westcorkaplaceapart.com : Blog RSS feed http://www.westcorkaplaceapart.com/ News/Events related updates from westcorkaplaceapart.comen westcorkaplaceapart.com : Blog RSS feed http://www.westcorkaplaceapart.com/fileadmin/rss_icon.gif http://www.westcorkaplaceapart.com/ News/Events related updates from westcorkaplaceapart.comTYPO3 - get.content.righthttp://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rssTue, 19 Jan 2038 03:14:07 +0000 Adventures in Kinsale, Skibbereen and County Cork in Ireland http://www.westcorkaplaceapart.com/blog/view/article/adventures-in-kinsale-skibbereen-and-county-cork-in-ireland/ The charms of West Cork enchant yet another unassuming travel writer! This time it is Julian Robinson of the Southampton based Southern Daily Echo who is quickly taken in by the unique combination of activities, food, people and incredible scenery that combine to make West Cork, truly a place apart.Some familiar faces and places pop up in Julian's itinerary - Fuchsia members Jim Kennedy of Atlantic Sea Kayaking and Rianne Smith of Aquaventures, the WCDP supported Sheep's Head Way to name a...BlogActivitiesAdventureFamilyHome page Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:07:00 +0000 Watersports and seafood in West Cork http://www.westcorkaplaceapart.com/blog/view/article/watersports-and-seafood-in-west-cork/ Never before has a place captivated me more and I was genuinely disappointed when my trip came to an end writes Denise Evans after her brief holiday in West Cork... TRAVEL FACTS For further information or to plan your visit to Ireland, go to www.discoverireland.com . Sea crossings to Ireland from the UK are operated by Stena Line, Irish Ferries, Isle of Man Steam Packet, Norfolkline Irish Sea, P&O Irish Sea and Fastnet Line.Airlines operating to Cork include Aer Lingus and Ryanair.For further information about accommodation and activities, go to www.atlanticseakayaking.com ; www.westcorkhotel.com ; www.fishyfishy.ie ; www.whalewatchwestcork.com ; www.bantryhouse.ie ; www.discoverireland.ie/walking .]]> Blog Home page Accommodation Food Seafood Adventure Featured News/events (homepage) Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:31:00 +0000 Top 5 Things To Do in Kinsale http://www.westcorkaplaceapart.com/blog/view/article/top-5-things-to-do-in-kinsale/ Kinsale: quaint, picturesque, vibrant and providing a diverse and intriguing range of activities. Here is our Top 5 Things To Do in this West Cork gem. 1. Walking Kinsale has a rich and colourful heritage, owing its unique character to the fact that it was a garrison town and port of consequence for over 300 years - hence its magnificent Georgian houses and the Dutch influence of its architecture. The best way to view and really appreciate the heritage of the town is to take one of... Kinsale: quaint, picturesque, vibrant and providing a diverse and intriguing range of activities. Here is our Top 5 Things To Do in this West Cork gem.

1.  Walking

Kinsale has a rich and colourful heritage, owing its unique character to the fact that it was a garrison town and port of consequence for over 300 years - hence its magnificent Georgian houses and the Dutch influence of its architecture. The best way to view and really appreciate the heritage of the town is to take one of the daily guided heritage walks that leave from the tourist office in the town centre. We’ll leave it you to decide which guide to choose; suffice it to say that all guides are both extremely knowledgeable and entertaining. Once you’ve done the guided tour and are versed in the history of Kinsale, pick up The Kinsale Maps walking guide from the tourist office. The routes marked out will take you to some of the most scenic parts of the Kinsale surrounds and provide spectacular views of the town and breath-taking panoramas of the harbour. Our pick of these routes is the water’s edge walk. Starting from the town centre you walk to the village of Scilly (you can drive but parking is at a premium), then onwards along the pedestrianised waterfront walkway to Summercove and Charles Fort. This route offers incredible views as well as a welcome reprieve from the splutter and hum of passing traffic. While you could turn back at Charles Fort (No.2 in our Top 5 Things To Do in Kinsale) and maybe stop for a bite and a drink in one of the fine establishments you passed on the way out, those of you in the mood for a longer hike should continue on from Charles Fort and take the coastal walk to Prehane Point. Never more than a few meters from the sea this rugged pathway offers many rewards with stunning views of the Old Head of Kinsale and the Sovereign Islands. The full route should take between 5 and 6 hours so pack a lunch!

