GOLF
Play golf at one of the country's most picturesque courses at Lisselan www.lisselan.com or Dunmore Golf Club with breath-taking views across The Atlantic www.dunmoregolfclub.ie. Both just a couple of miles from The Bay House. Or the 18 hole course slightly further afield in Skibbereen www.skibbgolf.com
GARDENS and/Or FISHING
Visit the beautiful landscaped Lisselan gardens in Clonakilty with many unusual plants. The estate also offers salmon and sea trout fishing. www.lisselan.com
Clonakilty, Courtmacsherry, Timoleague and Rosscarbery are fantastic fishing locations whether you are a novice or professional, a freshwater or seawater angler or giving it a go for the first time on holiday. For advice www.clontackle.com
Clonakilty coastal and Deep Sea Charters - David Edwards. Based just across the Bay in Ring, he offers sea fishing and dolphin watching from his boat Tigger. +353 (0)83 449 1403.
RUNNING
Clonakilty Waterfront Marathon - Full Marathon, Half Marathon or 10K. Spectacular setting - see our Gallery for photos. www.runclon.ie
CYCLING
Clonakilty is the first town in Ireland to have its own subsidised rent-a-bike scheme. Launched last Summer the bikes can be hired for just €1 an hour or €10 a day. Explore 9 beaches in 8 miles! Known locally as the milk bikes as they are sponsored by Clona Dairies, the beautiful white bikes with baskets can be hired from any local hotels or the Model Railway Village just outside The Bay House. Helmets and hi-vis jackets are provided. For details of cycle routes check out www.clonbike.com
Hire a bike from M.T.M. Cycles in Clonakilty +353 23 8833584 or www.cyclewestcork.com
HORSE RIDING
Take lessons at Clonakilty Equestrian Centre a stone's throw from the house. +353 23 883 3533
SPA
Relax and be pampered in Ireland's first seawater spa. www.inchydoneyisland.com/spa.html
MICHAEL COLLINS CENTRE
Find out about the Irish revolutionary leader known as the 'Big Fella' at www.michaelcollinscentre.com
Surfing/sEA KAYAKING/watersports
Inchydoney Surf School run lessons, summer camps or you can just hire the equipment. They stock a wide variety of sizes of boards and wetsuits. Seriously, it's such fun! www.inchydoneysurfschool.ie
Jellyfish Surf Shop in town has everything you need and good advice too. www.jellyfishsurfshop.com
Lagoon Activity Centre in Rosscarbery offers kayaking, row boats, paddleboats and windsurfing. http://www.lagoonactivitycentre.ie/
Try sea kayaking over in Skibbereen or try your hand at stand up paddleboards. www.atlanticseakayaking.com
West Cork Sea Kayaking offer personalised small group tours around West Cork.
Cookery
The Lettercollum Kitchen Project in Clonakilty runs cookery classes once or twice a month. For more details www.lettercollum.ie
Richy’s Bar and Bistro also offer courses. For details www.richysbarandbistro.com
Flavour.ie hosts a ‘Walking Clonakilty Food Tour’ every Friday from May to September. It also has a Supper Club. www.flavour.ie www.westcorkseakayaking.com
BIRD WATCHING
On low tide, the Bay is teeming with all sorts of different species. Enjoy from the comfort of The Bay House.
FURTHER AFIELD
Take a trip to the yachting haven of Kinsale and dine in the Fishy Fishy Cafe.
Explore the breathtaking Mizen Head Bridge.
Visit the nearby fishing/sailing ports of Baltimore and Glandore and picturesque Union Hall.
Have a look at actor Jeremy Irons' controversial pink castle near Ballydehob.
Travel to Schull and gaze out at the world famous Fastnet Rock with its lighthouse. Witness the spectacular Fastnet Yacht Race if you're there in August 2017!
Sample a few at the Jameson Whiskey Distillery in Cork. www.jamesonwhiskey.com
Take a ferry and hear the native Irish tongue on the islands of Cape Clear, Sherkin and Dursey.
Have an adventure and go hiking, walking or cycling at Sheep's Head and Beara.
Experience whale watching from Baltimore Harbour www.whalewatchwestcork.com or www.whalewatchwithcolinbarnes.com
Take a day's course in bread making at The Firehouse, Heir Island www.thefirehouse.ie
The whole coast echoes with history - ancient sites, ruined castles and coastal forts. You'll never be bored in West Cork!