Gaeltacht Mhúscraí - Ireland's Best Kept Secret!

Visitor Guide to Gaeltacht Mhúscraí

Ireland's Best Kept Secret!

Click on each photograph to find out more So what is so unique about Múscraí? Well, for a start it's a Gaeltacht, that is to say that it is one of the few areas where the Irish language is spoken. Here you will find a wealth of culture and heritage, song and story, where the myth and magic of Ireland of old can still be found.
The tradition of music and song, poetry and dance in Múscraí is legend; from Ó Riada to Ó Riordáin, from sean-nós to set-dancing, the magic is there at each and every festival and session - and more important it is renewed with each generation.
Múscraí offers the visitor a vast array of natural and varying landscapes; from unpolluted lakes, rivers and streams; to unspoilt remnants of aboriginal woodlands; rich farmland with an intricate network of hedgerows and meadows; mountain heathlands amidst the rocky folds of forestry plantations.
There can be few areas in Ireland - or anywhere - with as rich a tapestry of history and legend. We have our saints; Naomh Gobnait and Abán in Baile Mhúirne, Naomh Fionbarra in Gougane Barra, and Naomh Lachtín in Cill na Martra, who built monasteries and churchs dating back to the 6th Century, and are still places of devotion today. Their names are still in everyday use; football clubs carry their names, as do some of the many voluntary groups who give our area its unique charm and liveliness. 2003 is the 400th Anniversary of the Retreat of O'Sullivan Beara, and there are countless historical references within the area; Caoineadh Airt Ó Laoghaire, Cath Céim an Fhia. . . names to conjure with.

To those interested in archaeology, there are over 220 recorded sites in Múscraí, from liosanna to cromlechs, gullanes, crannógs and neolithic sites dating to 4,000 BC. Pre-history was a very busy time in Múscraí ! But the visitor of today can step back, slow down, and drink it all in.
And speaking of drink! As you will see, we have numerous pubs to cater for the thirsty visitor, where a well-pulled pint and good conversation is the order of the day - or night. Equally, for those who have worked up an appetite, good local food is the pride of our hotels and restaurants.
Have you ever seen a hurling match? Or seen road-bowling played? Now's your chance! Whether it's fishing, hill-walking, cycling, swimming, set-dancing, or more sedate activities; visit the local Craft Shops, Heritage Centres, Art Galleries, and Visitor Centres. Also, we are ideally located for touring West Cork and the many attractions of County Kerry and Cork - there's just always plenty to do !! And when you're tired (and you will be after all that!) our warm and friendly hotels and B&B's will see you get the best night's sleep ever.
Above all - come for the Craic !!