Five of the prettiest winter towns in Cork for a frosty stroll
There’s nothing like the small-town spirit.
When it comes to the holidays, many of Cork’s prettiest towns or villages go hard for the festive season.
Across the entire county, communities bandy together to pool resources for lights, trees, and nativity scenes, organising general cheer and making for a fantastic day out.
So if you’re looking to travel a bit further than the city centre to do a spot of shopping and make some winter memories with the fam’, here are five towns that you can check out on your travels:
1. Blarney
A day out in Blarney is always a great shout but especially at this time of year, when the grass in the Village Square gets all dewy and frosted over.
Head to Blarney Castle to check out the gardens with a hot chocolate from The Lemon Tree Restaurant. At nighttime, the square is lit up with lights that run from tree to tree and you can pop into Blarney Woollen Mills to get your coldest sister an authentic Irish woolly jumper for Christmas. You’ll find plenty of options for gifts here.
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2. Union Hall
The people of Union Hall do not play when it comes to Christmas. The village’s streets are dotted with trees and draped in sparkling lights which reflect off the water and light up the cold night skies.
You can head to Rineen Woods for a walk and then pop over to The Dock Wall (opens after 5pm) which overlooks the water for a coffee. If you’re down this way on December 21st, you can also catch the Solstice gathering at Drombeg Stone Circle or head to CECAS in Leap to one of their Sunday Christmas Markets.
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3. Clonakilty
Clonakilty is like a snow globe town at Christmas. The narrow streets are decked in lights that stream across the roads and drip from every window on the main street.
For gifts, head to The Green Dot, which is located just down the street from one of our favourite bookshops in Ireland, Kerr’s Bookshop, before heading to Spillers Lane for a hot chocolate at Coffee on the Lane or Revel for a mocha.
Don’t miss the daily sandwich special and incredible pastries at Pike Deli on Connolly Street.
On December 2nd, Camus Farm is hosting an Arts and Crafts Market out in Ardfield, which you can also take as a sign to go for a December swim in the Red Strand.
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4. Cobh
Leave the car at home and hop on the train to Cobh for a spot of Christmas cheer. The bandstand will of course be dripping in lights and you’ll find impromptu musical performances throughout the month.
Seeing as we won’t be driving, Kelly’s Bar is the spot for a hot toddy on a Christmas trip to Cobh. You can also pick out some quality gifts in Kilkenny Design in the Titanic Centre or treat yourself to a new dress from Love Life Fashion Fix boutique.
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5. Bantry
If you want a bitta’ buzz, head to Bantry on a Friday during their market days and pick up something from one of the craft makers or artists who are regulars in the town.
There are also some cute boutiques and small fashion stores in Bantry if you want to do a spot of clothes shopping. If you’re down Bantry way for Christmas, you absolutely have to head to Bantry House for a hot chocolate in the Tearoom that overlooks the bay. And if you’re feeling active, you could venture a little further West to Gougane Barra for a wintery stroll around the woods.
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