Savour West Cork’s Natural Larder
An Inland Culinary Adventure
Wind your way through West Cork’s stunning jewel-green countryside dotted with farm animals, seasonal crops and rivers teeming with salmon and trout. Explore vibrant, multicoloured villages and towns, meeting great characters and creative communities who are proud of their exceptional produce. Savour edible treasures crafted from nature’s larder with our insider tips and options to suit diverse interests
Day 1
Inishannon
Leave city life behind and start the day with a taste sensation in Innishannon village. Do not miss Rohu's Country Market - an indoor/outdoor market store on Innishannon’s main street. Behind the barn-like entrance find locally harvested fruit and vegetables, artisan breads, homemade cakes and freshly landed fish. Watch the world go by while enjoying a mid-morning sweet treat or savoury snack– ask if the legendary crab sandwich is on the menu!
Alternatively, head straight for Bandon Farmers Market (Saturdays, 9.30am-1.pm) which dates back to the 1600s. Only vendors with local food and craft produce feature here. Great atmosphere with streetside dining, and live music a regular feature. If looking for a change of scene, check out local favourites The Perfect Cup or Cracked Bistro – serving excellent coffee, brunches, salads and treats.
Insider Tips
1. Check out The Quirkey Kitchen Café and Wine Bar Innishannon
2. Call into the indoor Bandon Country Market, Friday and Saturday mornings on Weir Street where all produce is grown, baked or cooked within a 10 mile radius.
3. Cake lovers will not want to miss Heavens Cakes Bandon.
4. Bandon is home to cherished locally made food brands such as Seymours Biscuits.
Day 2
Clonakilty
Head for the Fernhill Hotel in Clonakilty. Here the O'Neill family have been serving up a West Cork welcome with excellent food for generations. Enjoy the highest quality fresh seasonal produce from local artisans, on-site kitchen gardens and orchards.
Relax over heart-warming West Cork classics like seafood chowder. Don't leave without strolling through the gardens and tasting the Fernhill Garden Gin.
Eat!
Or check out the ever popular An Sugán Restaurant & Seafood Bar. Oozing with character, this lively bar and restaurant is owned by the O'Crowley family who are renowned for showcasing local ingredients and provenance.
Feast on menus that celebrate both the traditional and contemporary table with the finest fish, shellfish, meat and vegetarian dishes.
Insider Tips
1. Call into the Baking Emporium to savour the aroma of freshly baked breads and cakes.
2. Watch out for Clonakilty Farmers Market every Friday 9am-2pm
3. Chocolate fans will want to discover Hungry Crow Chocolates for delicious ethically sourced chocolate.
4. Time to stay over? Do not miss The Field Kitchen - seasonal menu Thursday to Saturday amidst 30 acres of hills and nature trails.
5. Take a 10 minute coastal detour for a stroll on Inchydoney beach and enjoy lunch or a drink at the nautically themed Dunes Pub & Bistro at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa - their outside terrace offers a great place to take in the sea air and soak up the sunshine.
Day 3
Dunmanway
A true joy of visiting West Cork towns like Dunmanway is getting to connect with people who live in the community.
Take time to hang out in treasured spots like the The Teapot Café serving tasty sweet and savoury options.
Listen to the lyrical West Cork accent and hear about the local legend who gave his name to the coveted Sam Maguire Gaelic Athletic Association cup for football
Insider Tips
1. Dunmanway Farmers Market takes place every Thursday 10am-1pm – watch out for fresh breads and cake by the Baking Emporium while there.
2. Watch out for the delicious West Cork Biscuits crafted in Dunmanway on store shelves.
3. Learn some words in Irish (Gaeilge), knowing that Macroom is on the doorstep of Cork’s Gaeltacht Mhúscraí area.
4. Ask locals about the Lee Valley Walks by water and through woodlands which is less than 30 minutes away.
Day 4
Buffalo Mozzarella
Join brilliant guide, Dorothy of O'Tuama Tours to hear how in 2009 4th generation dairy farmers – Johnny and Geraldine Lynch achieved a first for Ireland - bringing a herd of 30 water buffalos from Italy to Cork’s Gaeltacht Mhúscraí area.
Today, they have more than 700 buffalos – all thriving on West Cork’s green pastures, producing award-winning creamy buffalo mozzarella and other dairy produce under the name Macroom Buffalo.
Taste, see, hear, smell and chat: you will not forget this experience!
Lunch in Macroom
Time for lunch in Macroom? Take your pick from lip smacking plates at Granvilles Bar & Restaurant – an award winning family-owned beloved neighbourhood spot in a picturesque location adjacent to the town’s historic castle walls. Or The Mulligan Room for a tasty casual lunch.
Macroom
End your day with an evening meal in the Castle Hotel Macroom. As members of Good Food Ireland and Slow Food, expect the finest West Cork produce from casual bites in Dan Buckley's Bar to bistro dining in B’s Restaurant.
Alternatively, head for the The Auld Triangle on the Killarney Road with a menu influenced by Irish and international produce - dishes that shine a spotlight on local.
Insider Tips
1. Macroom Farmers Market takes place every Tuesday morning in the town hall
2. Check out Cork Livestock Marts for the chance to experience live auctions that take place periodically in Macroom.
3. Call into Twomey Butchers – reputed by many to be among the best butchers in West Cork - committed to Guaranteed Irish, find produce crafted from local communities.
Day 5
Gaeltacht Mhuscraí
End on a high note in Ballyvourney among Irish speaking communities in a place that derives its name from Irish as “the beloved” before crossing into County Kerry
Experience Gaeltacht village life in The Mills Inn, Ballyvourney. Beautifully set on the banks of the River Sullane, framed by forests and mountains, the inn is renowned for “Bia blasta is seirbhís snastá. Ceol agus Craic” (Tasty Food, Excellent Service, Music and Fun). Expected the unexpected as traditional musicians often show up to play some tunes or a local person might burst into storytelling or song.
Call into An Siopa to pick up a locally made preserve.
Insider Tips
1. Visit St Gobnait's Shrine on the hill in Ballyvourney where people pray to St Gobnait, known as a healer to the people.
2. Spot one of Ireland’s famous brands of jam and condiments Folláin Jams - Ballyvourney – a success story that started in a domestic kitchen.
3. Ballyvourney’s 9 White Deer Brewery is renowned for largers and red Irish ales with big flavours. Check out their gluten-free beer range.
4. An Crúiscín Lán Café (meaning the full jug) is an ideal Ballyvourney spot for breakfast, lunch and snacks (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm). Try speaking some Irish while you are there!
Day 6
Kenmare
End in the heritage town of Kenmare where you will be spoiled for choice with lots of restaurants. Try Mulcahys Bar & Restaurant listed in the Michelin guide and ranked among the 100 best restaurants in Ireland.
Alternatively, head for the Horse Shoe Bar & Restaurant for hearty delicious food in a traditional pub setting.
Follow that with Crowley's Bar and the charming O’Donnabhain’s Bar & Restaurant
