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Garnish Island

Things to See and Do During Your West Cork Summer Escape

Summer is fast approaching which means time to plan your itinerary for your Glengarriff Summer Escape, there’s fun for all the family, especially right here on our doorstep at The Eccles Hotel & Spa. 

Kick starting your summer the right way, there is lots for you to do!

West Cork spa

The Spa at The Eccles

Relax and unwind during your stay at The Eccles Hotel & Spa. Our spa is a par above the rest as it fuses the restorative powers of the sea with holistic healing for body and soul. With lots of different packages and treatments to choose from, there is something for everyone. Relax with herbal tea in our Relaxation Room or soak in the views from our sauna and hot tubs in The Thermal Spa Garden.

Find out more here: The Spa at The Eccles

See spa brochure here: Spa Brochure

Glengarriff Nature Reserve

Located approximately 1km from Glengarriff Village, this 300 hectares of young and old woodland is the perfect place to explore and be one with nature. It is a stunning woodland with a unique combination of oak woodland, coastal views and exotic flora. With many different trails to choose from, easy to moderate, short and long, there is a path to suit all walking and hiking needs.

Find out more here: Glengarriff Nature Reserve

Garnish Island

With many boating companies to choose from, take a short boat trip from Glenagarriff to Garnish Island. Explore an island which has its very own climate, filled with walled gardens and its very own Martello tower. Explore all what Garnish has to offer from the minute you step on the boat, meeting friendly seals along the way and if you are lucky enough, you may see a resident White Tailed Sea Eagle. When on the island, take yourself on a scenic stroll through the beautiful gardens, take in the breathtaking views and absorb yourself in the history of the island. Treat yourself to a bite to eat at the Garnish Café to fuel your adventurous side, located just at the entrance to the island.

Find out more here: Garnish Island

Bamboo Park Glengarriff

If you prefer to keep your legs on land to get the opportunity to explore the exotic gardens overlooking the Glengarriff Bay. Immerse yourself into the gardens including 30 different varieties of bamboo and other tropical plants that flourish in the Glengarriff Gulf Stream Climate. It’s family-friendly too with buggy-friendly paths and the perfect spots for picnics or enjoying the sweet treats from their coffee shop out under the sun.

Find out more here: Bamboo Park Glengarriff

Outdoors Ireland

Located just opposite The Eccles Hotel & Spa, if you are looking to embark on a sea adventure, give Glengarriff Bay Kayaking a go! With lots of different options and experiences to embark on, you will want to give them all a go. Enjoy a dazzling orange and gold sunrise over the serenity of the calm waters with the “Sunrise Sea Kayaking” or maybe watching the golden rays disappear over the horizon as you kayak may be more your vibe with the “Sunset Sea Kayaking”. Other packages include “Half-Day Sea Kayaking” in Glengarriff Bay and “Full-Day Sea Kayaking” in Bantry Bay. If you are looking to add a bit of magic to your holiday, the “Bioluminescence Night Kayaking” is beautiful as the dark glassy waters glow as you kayak your way through Glengarriff Bay. Open to all levels of experience.

Find out more here: Outdoors Ireland

Bantry Bay Charters

Book your next sea experience exploring all that Glengarriff Bay and Bantry Bay has to offer with Bantry Bay Charters. With three boats operated from both Bantry and Glengarriff, it is a great activity for both sunny and rainy days, a must-do to see all things Wild Atlantic Way. With activities available such as scuba diving, marine wildlife tour, sea angling and private charter, become one with the sea this summer!

Find out more here: Bantry Bay Charters

Add Bantry Bay Charters to your stay when you book direct: The Eccles Hotel & Spa

The Ewe Experience

Open from the beginning of July to the end of August, give a visit to Ireland’s only interactive and interpretive sculpture garden. With fun found around every corner, this attraction is not to be missed! Surround yourself with the trickling sounds of the waterfall and the beautiful noises created by nature setting the scene for these sculptures. For all ages, young and old, there is plenty to see and do, seeking out artwork hidden for you to find and games to play along the way. 

Find out more here: The Ewe Experience

Two Green Shoots

Explore and forage the garden of Re-Imagination with Two Green Shoots! If you feel like re-connecting with nature and want to see how important it is to you and the planet, this is the perfect solution for your needs. With a chance to learn, explore and taste nature, it is an experience that will bring you back to earth. With 2.5 acres recently added to their gardens, including a woodland, they are looking forward to welcoming all to their experiences this summer!

Find out more here: Two Green Shoots

The Blue Pool

This little spot is a beautiful and magical harbour hidden in the heart of Glengarriff Village. Where the river meets the sea and lush vegetation grows, here embark on the little winding trails through the woodlands, swim from the different docks and pontoons, catch a boat to garnish or just sit back and soak in the sun as it shimmers through the leaves of the trees overhead. The ideal spot for a picnic.

Find out more here: The Blue Pool

The Glengarriff Foodie Market

Located in Quills carpark in Glengarriff Village, submerge yourself into the flavours provided by local businesses in their food trucks and stalls. There’s flavours for all to taste, from sweet and savoury to hot and cold drinks. The perfect place to feed everyone’s tastes. With only a short distance from The Blue Pool, it is the perfect place to stop and refuel for the next step of your trip.

So have we given you a few ideas to complete your trip to Glengarriff this summer? Make sure to tag us @eccleshotel on Instagram, we would love to see what you get up to on your adventures!