Allihies Holiday Homes Cork

Allihies is a charming coastal village on the very south west tip of Ireland, on the end of the Beara peninsula in West Cork. The area has a magnificent, rugged beauty and a fascinating history.

Situated on the land around Ballydonegan Bay, Allihies was once the base for the thriving copper mines in the area, which reached the peak of production in the last century. Two ‘Man Engine’ houses, built in 1861 to provide power for the mine, still stand today.

They provide a reminder of the area’s mining heritage. That heritage was celebrated in September 2007 when President Mary McAleese officially opened the Allihies Copper Mine Museum.

The village is built at the base of the mountain. It is renowned for its brightly painted houses. These include a general store, a post-office, three pubs and three restaurants. Traditional music and ballad sessions feature regularly in the three village pubs and visitors are always welcome to join in. The village also features a well-equipped children’s playground

The beach at Ballydonegan is one of the most popular and well used facilities in the area. It is a mile walk from Allihies village. Despite it’s popularity you can often find it empty on the sunniest days if you take an early morning or evening stroll. Even at the hight of summer there is plenty of space and a short walk will get you to a peaceful spot.

Dursey Island is the South Westerly most point of Ireland and a pleasant drive from Allihies. The only cable car in Ireland takes you a step back in time.

Only a handful of people live on the island and there are no pubs, shops or accommodation but a four mile walk to the end will give you a spectacular view of the wide Atlantic Ocean and the Bull, Cow and Calf rocks. The Bull rock lighthouse is clearly visible.

Allihies is a great place for walkers. It stands on the Beara Way, a 125-mile long footpath which runs all the way around the peninsula following side roads, boreens, bog roads and tracks.