WestCorkCottage >> Self-Catering cottage in the heart of Rural West Cork

Cuan Dor - Harbour of the Oaks - is one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. Its position, in the path of the Gulf Stream ensures a mild climate all year round, consequently its flora is diverse and of great interest, as plants are found in bloom here, out of season. Because of its location, Glandore was one of the earlier settlements in West Cork.

The Norman's came and built two castles in 1215. They were later taken over by the O'Donovan and have been inhabited continuously up to the present day. The very attractive Church of Ireland (built 1860) with its quaint entrance gate, through the rock is a much photographed feature.

Sheltered from the North and West winds, this is an excellent harbour for boating and fishing. The mild winters here encourage luxuriant foliage and Mediterranean shrubs, making possible the commercial cultivation of winter flowers such as violets and anemones. Myross Woods adds to the scenery. The area has been called the 'Garden of Carbery', and the description by the Rev. Murray in the last century remains true today:
"Cloudless sky and sparkling sea,
Cliff and shore and forest tree,
Glen and stream and mountain blue,
Burst at once upon the view.
The gay the beautiful, the grand
Blending over wave and land
'Till the eye can see no more
Than it hath is sweet Glandore"
The longest established regatta in West Cork takes place here annually. The two islands you can see in Glandore Harbour are known as Adam and Eve. The advice given to boatmen entering the harbour is "to avoid Adam and hug Eve" - sensible advice! A model of the very early Bronze Age Ringfort at nearby Carrigillihy is on display in the Cork Civic Museum. Poets and writers have found peace and tranquillity here, among them Sean O'Coileain, 'The Silver Tongue of Munster'.

William Thompson, the philosopher and one of the first Socialists, is another famous name associated with Glandore.
Glandore, at present is a very popular port of call for the yachting and boating fraternity, having some excellent restaurants and hostelries.