Not every day is a sunshine day in Ireland – the fields are green for a reason 😊
You can curl up with a good book in your BnB and eat loads of toast and delicious Irish butter, drive round watching your wipers blur the landscape or pull on your pack-a-mac and go exploring.
Go Explore
Wisemans and Hanleys shops in Castletownbere have waterproof jackets and trousers that won’t break the bank and will sell you the gear you need to get out and about, making the most of the amazing landscape of Beara. This blog with a few loop and linear walks may interest you https://westcorksailing.com/exploring-beara-on-foot/
For those that want to stay sheltered, here are a few indoor and sheltered ideas for you …
Kayaking
Wrap up in a wetsuit, zip up a bouyancy aid and head out into Adrigole Harbour to Kayak with the Seals. If the wind is blowing to shore, West Cork Sailing will help you launch out into the harbour for some fun kayaking freedom. Choose from singe, double or triple kayaks and if the wind isn’t too blowy you can take a canoe. We will show you how to paddle and steer your boat, along with how to respect the seal colony and make the most of exploring the harbour.
These ladies went out on a wet summers day and had an absolutely brilliant time.
Allihies Copper Mine Museum https://acmm.ie/
Located in Allihies, this museum delves into the area’s rich copper mining history. Housed in a former mining building, it offers a warm and informative environment to explore the region’s industrial past. Adult €7 Child €4. Open from 10.30 am to 5.00 pm.
The Copper Café offers delicious salads, seafood and the most amazing cakes (the Lemon Meringue is MASSIVE!)
Dzogchen Beara https://www.dzogchenbeara.org/
Situated near Allihies, this Tibetan Buddhist retreat centre provides a tranquil setting for reflection and meditation. Visitors can explore the centre’s facilities, including the newly opened Buddhist temple, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
- Join their daily meditation: Monday to Sunday from 9am to 9:45am (voluntary contributions)
- Discover Loving Kindness Meditation: Monday to Friday from 2:15pm to 3pm
- Take a short walk along their coastal path, past the incredible temple and back to their cozy café for the best soup on Beara.
Bantry House https://bantryhouse.com/
Explore this historic stately home overlooking Bantry Bay, featuring a private collection of art and antiques. The house offers a glimpse into 18th-century aristocratic life, and the gardens provide a serene setting for a leisurely stroll (between the showers 😉).
Mossies Sauna https://www.mossies.ie/sauna
Warm your bones and enjoy the tranquillity of Mossies Sauna set in their beautiful gardens. The high-quality sauna is set inside a stone pig house beside a pond with timber deck. The sauna fits four people, and includes a cold shower inside the building for those who want to embrace the full hot-cold ritual. Choose one of the aromatherapy scents, sit back and enjoy 90 minutes of steam. Private Sauna for 2 €56. Shared Sauna €28.
Eccles Hotel Spa https://www.eccleshotel.com/spa/
Treat yourself to a Spa Day with therapy treatments, massages, hot tubs, sauna and more. Along with prosecco and treats or a relaxing lunch.
Full price list here. https://www.eccleshotel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Eccles-Spa-Price-List-2024-WEB-1.pdf
Sarah Walker Gallery https://sarahwalkergallery.com/
An every changing display of art by Sarah Walker and other visiting artists, plus unique and extremely special live music events.
Sarah’s wild flower paintings are simply beautiful and bring the canvas to life.
Adrigole Arts Gallery https://www.facebook.com/adrigolearts
A selection of carefully chosen canvas and model art is found upstairs in their gallery room.
A large range of exceptional arts, crafts and irish crafted clothing selection to browse and choose from. Along with a coffee and cake cafe to enjoy a treat.
Cinemax http://cinemaxbantry.com
Popcorn, nachos, jellies and pop. Then sit back and watch the latest movies. Head next door to The Brick Oven for a delicious pizza or stop off at Gigi’s Pizza House in Glengarriff and take it over the road to Harringtons Pub or the Blue Loo to enjoy a pint and a heart-warming circle of melted cheese and delicious toppings.
Shopping, browsing, dining
Kenmare is a compact town with a large range of craft shops, galleries and cafes to enjoy. Discover the Mill Cove Gallery, Lorge Chocolatier, PFK Silversmith, Normon McCloskey Gallery and much more. Pop into the Brew House for lunch and a taster from their wide selection of beers and whiskies.
Bantry town’s shopping scene is centered around its vibrant market, independent boutiques, and family-run stores. Forest and Flock is a must visit for unique crafts and a lovely little coffee and cake dock.
The market is run every Friday from 9:30am to 1:00pm or more. Offering plants, veggies, crafts andn food stalls.
There is just a taste of ideas for you to enjoy on a rainy day on Beara – there is so much more.