Mother’s Day is coming up and we will all be celebrating a little differently this year. One thing is certain though, we need to celebrate all the wonderful mothers in Ireland. In this blog post, we are going to give you a taste of some experiences, activities and ideas you can do to treat your mother in a safe way this Mother’s Day. Always remember to keep hand washing / hand sanitising and note that social distancing is key in everything we mention below.
SUPPORT LOCAL WITH A DELICIOUS TREAT
- Bitesize in Midleton are inviting people to order online this Mother’s Day. Treat your mother to a delicious chocolate cake. You can collect your treats from their store under strict social distancing procedures. To order your delights, pop over to their website here.
- Another option for ordering a treat for your mother this Mother’s Day is the Village Greengrocer & Food Hall in Castlemartyr. They are currently open for business however you also have the option to order online and arrange to collect freshly baked goods in store. To order just simply contact them via the contact details here
BUY AN ONLINE PRESENT
- Why not order a treat online for your mother? Lots of wonderful ideas for gifts online with The Jameson Distillery. Check out their website here.
- Another fabulous option for gifts this Mother’s Day is to buy online at Shanagarry design centre through the Kilkenny Shops. You can order online here.
- Another great idea for gifts this Mother’s Day is the Tregan Craft Centre, which is located next door to Titanic Experience. Although it is currently closed, you can order your gifts online and get them delivered to your door. Happy shopping here.
MAKE A HOMEMADE GIFT
If you are looking for some inspiration to make a Mother’ Day gift, check out Kilkenny at Shanagarry Design Centres Facebook page. Ann O Riordan of Eco Paisti Crafts is one of the many artists who operate out of Shanagarry Design Centre and she has posted fabulous arts and crafts videos for kids to make their mother something very special this Mother’s Day.
SHARE GOOD NEWS
Irish Distillers who are the makers of Jameson Whiskey are branching out into hand sanitising gel. The company is going to supply the gel for free to the Health Service Executive, in partnership with Cork firm Mervue Laboratories. Irish Distillers said it will use its expertise to help the national response to Covid-19. Well done Irish Distillers, we are very proud of you here at the Ring of Cork.
EXPLORE IN THE FRESH AIR
At the moment being out in the fresh air is one of the safest things to do. Always keep in mind social distancing while walking, running or sitting. Below are a few gems which you can visit to get a spot of fresh air this Mother’s Day.
BEACH WALKS
We are very lucky to be known along the Ring of Cork for our breath-taking coastline. We have lots of beach walks to enjoy. Some of the most spectacular spots for walks are Redbarn and Claycastle in Youghal, Rocky Bay near Crosshaven and the secluded White Bay beach near Whitegate. Other local favourites include Youghal Front Strand, Myrtleville Beach near Crosshaven and the very popular Fountainstown which has a direct bus service from the city.
And that’s not all, you also have Inch Beach near Aghada, Garryvoe Beach, Ardnahinch beach, Ballynamona in Shanagarry, Ballycroneen Beach near Cloyne and the quieterBallywilling Beach near Garryvoe.
FARRAN WOODS
If you are looking for an escape from the city, Farran Wood is exactly what you are looking for. It is located just off Inniscarra Lake and is surrounded by views of the lake, forest and countryside. You can enjoy a walk throughout the forest and pick from lots of different paths, some which offer a relaxed walk while others offer a more challenging walk.
BALLYCOTTON CLIFF WALK
Ballycotton is around 45 minutes from Cork City. A fishing village in East Cork overlooking Ballycotton Bay. The Ballycotton cliff walk is known for its spectacular scenery and wildlife. The coastal cliff walk is one of the most beautiful walks in Ireland. It consists of 5 miles of cliff to the beach in Ballytrasna. Breathe in the fresh sea air and enjoy this natural beauty.
BALLINCOLLIG REGIONAL PARK
The Ballincollig regional park is located on the South bank of the River Lee. People are drawn to the parks natural landscape and peaceful walks. There are lots of walking trails to explore, all twisting and turning back and forth from the water, so you can make your walk as long or as short as you like. Each walk allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery in the park.
YOUGHAL BOARDWALK
The boardwalk in Youghal offers a beautiful walk into Youghal town. The Eco-Boardwalk is a 400 metre hardwood panelled beach walkway, stretching from Front Strand Beach to Claycastle Beach. A lovely way to get some sea air with a beautiful walk and spectacular views.
GLENBOWER WOODS
If you are looking for a woodland walk in East Cork, Glenbower Wood won’t disappoint. It is located in the friendly town of Killeagh as you take the turn off by the Old Thatch pub in the village. You can walk through the forest trail and enjoy the surroundings in this picturesque gem. As you enter the park, you can take one of the beautiful trails on offer. Go for a walk in this peaceful destination, enjoy the fresh autumn air and admire the vibrant leaves changing colour. The perfect walk this Autumn.
CROSSHAVEN GRASSY AND CLIFF WALK
The Grassy and Cliff Walk in Crosshaven is always a great walk with spectacular views of the harbour from start to finish. The walk takes you along the Point Road until you reach the grassy walk at the end of the road. You can climb up the path to the most sensational viewing area. You have breathtaking views of Spike Island, Haulbowline and Cobh. You can continue the walk or return to the village along Camden road. If you continue the walk you will be brought along the cliff on a well-worn path which will bring you down to Graball Bay.
CROSSHAVEN RAILWAY WALK
A very popular walk is from Kilnagleary, near Carrigaline, which brings you right into Crosshaven. This walk runs along the old Cork to Crosshaven railway line which was in use from 1904 to 1932. As you walk along the path, you have the Owenabue River by your side all the way to Crosshaven. A walk with a beautiful view.
KNOCKADOON CLIFF WALK
Another fabulous cliff walk is the Knockadoon Head Looped Walk. This walk is a mixture of cliff, track and road walks. Nothing beats a walk with the fresh sea air.
CURRAGHBINNY WOODS
Another fabulous wood to explore in the winter months is Curraghbinny Wood which is located on a prominent hill overlooking Cork Harbour. It is a compact wood, covering just 35 hectares but its beauty punches way about its size. It has an old world feel largely due to the amount of carriage paths running through the wood and its location close to the stunning architecture of the Terrace and the Villas at Curraghbinny Pier.
MARLOGUE WOOD
Marlogue wood is located on the south east of Great Island and bounds the Ballynacorra River and Cork harbour. It is a hidden gem with an old world feel that has much to offer including a variety of mature trees and tracks suitable for walking.
EXPLORE BY BIKE
The Ring of Cork is full of places to explore by bike. Some of our favourite places to cycle is the Ballincollig Regional Park, Rostellan Peoples Path, the Crosshaven Railway Walk or the Cork city to Passage West trail. There is plenty to choose from along the Ring of Cork.
We hope everybody is staying safe at this time. Please following the guidelines of the HSE and WHO. Wash your hands and keep social distancing.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Mothers.