Some of our Favourites
The circle is orientated so that the main axis of the circle (a line extending from the middle of the gap between the entrance portal stones to the centre of the axial stone) is aligned north-east/south-west so that the sun setting on the evening of the winter solstice shines directly on to the axial stone. Drombeg and the other forty or so stone circles in West Cork were ritual sites where ceremonies took place.
West of the stone circle are the ruins of the oval huts made of standing stones. South of the hut is a fulacht fiadh or cooking pit. The fulacht fiadh is oval, marked by a bank of boulders, surrounding a stone-lined cooking pit, a hearth and a well. Heated stones were used to boil water for cooking. Professor Fahy conducted experiments to measure the efficiency of hot stones in boiling water. Seventy gallons of water were put into the trough and it was brought to the boil in eighteen minutes.
Carbon dating done in the 1980s established the date of the circle to be in the 11th century B.C
Drombeg Stone
Circle
Drombeg Stone Circle is the best known archeological site in West Cork. Before it was excavated by Professor Edward Fahy in 1957, it was known locally as the Druid’s Altar. Professor Fahy found fourteen standing stones forming a circle, the diameter of which is 9.3 meters approximately. Three fallen stone were discovered and reinstated bringing the total to seventeen. The majority of the stones are of local sandstone. Within the circle, there was a graveled floor consisting of pebbles and flakes of slatey rock closely compacted. Beneath the floor, fire pits were found, in one of which was a broken pot containing some cremated human bone. On the upper surface of the axial stone, the largest stone in the circle, are two shallow cup-marks, one surrounded by oval carving.
Dromillihy
Recreation Forest
Dromihilly or “Drom Oilche” means the ridge of the rocky place. This sandstone ridge rises to 80m and is bounded close to Roury River on the eastern side. The woodland is approximately 81acres in size and is mainly comprised of mixed broadleaf species including Oak and Beech. It is an old woodland site meaning that it has been consistently wooded since the 1830’s. There are many elements of native species apparent in Dromillihy with native trees as understorey and a diverse natural field layer flora. The display of bluebells carpeting the woodland floor is a sight to behold from April to early summer. Wildlife is abundant with foxes, badgers, rabbits, and herons present along with many songbirds.
Historically, the wood once formed part of the Morris estate. They were one of the principals landowners in the barony of East and West Carbery from the late 1600’s. The first settler being Captain William Morris, a Parliamentarian soldier of Welsh extraction who was granted over 1500 acres after the Cromwellian conquest in 1649-51. There are a number of old houses in the area that are associated with the family, including nearby Castle Salem and Cellmount, a wall of which is still apparent within this forest.
Also of note in the area is a ruined water mill located to the north east of the woods, there is evidence that the mill became a general provender mill where all manner of cereals crops were brought for milling. Water from a mill race would have driven the original mill wheel and grinding stones that are still in evidence on the site of the original mill today.
For the walker, there is a looped waymarked trail from the car park that will guide you-through the main section of the Wood. It will offer you the opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of nature.
Trail name: Cellmount Loop
Lenght: 1.6km
Time: 40mins
Difficulty: Moderate
Meters Climb: 35m
Myross Wood
Myross Wood is a beautiful stretch of woodland and pastures along the Leap Harbour, flanked by streams, tidal rivers and the sea. The whole track is of 9.7 km with an elevation gain of 286m that can be done in two hours. It is a lovely recreational walk with waterfalls and streams, mossed stone steps, lush vegetation and emerging trees. Huricane Ophelia left a cruel mark, putting down most of the trees on the side of the harbour, together with the Myross Giant, a 400 years old tree.
As Vicar of Myross, Rev. Arthur Herbert of the Cahemore House, Killarney, lived in Myross Wood where he built an elegant and commodious residence called Myross Wood House.
The first Townsend owner of Myross Wood was John Sealy Townsend (1764-1853). He bought the house from Earl of Kingston in 1826. It was occupied by various members of the Townsend family to William Tower Townsend. When he died the property had to be sold as it was an entailed estate. The local Cleary family bought the house in 1944 and, having farmed it successfully, sold it two years later to the Missionaires of the Sacred Heart in 1946, who still own it. (found in Leap and Glandore – Fact and Folklore by Eugene Daly).
Whale Watching
from Reen Pier
When it comes to unique wildlife encounters there are few things as breath-taking and humbling as coming face to face with the world’s largest creatures.
Whale watching is one of those activities that comes close to the top of every “100 things to do before you die” bucket list ever compiled — and it’s much more accessible than you might think.
Cork Whale Watch provide dedicated, year-round whale watching trips out of Reen Pier, near Union Hall, West Cork, subject to weather conditions and demand. Our trips are a minimum of 4 hours duration, often longer.
West Cork, on the Irish south coast attracts minke whales, fin whales, and humpback whales to feed in its rich waters every year. A short drive or a cheap flight will get you to County Cork, and our purpose-built whale watching vessel, the Holly Jo provides the ideal platform for that once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For further details visit Cork Whale Watch