Glandore In Cork: Things To Do, Accommodation, Restaurants + Pubs

Cork’s Glandore is a postcard-perfect harbour village where time slows, and sea views steal the show. Settled by Normans in 1215, its calm waters once sheltered castles and now host bobbing boats, dolphins, and the odd seal.

The village hugs a deep inlet flanked by rolling green hills, with the ancient Drombeg Stone Circle and two Norman castles close by.

Quiet outside of summer, it’s a stunning base to explore West Cork’s beaches, coastal drives, and islands, all while enjoying one of the finest harbour-side settings in Ireland.

Visiting Glandore in Cork

One of the beauties of Glandore is its size and its location, both of which make it a lovely base to explore Cork from. The village tends to be quiet outside of the summer months, and its setting makes it a joy to wake up in.

Up there with nearby Union Hall and colourful Kinsale as one of the most beautiful villages in Cork, Glandore is a charming place to escape to for a night or 3.

1. Location

You’ll find Glandore an hour and 20 minutes southwest of Cork City and around 19 minutes west of Clonakilty. The nearest village is Union Hall which is a 5 minute drive to the west. 

2. A peaceful slice of paradise

The Glandore harbour stretches inland for around 4.8km/3 miles, and there are two islands called Adam and Eve at its mouth. The village is surrounded by unspoiled countryside, home to two Norman castles and the ancient Drombeg Stone Circle. 

3. Historical events

Normans rolled into Glandore in 1215, built two castles, and kickstarted centuries of tug-of-war with the O’Donovan clan. The harbour’s fair days, castle sieges, and 19th-century pier tell a story of power, trade, and survival in this peaceful little slice of West Cork

4. Wildlife and festivals

Glandore Harbour is alive with herons, seals, and passing dolphins, while its yacht club keeps the sailing spirit strong with courses and a lively Classic Boat Regatta every two years.

Things to do in Glandore

There’s a handful of things to do in Glandore and hundreds of things to do a short spin away from the village.

Both of the above combined make Glandore in Cork a great base for a road trip! Here are some of our favourite things to do in Glandore.

1. Kick-start your day with a coffee and a view at the Glandore Inn

One of the best ways to start your adventure in Glandore is by sipping a coffee on the terrace of the Glandore Inn and taking in the incredible views overlooking the inlet and surrounding area.

The food here is top notch too. There is plenty to choose from for breakfast, such as a full Irish Breakfast or smoked salmon caught from the harbour.

2. Take a spin over to Union Hall and have a ramble around the town

When the sun is out, you could take a detour over to Union Hall, which is about a 30-minute walk or a short, 5-minute drive.

Union Hall is surrounded by woodlands, rivers and plenty of archaeological treasures like castle ruins and forts that can be explored.

To the far side of the old pier is Keellbeg Strand, a lovely sandy beach that is popular with locals. The Cusheen, a hidden sandy cove is also worth a visit, and is close to the Reen Pier.

3. Beaches galore

Glandore is a stone’s throw from many of the best beaches in Cork. It’s also home to a couple, too, such as the Keelbeg Strand, a sandy beach close to the main fishing pier and The Cusheen, a hidden sandy cove by the Reen Pier.

But there are a few hidden gems, too, such as Myross Slip, a mostly gravel beach by Myross Bridge that is full of marine life. The League is another great spot, it’s a spit out into the sea where you can collect seashells and sea glass.

A 10-minute spin south can take you to Squince Beach and Trá an Oileáin. Squince is a secluded beach great for swimming, while the latter is a sandy beach perfect for strolling along.

Related read: Check out our guide to the best beaches in West Cork (tourist favourites and hidden gems)

4. Step back in time at Drombeg Stone Circle

A visit to the ancient Drombeg Stone Circle is arguably one of the most popular things to do in Glandore.

Drombeg is perfectly located amongst rolling fields, and you can just about see the ocean from a distance. It’s one of the best-known archaeological sites in Ireland and is easy to reach from the car park next to it. 

Dating back to the Bronze Age, this 3,000-year-old site consists of 17 standing stones, and the majority of them are local sandstone. Learn all about it here.

5. Go whale watching

If you want to have a whale of a time (terrible, I know…), then whale watching in Cork is worth considering.

