Things To Do Locally

Gaelic Football and Hurling

On spring and summer evenings, visitors can find local teams playing Irish sports, especially hurling, comogie, Gaelic football and road bowling. Gaelic hurling is regarded as the fastest field sport in the world, so for those who have not seen this game played before, it can be quite an experience. The village of Kilbrittain nearby has a very successful Gaelic hurling team, so when in the area it is difficult not to get swept away by the passion of the locals, who follow their team with pride, especially during competitive match season.

Art

There are a number of excellent art galleries located in Kinsale, in Skibbereen, and in Cork City. Also, the towns and villages of West Cork are renowned as the home of very many artists. West Cork is a haven of craft-related industry. The staff at ELTI will provide you with literature on these exhibitions and will plan and make any bookings on your behalf.

Fishing

Kinsale and Courtmacsherry are well known as sea angling centres, and places and equipment can be booked by the day on state of the art boats, with shark fishing and wreck fishing. Mackerel fishing may be enjoyed off the rocks in summer, and stocked lakes, plus famous sea trout and salmon rivers, with day license, are only a few miles away.

Boating & Windsurfing

Several local harbours attract yachts and pleasure boats in summer and pontoon moorings are available. The local bays are popular for windsurfing. Seals are commonly sighted just off the rocks, while dolphins and even whales (in the outer harbour) are sometimes seen.

Bird Watching

In autumn, winter and spring, Courtmacsherry Bay holds up to 22,000 migrant birds. The local bays and woodlands are home to some of the most interesting bird sanctuaries in Europe.

Horse Riding & Pony Trekking

Horse riding and pony trekking are available at a number of nearby venues. Here there is a choice of quiet county- road routes, forest and woodland trekking or a relaxing canter on a sandy beach.

Walking/Cycling

The area is wonderful for walkers, with routes following the wild, magnificent scenery of the local coastline. There are a range of routes from family walks to the more strenuous rugged country climbs. At ELTI we will plan your walk, given your preferred route and your sense of adventure. www.munstermountaineering.ie

Beaches

There are many white sandy beaches and coves locally, which are ideal for picnicking and swimming. These sheltered beaches are perfect for families and with easy access these clear blue Atlantic waters will relax and energise you.

Gym & Tennis

There are gym facilities locally at Timoleague, Bandon, Clonakilty and Kinsale, with hardcourt and grass court tennis also available nearby.

Golf

Four golf courses are within easy distance, including the spectacular Old Head of Kinsale Course. Courses in Bandon, Dunmore and Lisselan are also very highly rated. Pitch and put courses are nearby in Clonakilty. www.oldheadgolflinks.com