Glengarriff
(Source: www.glengarriff.ie)
Famed for its natural beauty, Glengarriff is situated on picturesque Bantry Bay where the mountains meet the sea. Glengarriff connects the towns of Bantry and Kenmare and has acquired a fine reputation for the great variety of shops, galleries, accommodation, restaurants, pubs and services.
Sleepy during the winter and bustling during the rest of the year, Glengarriff has been famous as a holiday destination since the 1700s and boomed in Victorian times as an important stop along the Prince-of-Wales-Route. Today the village with its population of just 1,082 (Census 2016) attracts visitors from all over the world. A natural meeting place, with its unrivalled beauty, peace and tranquillity, Glengarriff invites you to sit back, relax and take in the very special ambience of the place.
Glengarriff is probably best known for Garnish Island (Ilnacullin), located in the shelter of Glengarriff Harbour and warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream. This island and its unique gardens enjoy a climate that is almost sub-tropical, making it possible for beautiful ornamental plants from many parts of the world to flourish. This gardening gem, set in the clear, clean waters of the bay is known to horticulturists all over the world.
Glengarriff’s most famous face is Maureen O’Hara, Hollywood legend, who made Glengarriff her home for so many years and was very involved in the local community.
(Source: www.explorewestcork.ie)