A warm welcome awaits guests at the Top of the Rock, a unique Glamping site in Drimoleague, in the heart of West Cork. Here guests will enjoy a family farm atmosphere, quirky camping pods and nine miles of walkways among the Castle Donovan hills.
Top of the Rock Pod Páirc and Walking Centre is a modern accommodation and activity centre set in a family farm in Drimoleague. Its third generation owners David and Elizabeth Ross are eager to share the beauty and the story of this wonderful place. The Pod Páirc looks out over some of the loveliest inland scenery of West Cork. From here guests can reach Clonakilty, the Mizen Head, the Beara Peninsula and Cork city, within one hour. Sandy beaches are found within 30 minutes and the stately Bantry House is just 15 minutes away.
Nearby Drimoleague is a thriving village with a shop, bakery and deli. There is a pharmacy, a post office and four public houses. There are tennis courts, children’s playground and a pitch and putt course. The bus to Cork passes through Drimoleague four times daily.
The clean modern facilities are all brand new. They include a shower and toilet block, a well-equipped camper’s kitchen, a games room with table tennis and pool table and a laundry room. Upstairs the reception room can accommodate a large group of people. It serves as a lounge area, a WiFi hub, a beautiful dining area with a view over the mountains and an information zone with free information leaflets and pilgrim books for sale. WiFi is available free of charge.
This is one of Ireland's top Glamping sites, having won a special judges citation in the 2015 Irish Tourism Industry awards and listed in the Irish Independent Fab Fifty best places to stay in 2018. There are seven pods, with different levels of comfort and space to suit particular needs. Originally inspired by early Christian structures such as the Gallarus Oratory beyond Dingle, County Kerry, the pods resonate with the landscape. They provide a clean, comfortable and cost effective glamping break where guests can be as close to the elements as possible, while still enjoying the comforts of heat, light and a decent bed. A breakfast bag can be ordered for the pod in the morning. There are also facilities for a small number of Campervans and tents.
Families find Top of the Rock to be a secure, safe and enchanting environment for children. Alongside the play area they can feed the lambs, calves, ducks and donkey. Daisy the sheepdog keeps a quiet presence in the background. This 48 acre farm on the banks of the Ilen River is an ecological paradise with its bird sanctuary, wild duck pond and internal walkways.
This combination of glamping and walking makes the Top of the Rock a perfect space for couples. Those seeking a quiet retreat will enjoy the St Finbarr’s Pilgrim Way to Gougane Barra which begins at the Top of the Rock. Walking groups are also welcomed.
Finally, the open campfire which is lit most evenings is a place where everybody gets to meet, in the convivial atmosphere of this beautiful and special place.
