If the pace of life is getting you down and you want to escape to rural peace and tranquillity, to catch up with yourself, a loved one, or with friends and family, then Glensallagh is the place for you.

Sited on the south facing slope of the Mizen Peninsula, near Ballydehob, Bantry and Schull with distant views of Roaringwater Bay, Glensallagh was once a farm of 47 acres, but 18 years ago the whole place was planted with a mixture of deciduous trees which are now well grown. Woodland paths and wildflower meadows have been created in about 15 acres of the property, planted with around 200 species of trees and shrubs, which revel in the mild climate.

The self-catering accommodation is in two buildings; the traditional Yard Cottage and the open plan Tractor Shed Loft Apartment. These are available separately or can be rented together to suit larger families and friends holidaying en masse. Additional accommodation just up the lane can also be rented in conjunction to enable large groups to enjoy West Cork together (see combination rentals below price lists on following pages).

Out and About

Glensallagh Gardens and Woodland is centrally located between Ballydehob, Schull and Bantry, Older children can safely explore the garden but we suggest younger children may require some supervision due to the ponds and ditches.There is a very productive organic vegetable garden, producing (amongst other things) over 20 different types of salad leaves and our flock of genial hens produce the richest brown eggs. We provide a generous welcome basket on arrival and additional produce may be purchased at reasonable prices.

Further afield there are traffic free lanes to amble along with spectacular wildflower flora, unspoilt beaches and moorland walking trails (A walking holiday with over 55 miles on Sheeps Head alone, a mere 5 miles away). Not to mention the numerous Pubs!

There is excellent sea fishing, island exploring and whale watching (Whale watching with Colin Barnes & Whale watch West Cork). The Humpbacks turn up like marine swallows in June and there are also Sei, Pilot and Sperm Whales and loads of dolphins and seals.

For gardening enthusiasts there is the West Cork Garden Trail a linked series of fascinating private gardens open to the public. And of course Garanish Island and our personal favourite, Derreen, on the Kenmare River, with 80 foot rhododendrons and 30 foot tree ferns.

West Cork is home to a number of superb artisanal food producers: Maceoins Honey comes partly from hives at Glensallagh, Durrus Cheese is just over the hill and the endless award winning Woodcock Smokery is just beyond Skibbereen, just to mention a few and all of them are happy to give guided tours.

For gardening enthusiasts there is the West Cork Garden Trail a linked series of fascinating private gardens open to the public, especially Kilravock Garden, the masterpiece of Phemie Rose, a plantsman’s plantswoman, who set up the West Cork Garden Trail. The garden is located less than 4 miles from Glensallagh.