“Contributor – Susie Grant.”
Make Allihies Part of Your Driving Tour of Ireland
The Beachview Bed and Breakfast is located in the heart of Allihies, a beautiful coastal parish in Western Cork. There’s no shortage of things to see and do in and around Allihies, and many visitors choose to spend the whole of their idyllic holidays here with us. However driving holidays around Ireland are becoming increasingly popular and if you are choosing to drive around Ireland then Allihies is the perfect place to incorporate into your adventure so that you can take a break from life on the road to relax, unwind, and enjoy a generally slower pace of life. Thinking of taking a driving tour around Ireland? Here are a few hints and tips:
Driving in Ireland
If you’re travelling from the UK then you’ll be pleased to know that in Ireland we drive on the left hand side of the road, just as you do. If you’re travelling from other parts of Europe or further afield such as the United States then driving on the left hand side may come as a surprise for you! Other Irish road rules of note are that all children travelling with you must be restrained in a suitable child safety seat and that children under 12 cannot travel in the front unless using a suitable restraint system (even if they wouldn’t usually use this system in the rear of the car). You should also ensure you have adequate motor insurance, whether you are hiring a car or travelling in your own: third-party car insurance is the compulsory minimum amount of coverage required by law for all drivers in Ireland. There isn’t a car hire shop in Allihies itself, but if you are travelling to Allihies and would like a car to get you out and about then the nearest place to hire a car is either in Kerry or Castleisland. The best option would be to hire a car at your arrival airport, where you can be sure you will find a reputable car hire dealer and a safe, reliable car.
When in Allihies
When you arrive in Allihies you’ll be delighted to find that the village is so petite that you can navigate it all by foot, meaning you can leave your car at the B&B and spend a couple of days stretching your legs instead. Why not also forget about your car by taking an adventure on a cable car instead? The Dursey Island cable car is the only cable car in Ireland, and is a wonderful journey that will take you from the mainland at Ballaghboy (which is located very close to Allihies) over the sea to Dursey Island. Kids from 9 to 99 will delight at the excitement of riding in the cable car, and it’s a really fun and unusual family friendly activity. Each cable car holds up to six people, and despite the fact that the tiny Dursey Island has no shops, pubs, or restaurants it is a wonderful place for nature spotting and seeing colonies of nesting sea birds. If it’s the warm welcome of a traditional Irish pub you’re looking for then be sure to look into O’Neill’s Bar which is famous for its fine ales and friendly welcoming staff. The bar also houses a delicious restaurant where you can try some delicious traditional Irish fayre.
Other Nearby Attractions
Not sure where to visit after Allihies when the time comes to continue your driving tour? Allihies is conveniently located for visiting other beautiful parts of the country. As the town is in County Cork, an excursion to the city of Cork is a must. Cork is home to two beautiful castles: the Blackrock castle and Blarney castle, where you can kiss the infamous Blarney stone. Kissing the Blarney stone is reputed to give you the ‘gift of the gab’, another phrase for being verbally charming and flattering. The city is also home to several beautiful and imposing churches, making it the perfect place to visit for those interested in history. If you’re looking for activities that are a little more lively then don’t overlook some of the truly wonderful bars and restaurants in the city: although Dublin is more famous for its pub culture, Cork has its fair share of authentic waterholes that means your desire to experience this traditional Irish sport won’t be disappointed.