Durrus, County Cork Ireland Holiday

In the year 2007, the year before we moved to Ireland, we were on the road again. This time for the preparation of our future in the emerald country. I took a 4 weeks holiday from my work without telling about our plans of moving. I was burned out working in a cafeteria and I wanted a change. I just told about our relaxing holiday. In that same year, I started attending massage courses. So I was determined to change my life without having stress in the future.

Our travel started from Germany with our car to the port of Calais, France. With the Sea France ferry, we crossed the North Sea from Calais port to Dover port, England. Then from Dover port, we continued our car drive going to the west. We made a few stops on our way passing the beautiful landscapes of Wales until we arrived at Pembroke port. From there we crossed the Irish Sea with the Irish ferry going to Rosslare, Ireland.

Arriving at Rosslare Ireland, we still had to do a lot of driving. Passing Waterford, Cork, Bantry, at last we arrived at our cottage in Durrus. We were so tired. Imagine, we were on the road for about 26 hours including our stops.

Durrus is a small village in the west of County Cork. It is only 10 kilometers from Bantry. The Gaelic name of Durrus is Dubh Ros or Dúrras. It is situated at the head of the two peninsula, the Mizen Head and the Sheeps Head. There are lots of tourists from all over the world and it is usually the base of most of the tourists who are exploring the neighbouring places like the beautiful Atlantic view of Mizen Head peninsula.

Our rented cottage was for a family because it was so big for my husband and me. The living room next to the kitchen was huge enough (well for me) to have a party for 12 persons. Everything we needed was there. Then, there were 3 bedrooms en suite upstairs. Two of the bedrooms had 2 single beds with all the empty wardrobes for us to use. I think we got this cottage for it was not a high season and maybe that was the only empty cottage we could get. It was our luck for the rent was only less than €300 including electricity. The best thing was the cosy open fire in the living room. We had the whole week of relaxing and spending a quality life although my husband cooked almost everyday Irish or English breakfast before we went strolling and walking around the beautiful amazing views of County Cork.

1. The Mizen Head

Mizen Head is a peninsula at the Atlantic ocean. It has breathtaking views at the end of the peninsula and especially looking down the bridge were you could see the different kinds of fishes. When we were there I did not go inside the signal room for I was so scared of the height where I could see the Atlantic down under my feet. I was so horrified. So I just enjoyed the landscapes from a secure place where I stood.

2. Sheeps Head

Sheeps Head is an unspoiled peninsula where I enjoyed walking on the rock stones until I reached the end of the peninsula and just sat on a big rock looking at the wide Atlantic ocean before me. I was alone. Nobody disturbed my peace. I love the beauty of Sheeps Head more than the Mizen Head. Maybe because of the roughness of the nature around me.

3. Bantry

Bantry is only 10 kilometers from our cottage. We passed the Bantry lake in going to the town where there was a flea market at that time. It was not only clothes and household things that were sold.The farmers were there selling their live stocks like horses, pigs, chicken and turkeys. Cattle shites were all around but it did not bother to the people. Painters were selling their paintings as well. I saw myself already selling the paintings of my husband in this flea market, lol.

4. Inchydoney Island

Inchydoney Island is located just outside Clonakilty. It was and still is a beautiful island. The long white and sandy beach, the blue water meeting the beauty of the bright sky. What a scenic view! Then suddenly galloping horses came with their owner, having their morning sports.

On Inchydoney Island is the award winning Spa in Ireland located . The Inchydoney Lodge and Spa Hotel where you can have your wedding, birthday or baptismal reception as well as having a relaxing spa day with your friends. I was there inside the spa for just having an information. It was awesome to see the interior in the reception hall, how much more inside?

Our one week holiday in Durrus was spent with quality in a tranquil environment. We had to say goodbye to a dear place and were on our way to another 3 weeks holiday to Counties Wexford and Wicklow.

On our way to our next destination, we had punctured tires. We were still in County Cork when it happened. We had to wait for at least 2 1/2 hours for the AA (Automobile Association) to come to fix our tires. While we were waiting on the side of the motorway, a man came and offered us his help but we could not do anything besides waiting for the AA. He invited us to come inside his house but we refused in case the AA came. He was so friendly and asked us if we would like to have a cup of tea and he went inside the house. I thought he was joking but then a few minutes later he came back bringing us 2 cups of tea with milk, sugar and cookies on a plate.

My husband and I were thankful about the kind gesture he made. It never happened to us before. We were utterly gobsmacked!!! Irish people are one of the kindest and friendliest people I came to know.

Thank you very much for following me again on my travel to my favorite places in Europe. Please leave a comment.