Cork City

Whilst still travelling east, the next stop has to be Cork City itself. The number of superb restaurants in this city is enormous. A recent guest of ours told us that Dublin always was one step ahead in this department. However, those days are over and it is now considered among the "foodie" aficionados that Cork is the top in Ireland. There are many excellent and up to date publications available in house for guests to peruse at their leisure.

Roscarberry

O'Callaghan-Walshe
Further west from Clonakilty one comes to the delightful little town of Rosscarberry, the town centre atop a small hill above the harbour. This lovely place is about 30 minutes from the house and is well worth a visit especially if you are seafood lovers. Again there is a Bridgestone recommended Restaurant called O'Callaghan-Walshe specialising in delicious seafood locally caught. Bookable tables and a full licence.

Castletownsend

Mary Ann's Pub
If a special lunch is required or a splendid evening meal returning from a trip down west, a must is Mary Ann's in Castletownsend. A small pub at the bottom of the steep main street on the right, the seafood is probably the best on the Carberry Coast. Very cosy, very Irish, and very good! If there are four of you, try the seafood platter, just one will do. Tables are not bookable and early birds will be justly rewarded.

Ballymaloe

Using the Jack Lynch Tunnel, and by-passing Cork City centre, it is possible to dine at Ballymaloe for lunch or dinner. Approximate journey time should be about about one hour and twenty minutes.

Cottage Island Restaurant
Again down west we dined on Hare Island at the Cottage Island Restaurant, yet another Bridgestone Guide establishment. This venue is unique, having to cross a narrow stretch of water by open boat and once ashore to walk some ten minutes to the restaurant. Worth every bit of effort, and a marvellous venue for a group of six or more people. Booking ahead is essential and do not forget to book the Ferryman out and back. Distance one-way from the house is about one and three quarter-hours.