As you may already know from our social media, I recently spent a weekend in West Cork. I wanted to beat the summer blues so I planned a few trips to inspire you to travel this Autumn and Winter. Some of the destinations we cover on the vlog will be at home and some will be abroad. I am delighted to bring you along on the adventures with us. Here is our new vlog on our experience and adventures in West Cork.
WHERE WE STAYED
We stayed in the amazing Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa Hotel which is located a few kilometres outside the beautiful town of Clonakilty in West Cork. Inchydoney has a soft place in my heart – a beautiful sandy strand stretching into the Wild Atlantic Sea and breath taking scenery everywhere you look. We were shown to a wonderful room overlooking the beautiful open spacious and sandy strand. It honestly was the perfect escape from reality! We had dinner in the bar which was delicious and then relaxed in the residence lounge for the night.
Breakfast Information: A wide choice from the cold buffet, along with tasty hot dishes such as delicious local sausages, the famous ‘Clonakilty Pudding’ as well as bacon and local free range eggs. You can also order dishes cooked in the kitchen, such as homemade pancakes, free-range scrambled eggs with local smoked salmon and a range of fluffy omlettes.
THINGS TO DO
- Walk the beach. With crystal clear waters, fascinating sand dunes, and glistening rock pools, the Inchydoney beach is a must to explore during your visit. We went on a sunny morning walk with the glistening sea ahead of us. It was the perfect way to start the day.
- Whale Watching. We went on a trip with Whale Watch West Cork in Baltimore with Brendan and Nic. We spotted some dolphins and harbour porpoises. Brendan and Nic were great throughout the trip. Both full of knowledge and could answer any question on the area or wildlife. We stopped in Cape Clear for a cuppa and a treat before heading back on the water again. Each trip is different and you could see different animals but that’s what makes it so exciting – you could spot dolphins, a basking shark, a minke whale and much more. A four hour trip on the water is the perfect way to spend your day. For more information head over to their website. You can check out our experience over on our vlog.
- Surfing. I love surfing and Inchydoney is one of my favourite locations to head for a surf. If you have never surfed before you can get a lesson with Inchydoney Surf School or if you can surf and just need a board you can rent a board and hit the waves. Nothing beats a surf at the weekend.
- Spa. We spent an afternoon being pampered in the Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa. We entered a world of tranquility as we entered the spa. Firstly, we enjoyed the Seawater Therapy Pool, along with the unbelievable ocean view relaxation areas. Listening to relaxation music while enjoying a fresh juice and views of the Atlantic… what more could you want? Pure bliss! We enjoyed a salt body scrub and a heavenly Elmis facial. An afternoon in the spa had us relaxed and rejuvenated. For the Spa be sure to arrive 30 minutes before your treatment to give yourself some tip to enjoy the ocean view relaxation areas as well as the Seawater Therapy Pool. For more information on our treatment, be sure to watch our vlog where Catriona explains it in detail. You can check out all the different treatments available here.
WHERE WE ATE
Night 1: After settling into our beautiful room, we decided to go for a bite to eat in the bar. As soon as we entered we could smell the beautiful tasty dishes. A wonderful choice on the menu and a relaxed atmosphere made for a great Friday night. We enjoyed the comfort of the residence bar, overlooking the beach after our dinner. Peace, tranquility and relaxation. A perfect Friday night after a busy week.
Night 2: After a lovely day of relaxation, we enjoyed a delicious dinner with pnoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Irish coast. We were treated to a meal for the Taste of West Cork. The menu featured delicious dishes with ingredients sourced locally in West Cork. You were surrounded by the perfect backdrop for an unbelievable dining experience.
PACKAGES
There are two amazing packages available at the moment full of adventure and relaxation while exploring West Cork
Package 1 (The Adventure Package): To celebrate their sponsorship of Wild West Cork, Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa have a fantastic Whale Watching Package available for guests interested in seeing the abundant marine life and the extraordinary rugged beauty of the coast of West Cork. The package includes two nights in a deluxe guest-room with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, breakfast each morning in the Gulfstream Restaurant and access to the heated Seawater Therapy Pool, Hammam and Relaxation areas. While the fresh sea air and stunning coastal views that you will get in Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa are breath-taking in themselves, you can further explore wild West Cork’s coast with a half day whale watching trip from Baltimore with Dr Nic Slocum. You might spot Fin Whales, Humpbacks, Minke Whales, Dolphins, Basking Sharks andPorpoise, all while taking in the gorgeous scenery. The package costs from €240 per person sharing.
Package 2 (The Relaxation Package): This package includes 2 nights accommodation for two in a Deluxe Double/Twin Room, Full Irish Buffet Breakfast each morning, 5 Course Dinner one evening in the Gulfstream Restaurant, A Seawater Bath and a Classical Algae Body Wrap in the Island Spa, Unlimited access to the Heated Seawater Therapy Pool, Sauna, Hammam, Gym and Relaxation Areas.The package costs from €295 per person sharing.
Sometimes a staycation is exactly what you need. The perfect combination in West Cork for relaxation and adventure. Hope you liked our vlog and our blog on our experience. I would highly recommend it.
Steph