods. So in a moment of nostalgia I veered off course from my normal Sunday runs and headed instead for this hidden gem. Located 3 kilometers out the main Muckross Road turn right just after Molly Darcy’s Pub and the wood's entrance is found on the left hand side of this road along with limited parking space.

On entering the woods we were completely cocooned by the rooftop canopy keeping the autumn showers at bay. The circular paths take you across wooden bridges up small inclines, into green glens and through un-managed forestry. Those that can manage to keep quiet enough may even catch glimpses of the local wildlife such as ducks, badgers, kingfishers and deer. The wood gets it name from a small pool off the beaten track that appears to be blue due to the minerals in its waters. The walks in here are short and probably suited as more of a filler to an adventure packed calendar. My day was finished off with a meal in Kayne’s Bistro at the Dromhall Hotel, highly recommend the Early Bird Menu at €25 for 4 courses it’s a steal!

Linda Cussen
Randles Hotels

Discover West Cork

Cromane Beach & Jack's Pub

This is the view from my rocky Cromane beach, which stretches for several kilometres, towards the better known Rossbeigh and Inch Beaches. Far off in the distance, on the right, is the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, tapering towards the sunset.

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At one end of this beach is one of my favourite Irish pubs, Jack's Bar & Seafood Restaurant. The pub is small, traditional and friendly. Weekend music in the form of one man playing six instruments and a roaring wood fire on the darkening evenings welcomes you inside.

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The restaurant is superb and excellent service, with views over Castlemaine Harbour and Dingle Bay. It's the upper and more expensive end of an Irish restaurant, but for special occasions well worth it!

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To get there leave Killorglin on the N70, towards Caherciveen. Approx 3km outside Killorglin take a right turn, signposted Cromane.

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Keep your eyes open for brent geese, who spend their winters on Cromane beach!

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Nathan Kingerlee

Outdoors Ireland

Discover Ireland