2. Charles Fort

Charles Fort is a classic example of a late 17th century star-shaped fort. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with designing the fort. As one of the largest military installations in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. The most significant of these are the Williamite War 1689-91 and the Civil War 1922-23. Charles Fort was declared a National Monument in 1973. As well as offering a very tangible insight into the history of Kinsale, Charles Fort also offers some of the best views of Kinsale town and harbour – so bring your camera! Location: 3km from Kinsale - turn off Cork-Kinsale road (R600) 2km from the town. Guided Tours are available for up to 40 people and last 1 hour.

3. A Dip in the Ocean

Okay, the water might be a little on the cool side for a leisurely swim but there are many other ways to enjoy the sea in and around Kinsale. The Kinsale Harbour Cruise offers an insightful tour of the harbour and a unique perspective from which to view the town. Plus there’s the added bonus of catching a glimpse of the local seals population, who keep a watchful eye on proceedings. The harbour cruise is certainly the most laid back way to explore the harbour, however if you would like to be a bit more active then a day of sailing might be more your thing. Half and full day packages are available and all skill levels are catered for. Alternatively, you should consider going kayaking for the day. A kayak is by far the best way to explore the caves, nooks and crannies that dot the coastline around Kinsale And, if you really want to get close to the water and get your adrenaline flowing then we recommend you go surfing at Garretstown beach. Surfing lessons run all through the summer months for beginners and those looking for a refresher. If you’re more experienced then you can rent a board and wetsuit on the beach.

4. Dining Out

Restaurants in Kinsale pride themselves on their high reputation for culinary expertise, and work together to ensure they offer a diversity of cuisine with a guarantee of quality, service, comfort and ambience and of course, fine dining. The Kinsale Good Food Circle is an 11 member restaurant group that adhere to the highest of standards in food service. This commitment to food excellence is replicated in all of the bars and restaurants in Kinsale – the array of award plaques on the entrances is testimony this fact. With fresh fish arriving in the dock every morning and the highest calibre chefs creating mouth-watering dishes in the kitchens around Kinsale the result is some of the finest seafood dishes you will taste anywhere in the world. Enjoy!

