Rosscarbery: The Premier Holiday Destination in Southwest Ireland!
Pamper Yourself in Rosscarbery
Treat yourself to a new haircut in the local hair salon or barber shop located in Rosscarbery town centre. Rosscarbery caters for the pampering needs of gents and ladies. The holistic suite in the Celtic Ross Hotel, located on the edge of Rosscarbery, offers facials and beauty treatments for adults and teenagers. Afterwards why not repair to one of Rosscarbery’s coffee shops and indulge with a hot chocolate!
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Shopping and Local Produce
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How about a little shopping? With its traditional shopfronts Rosscarbery offers a unique shopping experience! The craft shop in the Square in Rosscarbery has something to suit everyone’s taste. It specialises in gifts, pottery, jewellery, accessories and Irish and local crafts. It also stocks reasonably-priced high-end designer and boutique clothing! For those of you embarking upon a self-catering holiday, the local supermarket and filling station cater for your everyday needs, stocking quality local produce. Why not try some tasty Rosscarbery Strawberries? West Cork is famous for its food so be sure to look out for the Fuchsia logo, the symbol attached to quality-approved West Cork produce. For an amazing range of locally-grown and organic foods, plants and crafts check out the traditional country farmers’ market held in the Square in Rosscarbery every Saturday morning. Shoppers can expect fresh fruit and vegetables, organic meat and poultry, fresh free-range eggs, fresh locally-caught fish, home-made cakes, breads and jams and much, much more. The buzzing atmosphere is electric! Don’t forget to pick up some Rosscarbery Sausages for your breakfast!
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Massage
What about a rejuvenating massage in the Celtic Ross Hotel holistic suite? Let all your pains be eased away with massage and aromatherapy oils. As you unwind at the Celtic Ross Hotel take in the stunning views of the nearby lagoon. Afterwards chill out with a coffee and a homemade scone in the Kingfisher Bar or unwind in the conservatory lounge.
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Art Gallery
Browse the contemporary art in the gallery located in the Square, in Rosscarbery. Various renowned and newly-emerging Irish artists exhibit their diverse artwork here. The gallery organises short courses in art techniques and art appreciation; enquire in store. After all that hard work leisurely browsing, retire to one Rosscarbery’s cosy cafés for a freshly brewed cuppa! West Cork Arts Centre, in Skibbereen, is a 15 minute drive from Rosscarbery.
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Dining
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Come dine in Rosscarbery! You’re assured a warm welcome and some of the best grub around in Rosscarbery’s top-class cafés, cosy pubs and award-winning gourmet restaurants. Whether you’re looking to grab a quick lunch or want to indulge in a romantic dining experience there is a great choice to suit all pockets and all tastes! West Cork is famous for its food and Rosscarbery’s eateries use locally-grown and organic produce, locally-sourced meats and freshly-caught fish from the waters around West Cork. All establishments cater for children.
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Hit The Pub Jack!
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How about a pint? On a rainy day take shelter and pass the day away in Rosscarbery’s cosy pubs where the real meaning of hospitality is understood. Warm yourself beside the turf-burning fires! Play darts, rings or cards ‘till your heart’s content. All major national and international sporting events are shown on widescreen plasma TVs, including GAA, rugby, soccer, tennis, golf and snooker. Traditional Irish music sessions are held regularly. The pubs of Rosscarbery are child friendly. Wi-Fi is available in some public houses. Why not send electronic postcards to your friends and family back home? If the sun reappears take in the rays in the outdoor beer gardens!
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St Fachtna’s Cathedral
It is believed that St Fachtna founded an ecclesiastical site in the Rosscarbery area in the sixth century. The early medieval annals and other contemporary documents reveal that as time progressed, the early ecclesiastical foundation developed as an important centre for learning and pilgrimage. The site was known as ‘Ross Ailithir’. The term ailithir denotes a pilgrim or religious exile. The Church of Ireland cathedral which is named after St Fachtna preserves some twelfth-century features. The building underwent substantial rebuilding in the later medieval period and again in the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries and more recently. Bell-ringing lessons in the bell tower are offered occasionally. The cathedral is located in the centre of Rosscarbery town and is a must-see for the history, archaeology and architecture enthusiast. Why not also visit the Roman Catholic Church? Built in the nineteenth century it was also named in honour of St Fachtna. Open doors will welcome you and on a rainy day you can appreciate their architecture and furnishings from inside the churches.
