Scroll down or click on a link in the list to find out more about places to visit near Ardnavaha.
List of nearby places:
The village of Ballinascarthy is just 2km from Ardnavaha on the main Bandon-Cork road. Ballinascarthy is known for its direct link to Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company. In 1847, during the famine, the Ford family left from here for Cork, to sail to America. One of their sons, Henry, built his first motor car in 1896 and founded the Ford Motor Company. A Model T car is on display as you enter the village on the main road. Closely followed by the Henry Ford Tavern - a delightful pub with a warm and friendly atmosphere and a cosy wood fire. Nearby you will find the Lisselan Estate, with its gardens open to the public.
Clonakilty is an award winning town, which is justifiably proud of its displays of flowers, colourful houses and the abundance of music, restaurants, and bars. You will find many good shops, including supermarkets, organic stores, clothing and gift shops. The town has many pubs and restaurants. You will find music in many of the bars during the evening ranging from traditional Irish Music to Rock and Roll. De Barra's Folk Club has music every night, and O’Donovan’s Hotel has several venues for music as well as serving an excellent breakfast, lunch and dinner. A number of festivals take place in Clonakilty every year. Included in them are the West Cork Rally, Clonakilty Food Festival, International Guitar Festival and Michael Collins Festival. Just a short drive down the estuary brings you to the beautiful Inchydoney beach. With a vast expanse of sand separating the sand dunes and the sea, this Blue Flag beach is a great place for a brisk walk before popping into The Dunes Bar for lunch.
A charming coastal village just ten minutes from Ardnavaha. Timoleague is home to the famous ruined Abbey which is beautifully lit at night and the small and pretty Church of Ireland with fantastic mosaics done by Italian artisans - unique in Ireland. Picnic grounds and a children's playground are laid out among palm trees and other exotic trees and shrubs around the ruined 13th century Ballymore Castle. Castle Gardens are located nearby, and there are several pubs including Monk’s Lane which serves great food and often has entertainment in the evening
A very pretty drive along the Estuary will bring you to Courtmacsherry, just 5km from Timoleague. This village is situated in an attractive woodland area that looks out over Courtmacsherry Bay. Within such scenic surroundings are some lovely walks along the cliffs and the estuary of the Argideen River, or further afield to the Seven Heads. Courtmacsherry is a superb spot for sea fishing, with charter operators and self drive boat hire available to enjoy the sport. The village hosts a number of festivals & events every year, including the Courtmacsherry Storytelling Carnival every September. It is also the home of the local RNLI Lifeboat.
Kinsale is a picturesque fishing town just 25 minutes from Ardnavaha. You can't help being captivated by this beautiful setting, with its long waterfront littered with yachts, the narrow winding streets lined with galleries and cafes, and Compass Hill rising sharply behind the town. Many restaurants and pubs surround the harbour of this very attractive town. One of the most notable features found in Kinsale is Charles' Fort (on the far side of Kinsale at Summer Cove). It is a star shaped fort, which sits with a view of the mouth of the harbour. The former barracks and cannon platforms now serve as gardens and a modern art gallery making the whole site well worth a visit. Fortunately it is also well placed for lunch at the Bulman! As is the Wine Museum at Desmond Castle. You can also take a trip around the Harbour from the Quay near the Kinsale Yacht Club.
Inishannon is a village on the main Cork-Bandon (N71) road in County Cork, Ireland. Situated on the river Bandon, the trip up the Bandon River to Inishannon is noted for its fine river and woodland scenery. The Inishannon Rally is a steam and vintage rally for exhibitors of all ages both veteran and vintage to display steam and vintage items of olden times in good working order and how they were used and operated in days gone by. The field where the event takes place is close to both the Upton ambush site and the Crossbarry ambush site.
Bandon is situated on the River Bandon, just 15 minutes from Ardnavaha. The name in Irish is "Droichead Na Bandan" which means "Bridge of the Bandon": a reference to the origin of the town as a crossing point on the river. Bandon is a thriving market town, set in a rich agricultural area. Country Markets take place on Weir Street every Friday and Saturday for a great place to pick up some lovely local produce. There are many historical points in the area, including architecture and monuments, such as Hales Monument and the Maid of Erin. Walks designed to follow all the sites of interest can be viewed on the Bandontown website. The town is also home to several events and festivals. The annual Bandon Music Festival is a festival for lovers of Irish music. It takes place over the June Bank Holiday Weekend and combines the very best of contemporary and traditional Irish music. Bandon Summer Fest is a family orientated festival run by a volunteer committee, and is held over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
