Making the most of Glengariff
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
As ships are moored or anchored in this port, you will be tendered ashore.
The tender drop-off point is within walking distance of the small village center of Glengarriff. It is approximately a 5-10 minute walk to downtown
Printable map to take along.
Glengarriff (Gleann Garbh in Irish, meaning "Rough glen") is a village of approximately 800 people in the south-west region of County Cork, Ireland. Known internationally as a tourism venue, it boasts many natural attractions. It sits at the northern head of Glengarriff Bay, a smaller enclave of Bantry Bay.
Getting around
Glengarriff, set against the Caha Mountains at the head of Bantry Bay retains an ‘olde world charm' and offers excursion opportunities to County Kerry and the Beara Peninsula. Cruise organized excursions are probably your best bet as public transportation is too infrequent
Nearby places
Glengarriff's is positioned on a sheltered bay surrounded by high mountains. Notable among local attractions is the island garden of Ilnacullin. The old round Martello tower offers a broad view of the surrounding area, and was built to guard against a threatened Napoleonic invasion.
The nearby national forest (the glen that gave Glengarriff it's name) contains some of the oldest and most extensive oak and birch groves left in Ireland. A short but steep trail leads up to Lady Bantry's Lookout, offering a vista of Bantry Bay and the west Cork area.
Also present is the more recently developed Bamboo Park behind Toad Hall. Walking trails in the area are extensive, kayaking on the bay is regularly scheduled, and live music is frequently available in the evenings at local pubs, particularly during the tourist season. Glengarriff also offers shops, art galleries, pubs, restaurants & other services.
Garnish Island is a beautiful spot to take a boat across to, it has some really beautiful exotic plants.
Money
The Republic of Ireland is part of the Eurozone, so as in many other European Union countries the currency here is the Euro (symbol: €). Stand Alone Cash machines (ATMs) are widely available in every city and town in the country and credit cards are accepted in 90% of outlets. Fees are not generally charged by Irish ATMs (but beware that your bank may charge a fee).
Staying connected
English is spoken everywhere but Irish (Gaeilge) is the first official language.
Opening Hours and
Offices: 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Shops: 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, until 8pm on Thursday; Saturday: 9am to 6pm; Sunday: Limited Hours Pubs: 10.30am to 11.30pm, Monday to Thursday. Closing is at 12.30am Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, 12.30 to 11.30pm. Pubs are closed on Christmas Day and Good Friday.