The Island Festival takes place this weekend, 15th and 16th of June, and this year the West Cork Island of Sherkin, Garnish, Whiddy, Bere, Dursey, Long, Heir and Cape Clear are inviting visitors and locals to become Islanders for good, as they promote these unique picturesque hotspots as places to live as well as visit.
Offering reduced ferry pries as well as discounted and free activities, many of which have been organised by the locals, such as guided tours, historic walks, water activities, workshops, exhibitions, food and much more. Those visiting these beautiful islands over the weekend are guaranteed a special welcome as the Islands festival, a relatively new event fast becomes one of the things to do in West Cork.
From our central location in the market town of Skibbereen, our hotel in West Cork is the perfect place for accessing the West Cork Islands and enjoying all that they have to offer this weekend, whether its listening to the tales and stories from Teddy Black on Dursey Island or the historic tales from William Casey on Whiddy Island, or perhaps partaking in arts and crafts in Sherkin or lace workshops on Heir Island, or maybe for the more adventurous it will be a sea safari off Bere Island or some whale and dolphin spotting on the way to Cape Clear!
So bask in the beauty of West Cork this weekend as you discover our wonderful islands, and relax before and after your ferry trips at the West Cork Hotel.
On Sunday 10th March we shall yet again be serving our special Mother’s Day Lunch. This special Gourmet Three Course Lunch with entertainment for the kids is priced just €28 per person and includes a special treat for all the mums, so be sure to reserve your place with us now by calling on 028 21277 and let us help you spoil mum for day.
Building on the success of last year’s Supper, this year attracted an even bigger following and not even the terrible weather and flooding on the roads could deter people! As Neil Grant, our General Manager commented, “I was saying thanks to one of our guests as I knew they had travelled a distance to get here in terrible weather. Their response was to say that they would have taken any detour required and would make it here ‘no matter what’! It was lovely to hear!”
Sourcing Haggis from McSween’s of Edinburgh, which made its entrance to the accompaniment of the bagpipes, was complemented during the evening with local scallops, and with loin of venison from North Cork. Our friends at Woodcock Smokery provided the necessary ingredients for Arbroath Smokie fishcakes, whilst Scottish Clootie Dumplings were paired with Glenilen Clotted Cream and Union Hall Drombeg Custard.
As well as the wonderful food, there was much entertainment to be had, and Norman Kean as MC for the evening ensured that all kept on track as he introduced speakers and performers to recite and carry out the official duties required during a Burns Supper.