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Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool
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There is a 15m heated indoor swimming pool, a children’s pool, bubble pool, sauna, steam room and a fully-equipped gymnasium in the Celtic Ross Hotel. Residents and non-residents alike can avail of the pool and gym facilities. A splash around in the Celtic Ross White Flag swimming pool on a rainy day comes highly recommended by Things To Do In Rosscarbery!
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Michael Collins' Local
Why not visit the Four Alls’ tavern at Sam’s Cross? Get in out of the rain and warm your heart at the large open fireplace in this traditional Irish pub. Enjoy a sup in Michael Collins “local”! On the day he was shot, August 22nd 1922, Collins bought a round of pints in the Four Alls for his soldiers! Browse the many photos and learn all about his early life in West Cork. Join the Hollywood stars in signing the visitors’ book. Can you spot the signature of Liam Neeson? Neeson played Michael Collins in the 1996 film of that name. How about Tom Cruise’s signature? While you’re in the Four Alls take in the surrounds: Michael’s mother, Marianne O’Brien, was born in the house opposite in 1855 and in the house next door to that Collins met family members for the last time the day he died. The Four Alls is a child-friendly pub with pool tables and jukebox provided. If the sun appears there is also a fully-equipped outdoor bar. Sam’s Cross is a 10 minute drive from Rosscarbery.
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Surfing and Water Sports
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Water sports can be fun whatever the weather! And a wetsuit can save you from a nasty cold! Rebel Wave surf school rent wetsuits and offer surf lessons even on rainy days. Kids can spend those long rainy summer days at surf camp! You can also rent single and double kayaks from Rebel Wave which operate between the Warren Strand and Owenhincha Beach, just minutes from Rosscarbery. Kayaking in the rain is a must! After all that fun splashing around re-energise in one of Rosscarbery’s cosy cafés or restaurants!
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Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf is an 18-hole pirate-themed golf course located minutes from Rosscarbery. This crazy golf course which is played on astroturf is not weather dependent! Shiver me timbers!
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Guided Tours
Minibuses can be hired in Rosscarbery and an experienced guide will take you to a variety of local historical and archaeological sites in and around Rosscarbery. Learn all about Rosscarbery’s history and folklore and see the beautiful flora and fauna native to West Cork. On a rainy day you can experience the breathtaking scenery of Rosscarbery and the wider West Cork area from the comforts of a minibus!
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Underwater Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
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West Cork is one of the best dive destinations in the world! Scuba diving and snorkelling are great fun in the rain and equipment can be hired locally. Because of the warming influence of the Gulf Stream, the waters of West Cork are ideal for diving even in winter! See the colourful and unusual fish normally associated with warmer climates. Explore the many well-preserved shipwrecks and submarines in diving range which facilitate ecosystems teaming with diverse marine flora and fauna. Kowloon Bridge, at 90,000 tonnes and 300m long, is the biggest diveable wreck in the world! Guided snorkelling tours around West Cork and night dives can be arranged.
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Museums and Visitor Centres
A rainy day is a great day for a trip to a museum and there are so many to choose from in West Cork. The Model Railway Village in Clonakilty is a 10 minute drive from Rosscarbery. A miniature display of the West Cork railway line and the towns it served depicts life in West Cork in the 1940s. Outdoor playgrounds and indoor playrooms keep the kids occupied for hours while authentic train carriages offer stunning views of Clonakilty Bay! Ride around town on the road train and learn the local history. Choo, Choo! While you’re in Clonakilty see the unique display of Michael Collins memorabilia at the West Cork Regional Museum. Skibbereen, a 15 minute drive from Rosscarbery, has lots to offer. At Skibbereen Heritage Centre the Great Famine Commemoration Exhibition portrays the local tragic events of the Great Hunger in the 1840s. For the archaeology addict the centre offers an archaeology trail of the local area. About 30 minutes west of Rosscarbery, Lough Hyne Visitor Centre explores the unique nature of this saltwater lake: the origin, geology and unusual wildlife of Ireland’s first Marine Nature Reserve. Other nearby attractions include: Cape Clear Heritage Centre, Bantry 1796 French Armada Exhibition Centre, Schull Planetarium, the award-winning Mizen Head Signal Station Visitor’s Centre and Allihies Copper Mine Museum.
Cinema
Catch up on the latest releases in Clonakilty Park Cinema, just a 10 minute drive from Rosscarbery. If you’d prefer to take a spin west along Cinemax Bantry is a 40 minute drive from Rosscarbery. Or if you’d rather stay closer to home, the Celtic Ross Hotel screen kids movies on rainy days.
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