GLANDORE

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Glandore or the Irish version, Cuan Dor - Harbour of the Oaks - is one of the prettiest villages in Ireland, with its great water side setting, Glandore is the ideal place to be on a Summers Day just to stop and take some time to enjoy the view and have a glass of something refreshing or a bit to eat. A very popular port of call for the yachting and boating enthusiasts with some excellent restaurants and hostelries. With views across to Union Hall, this is close by, as are the lovely villages of Leap and Castletownsend.

The position of this West Cork village, in the path of the Gulf Stream ensures a mild climate all year round, consequently its flora is diverse and of great interest, as plants are found in bloom here, out of season. Because of its location, Glandore was one of the earlier settlements in West Cork. The Norman's came and built two castles in 1215. They were later taken over by the O'Donovan and have been inhabited continuously up to the present day. The very attractive Church of Ireland (built 1860) with its quaint entrance gate, through the rock is a much photographed feature.
 

An important event in the development of Glandore began in 1824, with the arrival of James Redmond Barry. He was a very philanthropic landlord, who developed the fishing, got the pier built as well as a boatyard in Union Hall. He established schools to teach fishing and domestic economy. He built a hotel (The Glandore Inn) in 1828 and organised the first Regatta in 1830. A school was built in 1835 as well as an Agricultural school at the model farm in Ards. Despite his efforts, Glandore was one of the worst hit areas in West Cork, during the Great Famine, losing 45% of its population. William Thompson, the philosopher and one of the first Socialists, is another famous name associated with Glandore.

Glandore village in West Cork is located just over one hours drive from Cork City, so if you are picking up your Car Hire at Cork Airport you can drive to Glandore village passing through some of West Cork's great towns and villages such as Fivemilebridge, Innishanon along the N71 to Bandon, Clonakilty and taking the R597 to Glandore village. Towns located close to Glandore are Skibbereen, Baltimore and Ballydehob, Durrus and Bantry.

Glandore Harbour Yacht Club is where to go if you are looking for sailing and training in the use of dingies, Keel boats or cruisers, during the Summer months.