Golf Swimming & Walkingin the Area

Within 20 minutes of the house there are several good courses to excite even the most well travelled golfer, the most important and spectacular of which is probably:

Old Head of Kinsale
This remarkable course has featured in many if not all of the golfing guides to Ireland. It is a truly remarkable experience, perched on an old headland, some 200-foot above the sea, with breathtaking views on all sides. Quite simply it is a must for the serious golfer or anyone wishing to try something quite different.

Liselane Golf Course
More down-to-earth, this is a lovely course set in the middle of the Liselane estate and racing stables. Although just 9 holes long, it is testing and demanding, with beautiful scenery alongside the river Argideen as it meanders through the famous gardens. Liselane is just outside Clonakilty on the Main N 71 to Bandon.

Kinsale Golf Course
This is a good mature 18-hole course where visitors can expect to receive a warm West Cork welcome at any time. (Just outside Kinsale)
There are a number of other courses within an hour's travel, all different, but all offering the best of Irish golf for the day visitor, they include Dunmore, Fota, Bandon, Cork City, and Bantry Bay to name but a few.

Swimming

Just 10 minutes away there are some beautiful sandy beaches and small coves and as we are on the Gulf Stream the water in summer time is warm, yes, really warm. If the sea is not for you, then there are several local swimming pools offering first class facilities, the newest of which is at Inchydony just outside Clonakilty. The hotel has a Sports Club, which can be joined short term, Thalasotherapy Spa, and heated, indoor salt water pool.

Walking

Walking is a popular pastime and there is plenty of it just outside the driveway of the house. We supply Ordnance Survey maps so that guests do not get horribly lost.
Locally, there are some lovely walks from the house to Broad Strand, a super sandy beach just about 1 mile in distance. Blind Strand and Barry's Cove, an old smugglers haunt, are also easily accessed.

In the other direction there are walks out to Travara, at the end of The Seven Heads Peninsula, or through the lanes to yet more sandy coves and beaches, the principal one being Dunworley, and next door Maloney's.

Just down the road by car, there is also a coastal walk of around 5 hours that starts in Courtmacsherry and finishes at Travara. The walk passes through some superb coastal scenery, really wild stuff, if one keeps an eye out for wildlife there are plenty of birds of every description, seals and an occasional sea otter. It passes at the back of some of the highest sea cliffs in West Cork called the Coolim Cliffs.

Other, detailed walks are set out in a selection of good guide books available to guests. These include areas such as Castlefreke Woods, (between Clonakilty and Rosscarberry), Gougane Barra, a fabulous day out in the mountains, sea cliff walking at Galley Head, or, further down the coast at Toe Head. There really are many different types of walks suitable for all ages and categories of fitness, and we'll be pleased to pass on our own recommendations when you arrive.

Sea Fishing

Sea Fishing : Excellent shore and rock fishing just minutes from the house. Bass, Pollock, Mackerel and plenty more besides

Travel to Courtmacsherry and hire yourself a 16 foot self drive fishing boat for just 70 Euro a day and fish inshore until you drop.

Or

If you do not fancy self drive on the ocean, take a seat in one of two 38 foot deep-sea angling boats plying out from the same harbour. Guaranteed fish with Skipper Gannon!

River Fishing: Salmon and sea trout are to be caught on the River Bandon, just 20 min away.

The River Argadine is a famous sea trout river just 10 min from the house.

You will need a Salmon Licence and Permission to Fish licence for any river fishing, however if you just fish for trout you can delete the Salmon Licence.
 

Horse Riding and Trekking.

There are two excellent stables close by.

One at Courtmacsherry, with good reliable horses, and some more spirited mounts for the experts amongst you. They take mornings and day treks but they must be booked in advance.

The other is at Clonakilty. Again a very good stable with a lovely indoor and outdoor ménage, and horses to suit every ability. They are excellent with children, and specialise more in teaching correct English Saddle techniques and up to advanced Dressage. Perfect for the rider wanting to better his/her equestrian skills! They also trek out to the local beaches of West Cork.

These are just a few examples of activities you can sample within just a few miles of Butlerstown House, but there are plenty more to go at:
 

• Diving in Baltimore
• Sailing in Kinsale and Baltimore
• Board Sailing at Coolmaine
• Sea Kayaking (Canoeing) in Bantry. We have a good contact in this particular sport!
• Dinghy sailing and tuition in Courtmacsherry.
  
  
   

There are many more activities to be had in the area...