Ireland is home to an array of marine life, and everything from whales and seals to dolphins and more can be spotted in the waters off West Cork.

The nearest tour operator is Cork Whale Watch (a 7 min drive south of Union Hall), and the tour costs roughly €60 (prices may vary).

If you head west towards Baltimore pier, you can find Whale Watch West Cork and Baltimore Sea Safari, too.

6. Visit the Mizen Head

Mizen Head is the most Southwesterly point of Ireland, a wonderful spot full of awe-inspiring views and the freshest sea breeze to ever grace your face. 

You’ll find the mighty Mizen Head at the end of the Mizen Peninsula and, depending on weather conditions, the iconic bridge that spans high above the gorge.

There’s plenty to see at Mizen, from the visitor centre and the signal station to endless coastal views and much more.

7. Do the Lough Hyne walk 

The Lough Hyne walk is up there as one of the best walks in Cork (the view above should give you an idea as to why!).

It can take between 1 and 1.5 hours to finish, depending on pace, and the reward for those that reach the top is panoramic views overlooking the stunning Lough Hyne Marine Nature Reserve and the surrounding area.

The Lough itself has its own ecosystem and is Ireland’s first Marine Nature Reserve too. You can learn more about the Lough at the Skibbereen Heritage Centre, which has an exhibition there as well as an insightful section on how the little town was affected by the famine.

8. Take a ferry to Cape Clear or Sherkin Island

If you’re visiting Glandore and in search of things to do, it’s worth considering a visit to an island (or two!).  Sherkin Island and Cape Clear Island are easily reached by ferry from nearby Baltimore harbour.

Sherkin Island is a retreat (or escape) for anyone looking to be inspired by natural beauty and the island boasts three fantastic beaches to explore.

Cape Clear is a little further south of Sherkin, it is Ireland’s Southernmost Gaeltacht, but everyone speaks English too, so don’t worry. (Though we’d encourage you to use a cúpla focail during your visit.) 

Roaringwater Bay in Cape Clear is thought to be the best location in Europe for spotting dolphins and whales.

9. Take a spin over to Gougane Barra

The magical and mystical Gougane Barra forest park is located about an hour’s drive away and covers 137 acres. Nestled in a lush valley close to the Sheehy mountains, it’s a prime spot for a hike or picnic.

The majestic River Lee lies within these woods, flowing all the way to Cork Harbour. At the edge of the lake, close to the park’s entrance, is a tiny island where a Christian Monastery was established back in the 6th century.

The park is perfect any time of the year, but it’s during the summer when you can enjoy birds singing and the aroma of pine that really connect you with nature.

10. Visit Knockdrum Stone Fort

Knockdrum Stone Fort (15-minute drive from Union Hall) is a hefty stone ringfort perched near Castletownshend, with cracking views out over the sea.

Dating back to the Iron Age, its walls are 3 metres thick and nearly 30 metres across. Inside, you’ll find the remains of a rectangular building, a souterrain (an underground passage), and ancient cup marks dotted around the walls.

Restored before 1860 and excavated in the 1930s, it’s now a National Monument and an easy, worthwhile stop for anyone exploring the area.

Glandore Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation in Glandore, you aren’t spoiled for choice, which can make finding a place to stay, especially during the summer, tricky.

There are several B&Bs and guesthouses available in Glandore, and there are a number of holiday homes as well.

Glandore restaurants and pubs

Glandore has plenty of places to grab a bite to eat. The town is known for its good food and drinks, with many prioritising locally sourced produce. 

1. Casey’s of Glandore

If you’re a fan of lovely aul traditional pubs, then the family-run Casey’s is well worth nipping into for a pint or a bite. This little haven will welcome new visitors with open arms, and you can get some excellent tips on things to see and do from one of the locals or bartenders.

2. Glandore Inn

The Glandore Inn offers diners excellent views over the bay as well as great food too! The portions served here are decent, and the fish pie and fish burger never fail to make tastebuds zing! There is also a great selection of wines if you fancy a tipple.

3. Hayes’ Bar & Kitchen

This upscale gastropub is run by David and Julie Wine. The menu is extensive, creative and quirky – not only can you find good Irish Cuisine here but many other continental classics too. The gastropub boasts a huge selection of wines, with each one chosen to pair with a specific dish on the menu.