5. Festivals

The number and quality of festivals and events has grown in recent years. The long running Kinsale Rugby Sevens (May Bank Holiday Weekend) the revived Kinsale Arts Week 09-17 July 2011) and the fringe Jazz Festival in October (28-31, 2011) are perhaps the pick of the lot. From April to December the event calendar in Kinsale is jam packed with fun, interesting and exciting things to do. Visit www.kinsale.ie/festivals for a full listing of festivals and events in Kinsale throughout the year and make sure you don’t miss out.]]> Blog Tue, 14 Jun 2011 15:07:00 +0100 De Barra's, Clonakilty, feature in Lonely Planet's Top 10 places to see a traditional Irish music session http://www.westcorkaplaceapart.com/blog/view/article/de-barras-clonakilty-feature-in-lonely-planets-top-10-places-to-see-a-traditional-irish-music-se/ Musical hotspot De Barras in Clonakilty is once again recognised for the quality music it plays host to and the unique atmosphere captured within its walls. Lonely Planet counts De Barras in its current Top 10 places to see a traditional Irish music session. Though subtle and understated thoughs who have witnessed a gig in De Barras come away with the sense that they have been a part of something special a sense shared by musicians quite literally from around the globe who come to play in this... Lonely Planet]]> Blog Thu, 05 May 2011 16:59:00 +0100 West Cork Craft Industries Highlighted in National Exhibition http://www.westcorkaplaceapart.com/blog/view/article/west-cork-craft-industries-highlighted-in-national-exhibition/ Alison Ospina has collated archived material uncovered in her research for her book West Cork Inspires to form part of an exhibition to celebrate the Year of Craft. West Cork Inspires tracks the migration of a community of craft workers who formed a co-operative movement that grew to become a leading outlet for top quality crafts countrywide. The development and launch of the book in London was supported by West Cork Development Partnership. The exhibition runs at Farmleigh in Dublin's... West Cork Inspires to form part of an exhibition to celebrate the Year of Craft. West Cork Inspires tracks the migration of a community of craft workers who formed a co-operative movement that grew to become a leading outlet for top quality crafts countrywide. The development and launch of the book in London was supported by West Cork Development Partnership. The exhibition runs at Farmleigh in Dublin's Phoenix Park until the end of July, before travelling on to the Cork Public Museum in October and the West Cork Arts Centre in Skibbereen next January. Read more in the Irish Times]]> Blog Thu, 05 May 2011 10:15:00 +0100 Mini-Mooning (that's a short honeymoon to you and me!) in West Cork http://www.westcorkaplaceapart.com/blog/view/article/mini-mooning-thats-a-short-honeymoon-to-you-and-me-in-west-cork/ A couple of newly weds look for mini-moon suggestions in beautiful West Cork and The Irish Times through up some sumptuous ideas that will appeal to anyone looking to make a romantic get away. Renovated cottages oozing luxury and romance, four-poster beds, Jacuzzis and hot tubs, breathtaking sea views and of course great pubs for music and craic all feature in this article in the Irish Times. Irish Times. ]]> Blog Amenity/Activity Restaurant Accommodation Guesthouse Self-Catering Thu, 05 May 2011 09:32:00 +0100 Buffalo mozzarella straight from . . . Macroom http://www.westcorkaplaceapart.com/blog/view/article/buffalo-mozzarella-straight-from-macroom/ AN IRISH farmer has imported water buffalo and is now producing buffalo mozzarella near Macroom. Cork farmer Johnny Lynch and his neighbour and owner of the Real Olive Company, Toby Simmons, produced their first batch of Irish buffalo mozzarella last week. West Cork Development Partnership provided funding that enabled the development of a dairy parlour and the general upgrading of facilities at the Toonsbridge dairy. The mozzarella, named Toonsbridge Dairy will be sold to restaurants and... IrishTimes.com ]]> Blog Tue, 03 May 2011 17:23:00 +0100 Lots To Do in West Cork... http://www.westcorkaplaceapart.com/blog/view/article/lots-to-do-in-west-cork/ West Cork Choral Singers concert this Saturday 30th April at 8pm in Schull Community College, Ballydehob Jazz Festival on Saturday 30 April 8.30pm, Drimoleague Walking Festival this weekend, Ring 5Km run this Friday, Goleen May Fayre this Sunday 2 to 6 pm., and Jenni White painting weekend on Bere Island this weekend. For full details of these lots more thing s to do in the coming days go to Local Campus - What's On in West Cork West Cork Choral Singers concert this Saturday 30th April at 8pm in Schull Community College, Ballydehob Jazz Festival on Saturday 30 April 8.30pm, Drimoleague Walking Festival this weekend, Ring 5Km run this Friday, Goleen May Fayre this Sunday 2 to 6 pm., and Jenni White painting weekend on Bere Island this weekend. For full details of these lots more thing s to do in the coming days go to  Local Campus - What's On in West Cork
]]> Blog Thu, 28 Apr 2011 10:42:00 +0100 Whale and Dolphin Watching West Cork http://www.westcorkaplaceapart.com/blog/view/article/whale-and-dolphin-watching-west-cork/ The waters off the West Cork coast are home to some off the ocean's largest mammals. Boasting several species of Dolphin as well as Baleen Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, Humpback and Pilot Whales West Cork can lay claim to being amongst the top locations in Europe for Whale and Dolpin Watching. Do something different during your time in West Cork - go Whale and Dolphin watching and you will be sure to have both an exhilirating and awe inspiring experience. There are many Whale and... There are many Whale and Dolphin Watching tour operators along the West Cork coast many of whom you can find on the Discover Cork website.]]> Blog Amenity/Activity Thu, 28 Apr 2011 09:50:00 +0100 West Cork Eco plan lights up Indian Village http://www.westcorkaplaceapart.com/blog/view/article/west-cork-eco-plan-lights-up-indian-village/ Environmental Scientist Declan Waugh of Partnership for Change has worked with Dr Rajendra Pachauri, chairman of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, to establish a solar-powered co-operative in a remote village in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Partnership for Change, which works with communities to support their transition to a low-carbon future, has also supported flood relief in Pakistan and is involved with a project to create Ireland’s first “climate... here... ]]> News/Event Blog Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:48:00 +0100