Why we were in West Cork
We travelled for a family wedding at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, then used our three nights to explore Clonakilty, Rosscarbery and places connected with Michael Collins.
It turned into exactly the kind of trip we want Further From Home to cover: a real family occasion, accommodation split across the group, a few discoveries we would happily repeat and prices another family can actually use.
Where our family stayed
Ballynoe House: the family favourite
Six members of our family stayed at Ballynoe House, a massive self-catering house in the countryside outside Clonakilty. Our honest verdict is simple: it was fantastic.
Our children stayed with us in Rosscarbery for one night, then chose the bigger house and spent the other two nights there with their nanny. That tells you plenty about the space. Next time, we would stay at Ballynoe House together with the children.
Our Rosscarbery stay
My wife and I stayed in a private one-bedroom self-catering property in Newmills, Rosscarbery. It had two beds, a kitchen, Wi-Fi and parking. It was very good and had enough room for the children too—even if the attraction of the much larger family house won them over.
Two West Cork beaches
Farran Bay Beach
This was our hidden-beach find: a small, rocky cove tucked away from the better-known stops. The calm blue water and sheltered setting made it one of the most memorable discoveries of the weekend.
Red Strand Beach
Red Strand gave us the sandy-beach contrast. We went for a family swim here, making it the easier pick when the plan is simply sand, sea and time together.
Conditions on the Atlantic coast can change quickly, so check the weather and water conditions on the day and supervise children closely.
Following the Michael Collins story
We visited the Michael Collins birthplace area and followed the local history towards Sam’s Cross. The photographs and landscape make this much more tangible than reading the names on a page.
The Four Alls at Sam’s Cross
We stopped at The Four Alls at Sam’s Cross, traditionally described as the pub where Michael Collins had his final drink before the journey to Béal na Bláth.
The stop we could not complete
We also tried to visit the Béal na Bláth ambush site, but it was the anniversary weekend and access was restricted around the commemoration. We would build it into a future return rather than pretend we completed the stop.
Clonakilty evenings: two live-music pubs
DeBarras Folk Club
A brilliant traditional pub packed with musical character. We enjoyed the live music and more than a few Guinness 0.0s. We did not eat here.
Casey’s Bar & Restaurant
More great live music—and the food stop. I always seem to choose the fish dish when I am in the west, and this one justified it.
The salmon at Casey’s
The baked salmon with a herb crust came in a lemon-butter sauce with mashed potatoes and vegetables. It cost €24.50 and was perfect.
A realistic three-night shape
Day one
Arrive, settle into the two self-catering bases and keep the evening flexible around the family occasion.
Day two
Inchydoney and Clonakilty, with Casey’s or DeBarras for the evening atmosphere and live music.
Day three
Red Strand and Farran Bay for two different coastal stops, allowing time for a family swim when conditions suit.
History route
Michael Collins birthplace area, Sam’s Cross and The Four Alls; add Béal na Bláth only when access allows.
Our honest verdict
West Cork worked brilliantly for a family weekend. Ballynoe House was the standout accommodation and the place we would choose together next time. Farran Bay gave us the hidden discovery, Red Strand delivered the family swim, and the Michael Collins route added real depth beyond the coastline.
Casey’s perfect salmon and the live music in both Casey’s and DeBarras finished the weekend properly. We are definitely going back.