Ballinglanna is a coastal community set right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean approximately 11kms from the vibrant town of Clonakilty in West Cork.
The rental property sits on an elevated clifftop site resulting in superb views over a broad expanse of sea bookended by headlands. Situated at the end of a cul de sac development of holiday homes, it enjoys an extra degree of privacy - with no passing traffic to get in the way of those views!
The open-plan living/dining/kitchen area is a large, bright space with windows facing east, south and west. The full height patio windows/door open southwards onto a patio with uninterrupted views to the south and west. An open fireplace is surrounded by comfortable sofas, tub chair, movable side tables, a TV with satellite connection, DVD player and radio/cd player. There is also a large range of dvds, CDs and books available for use by guests of all ages and there is free internet/wifi.
The well-appointed kitchen is equipped with cooker (with four-plate hob, oven and grill), fridge (with a second, larger fridge/freezer in the utility room), dishwasher, microwave, blender, toaster and coffee-maker. Glassware, tableware and cookware are plentiful and of a high standard. The utility room has washing, drying and ironing facilities and there is a fridge/freezer installed there also.
There is an option of three or four bedrooms, depending on the requirements of individual guests - two double rooms and two twin-bedded rooms. One of the double rooms is large and furnished with a sofabed and so can be used as an extra living room/space, or converted to a double bedroom if required. The master bedroom features a kingsize bed with en-suite bathroom (fully revamped in May 2021 to include a walk-in electric shower) and there are two twin-bedded rooms.
The main bathroom was completely refurbished in March 2022 and now features a walk-in power shower.
The house is centrally heated, sleeps 8 in total and all bed linen and towels are provided. Guests are asked to bring their own beach towels.
HOW TO FIND US: (Directions from Clonakilty to the house)
These directions are based on the guest(s) arriving in to the town of Clonakilty, County Cork from the direction of Cork City on the N71 road. From Cork City take the N71 to Clonakilty (via Bandon).
At the first roundabout you meet in Clonakilty (with a SuperValu supermarket on the right), take the first exit to the left, sign-posted to Ring. Continue on this road to Ring Village. The road runs right beside the water.
In Ring village take the first turn right by the water and continue along this road (with the water bordering the road to the right hand side). You will come to a tight corner where the road veers to the left, away from the water - continue to follow this road uphill, until it levels out.
Continue on to a T-junction. Turn right and then immediately left at the next triangular junction. Continue on that road for approx 1.5 miles until you reach Ballinglanna. At the end of the hill down into Ballinglanna, you will see a cluster of white houses on the right hand side, overlooking the sea - Ballinglanna Cove. Ard na Farraige (No. 18) is at the very end of the cul-de-sac.
Food and Drink: Restaurants around Clonakilty, Courtmacsherry, Timoleague and Rosscarbery cater for all tastes and budgets. These range from take-aways to cafés, gastropubs, bistros and gourmet restaurants. Local specialities and seafood are included in their menus.
Wildlife, Birdwatching and History :
Wildlife: The sea views from the house change by the hour with the ebb and flow of the ocean tide over the rock formations running just below the house, and the daily comings and goings of fishing boats. There is constant seabird activity and, for early morning risers, rabbits are often to be seen popping in and out of burrows in the grassy slope to the rear of the house. Some guests have even been lucky enough to see dolphins at play in the bay, from the comfort of the living room or patio.
Birdwatching: For those with a particular interest in birdwatching, there are plenty opportunities for this in and around Clonakilty and Courtmacsherry Bays. There is easy access and viewing all around both estuaries and lagoons. As you travel to Clonakilty via Ring village you will notice a vast bird population on the estuary and large numbers of Waders feed and roost here from late Autumn to early Spring.
Historic Houses/Sites: Timoleague Abbey, Drombeg Stone Circle, Lios na Con Ring Fort, Castle Salem, Coppinger's Court, Michael Collins' Birthplace at Sam's Cross, Ballinacarriga Castle and Castlefreke.
