Spring Run Bandon: 15th June 2025

It was delightful for all and sundry to see young member mothers and their brew taking part in our West Cork Spring run 2025.  We mention John & Joanne and their son Ronan (1.5) and Liam & Edel with their four children, Hannah (8), Lily (6), Mick (4) and Jack (2). all suitably attired for our adventure.  Young apprentice Ronan (12) added to the contingent too.  Bob and Catherine Clarke and his hound Charlie were on hand to welcome us all to Bandon Motors for morning refreshments and a chit-chat.  Giving his drivers’ briefing, he outlined our anti-clockwise route,  taking in our first stop at Clonakilty and our picnic stop at Courtmacsherry. 

The weather gods were with us; for one, Ukko (Finnish Mythology) the god of the sky, maybe influenced and brought about warm breeze, blue skies and sunshine; who knows!  All the touring cars had their hoods down out of a fleet of 14 entrants for the day.  We parked up at Clonakilty Black Pudding Visitor centre for a tour and a sit down to sample and taste their offerings.  We took the opportunity to visit and discover the story of Clonakilty Black-pudding by taking the hostess guided tour around the visitor centre.  

The family friendly experience involves getting an insight into the history of black pudding and the town of Clonakilty, learning how the secret recipe was passed down to the Twomey family and how the business expanded. There is also a viewing gallery which allows people a unique chance to see how Clonakilty Black pudding is made today and complete the tour some delicious Clonakilty products in the café.  Due to the stringent restrictions on importing meat products to USA and Canada, they are unable to export to these countries at this time.

An ordinary passer-by would be forgiven for not knowing that the product can be bought all over the globe to include Great Britain, Europe and UAE.  They even have their own production facility in Australia.  Group photo provided the record of those in attendance.  Our circular route continues in glorious conditions. 

We moved on towards to goal of a picnic stop in a picturesque location.  Courtmacsherry was the place at the village park.  So that our readers will know, Courtmacsherry, often referred to by locals as Courtmac, is a seaside village in County Cork, on the southwest coast of Ireland. It is about 30 miles southwest of Cork, and 15–20 minutes drive east from the town of Clonakilty.  There are a number of very pleasant short strolls around Courtmacsherry and its environs.

The beautiful Bay Walk – from Courtmacsherry to Timoleague is 3 miles on flat pathways so is suitable for young and old.  There are several beaches in the area from which to choose; Courtmacsherry Beach, Coolmain Strand, Dunworley Bay and Ballinglanna. Drive via Butlerstown to Coolum Cliffs, which are the second highest cliffs in Ireland. The Argideen River is primarily regarded as a sea trout fishery. The river is jointly managed by Argideen Anglers; Association and the southwestern Regional Fisheries Board and there are two private stretches that are not let.

The Argideen Anglers control the fishing on the best 2-3 miles of the river, from Timoleague upriver. Fishing is for Sea Trout, mainly night time fly fishing.  Courtmacsherry has established itself as one of Ireland’s premier angling centres. The clean Atlantic waters warmed by the Gulf Stream add to the prolific marine life and species of fish, which live off the shore.

With cars straddled on the grassy park, the clean benches served adequately so as to facilitate the picnics brought by each person.  Loads of social interaction and talk together with fine home made picnics made for an enjoyable occasion, ranking it in the top five.  Many Sunday trippers stopped by to have a look and take the opportunity to collect a few snaps of the old cars.  We all volunteered for the long way back via Harbour View Beach and Kilbrittain to base.  What was remarkable for the day, was the very low density of traffic which of course led to our considerable enjoyment.

Such as the hospitality of the Clarke family, we were provided with another round of refreshments before we hit the road for home.  Great day out! Surely one of the top five ever!  Renewed thanks to Bob, Catherine and John for their work in planning and managing the trip for us all.  As a token of our friendship and gratitude, our President John Brady presented our hosts with a hand turned Ash timber bowl as a memento of the occasion.

To note that we have been running the West Cork event for an excess of 23 years with a 100% weather of sunshine and stillness. We will surely return to West Cork, the land of the Fuchsia Shrub.