Bandon is situated 20 miles to the west of Cork City and is know by many as ‘The Gateway to West Cork’. It is a small market town with an agricultural past and backbone which still exists today. An example of this can be experienced at the Farmers’ Market which takes place every Saturday morning where many people come to buy fresh produce from the local area.
The Crossbarry Ambush (Irish: Luíochán Chrois an Bharraigh) occurred on 19 March 1921 and was one of the largest engagements of the Irish War of Independence. It took place at the rural crossroads of Crossbarry, County Cork, around 20km south west of Cork city. About 100 Irish Republican Army (IRA) volunteers escaped an attempt by over 1,300 British forces to encircle them. During the hour-long battle, between 10–30 British troops and three to six IRA volunteers were killed.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crossbarry_Ambush
Beal na mBlath is one of the most famous locations in Irish history. It was here in August 1922 that Michael Collins, one of the most charismatic leaders in the history of Ireland and Commander in Chief of the National Forces, was killed in an ambush whilst on a tour of inspection of the Free State troops in his native Cork.
His stubborn insistence on taking a journey that was unecesary and dangerous over ruled the advice of his own experienced comrades by stating that he would never be killed by his own native people of Cork had fatal consequences on an August evening.
Beal na mBlath is situated between the small village of Crookstown and the village of Cappeen about 70km west of Cork city.
Michael attended national school at Lisavaird, where the schoolmaster, Denis Lyons, was to have a large influence on Michael’s life. Denis Lyons, was an active member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, a secret organisation dedicated to ousting the British from Ireland, by force if necessary. Lyons and the local blacksmith, James Santry, another Fenian, were Michael’s first tutors in giving him a sense of pride of the Irish as a race. Throughout Michael Collins’ brief life, Irishness was the thing that held the greatest meaning for him. Big for his age, Michael had a keen mind as well as a fit, athletic body.
Michael loved to read. His sister, Mary Ann, heightened his interest in the struggle for nationalism, and because of her, he devoured the writings of men such as poet and Nationalist, Thomas Davis. Worried that he might fall in with a bad sort, his mother sent him to Clonakilty to study for the Post Office examinations and to live with his sister Margaret. Here he worked briefly for his brother-in-law who owned the West Cork People, a newspaper of the area. Michael learned typesetting and wrote articles about local sporting events. After a year and a half, when he was 15, he went to London where he lived with his sister Hannie, in West Kensington and worked for the Postal Savings Bank in West Kensington. Michael would spend the next nine years in London.
Michael Collins was born in a rough stone cottage at Sam’s Cross between Clonakilty and Rosscarbery in 1890. He spent his early years on his father’s ninety-acre farm where he grew into a virile, handsome young man instilled with a history of nationalism learned from his father and mentors James Santry and Denis Lyons. Santry was the local blacksmith whose own father had forged pikes for earlier risings, and Lyons the Lisavaird schoolmaster, a member of the Irish Republican Brotherhood of which Michael himself was to join and later become its secretary and president.
www.irelandforvisitors.com/articles/lost_leader.htm
As soon as visitors arrive at the Michael Collins Centre, outside Clonakilty, they proceed to the Cottage/Theatre. A twenty minute audio/ visual explores the “Big Fella’s” childhood, his family history, his school days and the important Collins’ sites around Clonakilty. A guide then continues the presentation, using slides, large photographs or film clips. The visitor is taken through the 1916 rebellion, War of Independence, Treaty talks and the Civil War. The tragic death of Michael Collins at Beal Na mBlath and his Legacy are also discussed.
The presentation ends with a guided tour of the ambush trail, a life size replica of an ambush site complete with Crossley Tender and replica of Michael Collins’ famous Rolls Royce Armoured Car, “Sliabh Na mBan”. Here the events at Béal na mBláth and the history of the vehicles in the Collins convoy are explained in more detail. Visitors can then return to the Cottage/ Theatre to view the exhibition of photographs, documents and militaria.
Durrus is a small village in the far reaches of West Cork at the heart of Dunmanus Bay. From Durrus it’s just 10 km to the market town of Bantry and it’s also a perfect place to base yourself if you want to explore the surrounding landscape.
Durrus is the point where the Sheep’s Head and Mizen peninsulas come together and the vast expanse of Dunmanus Bay narrows until it becomes a river known as Four Mile Water. In the mid nineteenth century the village was known as Four Mile Water or Carraig Bhui (Yellow Rock).
The Mizen Peninsula, at Ireland’s most south-westerly point, is known worldwide for the beauty of its rugged landscape and ancient heritage. A tour of the Mizen Ring gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the various strands that make the Mizen unique. From geology, flora, birds and fauna to the influence of man and his history on the landscape.
The Irish Light Signal Station, which was built in 1905 to protect shipping from the cliffs in fog, is on a tiny island of rock joined to the mainland with a fine example of an Arched bridge.
Schull is a small but very attractive and lively town nestling between the foothills of Mount Gabriel and Schull Harbour. It is one of the most popular resorts of West Cork, especially to visiting yachtsmen. The safe and welcoming harbour, the many islands off-shore and the Atlantic Ocean beyond provide an excellent base for a variety of water sports.
Ballydehob is located 20km west of Skibbereen on the way to Mizen Head, Europe’s most westerly point (which is 32km further west). Apart from being a place of peace and beauty, Ballydehob is home to several famous artists, writers, sculptors and craft workers.
Ballydehob also boasts a variety of shops, internationally renowned restaurants and cafes. A walk over the 12 Arch Bridge provides a wonderful view over the estuary and its flora and fauna.
