Glandore

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LOCAL ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

There are many small beaches in Glandore and its surrounding areas however the largest sandy beach is at Rosscarbery. There is also a Pitch and Putt Course beside the beach for some competitive family fun!

The nearby Rectory Restaurant is a private party venue which is known for its beautiful surroundings and fine dining food most noted for sophisticated weddings of up to 100 seated guests additional 60 evening guests.

Two miles east of Glandore is the Drombeg Stone Circle, one of the finest recumbant stone circles in the country. An afternoon walk through the magnificent scenery to visit this ancient historic site is one of the most relaxing ways to spend a sunny day while on holiday in Glandore.

There are also plenty of water sports available in the locality. Sailing is popular in Glandore itself while in neighbouring towns there are water sport centres which cater for everything from scuba diving to kite surfing.

For children there are three playgrounds within easy driving distance – one in Union Hall, one in Skibbereen and the other in Clonakilty.

Clonakilty is also well known for its model railway which appeals to children of all ages.

The closest indoor swimming pool is at the Celtic Ross Hotel in Rosscarbery.

Glandore Mines The Glandore mines were worked first for copper, then for manganese and iron. A ruined engine house and overgrown open-cast remains.

The mines are located on the “upper” road between Glandore and Leap. Take the turn for School Road next to the Marine Hotel and travel about 1-2 minutes drive to Leap. On the left hand side you’ll see the forty-five-foot chimney and engine house mark the location of Glandore Mines.

The oxide of manganese occurs at Glandore, on the southern coast of Cork, where considerable quantities of ore have been raised. In Glandore mine, the principal variety of ore is the true peroxide. Hydrated sesqui-oxide is also found. The ore occurs associated with veins of quartz. The rock of the locality itself is upper clay-slate, of which so much of the mining district of the south of Ireland is composed. The earthy hydrated peroxide of manganese is of very common occurrence.

The mine went through successions of opening and closing during the year. Initially there existed a cupriferous peat bog which was worked on by Colonel Robert Hall. It is said between 1810 and 1819 that six hundred tons of ashes were gathered valued at £5000. In 1840 Captain Tonkin & Mr. Underwood sank a 33 yard deep shaft in search of copper but stumbled upon manganese. For 27 years they made a great living off the export trade to Liverpool. In 1879 it is claimed the present Engine House was erected. In 1181 the mine was closed once more but re-opened in 1907 by the Liverpool Manganese Co. when manganese increased in price. Unfortunately due to high transport costs little profit was made and so the mine was finally closed in 1911.

Drombeg Stone Circle, Glandore The area of Glandore is most well known for the Drombeg Stone Circle which dates back about 6000 years and is just 25 minutes walk from the village (3km).

This archaeological site traces back through the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages. The 17 magnificent standing stones and fulacht fiadh have the stunning back drop of Glandore’s rolling countryside. If travelling from Leap/Union Hall direction you will pass the Marine Hotel & Self Catering Homes, go through the village past St. Facthna’s Church and take a right.

From Rosscarbery take the R597 to Glandore. As you are passing over Roury Bridge make sure you get a peak at Coppinger’s Court 17th Century Elizabethan House.

Roury Bridge,Glandore, West Cork is located 1 mile from Glandore Village.

Coppingers Courtis an old 17th century fortified Elizabethan House whose pointed gables and octagonal chimney are still visible. Fearing attack from the dispossessed Clan O'Driscoll, Coppinger built for comfort and defence, and included a gallows in his design. Folklore tells that it has a window for every day of the year, a chimney for every week, and a door for every month.