OUTDOOR

Hiking around Dromgarriff Rainforest

There are multiple trails around the property that you can discover at your leisure. The most spectacular is the waterfall hike, where you enter into the rainforest and hear the rush of the water well before you see the cascading river and mossy rocks. There are five waterfalls in total with the most spectacular being approximately thirty foot high. The other woodland hikes are around the property to be discovered and equally lovely with a huge variety of trees and plants to admire.

Please note that if you hike on the property at your own risk, the paths can be slippery and dangerous, especially around the river and the coastline. Please ensure those who are less stable and young children are safe. Thank you. 

Hiking excursions in the area

Dromgarriff is on the Wild Atlantic Way and the Ring of Beara with many special places to visit. Some of our favorite hikes locally are to Barley Lake and the remote Coomerkane Valley. There are lovely walks also to be had in the Glengarriff Nature Reserve.

We also recommend these local guides for hiking tours:

Swimming at Dromgarriff

There are two magical swimming spots on the property.  If you wander along the mysterious rhododendron path, on the peninsula between Silver Birch and Linden you will find some gorgeous lichen covered rocks. There you will find a spot to swim with the seals only at high tide with a ladder to help you back up. By Linden there is the boat jetty, built in the 1800’s which allows you to step into the bay opposite and swim out to Otter Rock.

Please note that you swim on the property at your own risk, the rocks can be slippery and dangerous especially around the river and the coastline that is not one of the two swimming spots. Please ensure those who are less stable and young children are safe. Thank you. 

Local swimming spots and beaches

  • Ellens Rock, between Glengarriff and Adrigole on the road to Castletownbere – great swimming spot

  • Zetland Pier, between Glengarriff and Adrigole on the road to Castletownbere – beautiful coves with crystal clear water

  • Barley Cove, Crookhaven on the Mizen Head Peninsula

  • Ballydonegan beach, Allihies on the Beara Way

Ferry to Garnish Island

Fishing boat / private boat hire

Kayak rental

Golf

  • Dromgarriff is situated adjacent to the beautiful Glengarriff Golf Course which has spectacular views over Bantry Bay. 

  • Kenmare Golf Course is next to The Park Hotel Kenmare and is another gorgeous golf course to explore. 

WELLNESS

Yoga & Pilates

Each house has yoga equipment available, please feel free to ask if you need more supplies. We recommend the following instructors who can come and lead a class:

Spa 

  • We love the stunning Samas Spa at The Park Hotel Kenmare. Guests can book a day pass for massages, facials and use of their world class facilities with a large sauna and beautiful pool. 

  • Eccles Hotel in Glengarriff also has a lovely spa more locally, with lots of offerings.

  • Local massage in house - Aisha Tanner +353 87 641 6113

RESTAURANTS

Glengarriff

Kenmare

Bantry

  • Donemark West +353 27 53876 / @Donemarkwest

  • The Fish Kitchen (lunch only) +353 2756651 / thefishkitchen.ie

Ballydehob

Durrus

Baltimore

CULTURAL

Glengarriff

Glengarriff is our charming local village just down the road which offers trips to Garnish Island to see the seals, eagles, and world renowned botanical garden, atmospheric pubs, local artisan shops, and a glorious nature reserve.  One of the joys of the village is that the local pubs will regularly host musicians, both traditional and modern, creating a magical atmosphere where everyone can sing along and all generations dance together.

There are several shops to buy great Irish sweaters and other gifts and during the summer season, local food trucks serve delicious treats for anyone wandering by.

visitglengarriff.ie

Kenmare

The town of Kenmare is colorful and buzzing, there is a great variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, it’s a beautiful 30-minute drive over the Caha Pass. It is well worth a day trip. There is a Farmers Market on Wednesdays.

kenmare.ie

Bantry

Bantry is the closest larger town to Glengarriff.  There is a fantastic organic food store, Organico as well as a large SuperValu for supplies for your stay. Most things you could need from wellies to gifts can be found in the town and it’s well worth a visit.

On Friday mornings there is a wonderful farmers market, and once a month it is larger with antiques, excellent thrifting, and local artisans selling their wares.

bantry.ie

Ballydehob

Ballydehob is a buzzing town that is worth a visit. It is home to our friend’s restaurant, The Chestnut which has one Michelin star, as well as the famous Levis’ bar well known for its excellent and varied array of musical events. 

ballydehob.ie

Beara Peninsula

Part of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Beara Way is an expedition in its own right for drivers and walkers.  There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and things to see along the way. A highlight is The Dzogchen Buddhist Temple Our friend Sarah Walker also has a lovely gallery right on the Bay in Beara where she hosts great gatherings. We also love Derreen Garden. who are similarly working to preserve their temperate rainforest and have a charming café to visit after you explore their forest. 

bearatourism.com

CATERERS

TRANSPORTATION

Car Hire

  • Public transport is limited. In order to explore full it is recommended to hire a car.

Taxi / van / bus