Ring Port
Over the centuries, the village of Ring was an important trading port. The rich fishing grounds off the south-west coast brought hundreds of foreign fishing vessels to these shores. At one time in the eighteenth century it was estimated there were more than six hundred vessels, mainly French and Spanish, fishing in close proximity to our coastline. Ships came into Ring with cargos of wheat for the mills in the town of Clonakilty and beyond.
Schooners and steamships often stood four and five deep at the pier.
It has been suggested the massive earthquake that destroyed the city of Lisbon in 1755, and resultant tidal wave that swept across the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, hitting the southern Irish coast, silted up Clonakilty harbour, as it did other harbours along the West Cork coast.
Schooners and steamships often stood four and five deep at the pier.
It has been suggested the massive earthquake that destroyed the city of Lisbon in 1755, and resultant tidal wave that swept across the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, hitting the southern Irish coast, silted up Clonakilty harbour, as it did other harbours along the West Cork coast.
In 1837, Lewis reported that ‘the port of Ring exports annually 5,000 bushels of wheat, 1,000 tons of potatoes and large quantities of slate, which is of a superior quality and well regarded.’
Just beside the harbour at Ring is the entrance to Ring House, which is on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, described thus:
. . . Pair of semi-detached three-bay two-storey houses, built c.1820, having single- and two-storey with dormer attic extensions to sides (north, south) elevations . . . An interesting pair of houses, which are unusual as they are semi-detached and large scale, yet in a rural area. Though some traditional features have been replaced, nonetheless the pair retains its historic character and is a notable contributor to Ring Harbour . . .
- NATIONAL INVENTORY OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE, REG NO 20913532
Further along the coastline are the little inlets of The Bar, Sheep’s Cove and Simon’s Cove. Popular with sea swimmers, these are worth visiting at the end of tiny culs-de-sac, with just enough room to turn a car at the end. Watch out for the high cliff edges and look out for the small paths leading down to the flagstone and sandy beaches.
. . . Pair of semi-detached three-bay two-storey houses, built c.1820, having single- and two-storey with dormer attic extensions to sides (north, south) elevations . . . An interesting pair of houses, which are unusual as they are semi-detached and large scale, yet in a rural area. Though some traditional features have been replaced, nonetheless the pair retains its historic character and is a notable contributor to Ring Harbour . . .
- NATIONAL INVENTORY OF ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE, REG NO 20913532
Further along the coastline are the little inlets of The Bar, Sheep’s Cove and Simon’s Cove. Popular with sea swimmers, these are worth visiting at the end of tiny culs-de-sac, with just enough room to turn a car at the end. Watch out for the high cliff edges and look out for the small paths leading down to the flagstone and sandy beaches.
Ring Loop Walks, Birds & Flora
The following storyboard signs were erected in 2023 by the Ring Village Tidy Towns Group, to showcase the walking loops, birds and flora of Clonakilty Estuary. The information for these was compiled with the support of local historian, Diarmuid Kingston. Thanks to the Ring Village Tidy Towns team for their permission to share these.
Arundel's Grain Store
This 16th century holding was originally built for stocking grain for the nearby Arundel Flour Mills. Over time, it was also used to store potatoes and coal. The building fell into disrepair c.1900 and was then used by local fishermen for the maintenance of fishing gear.
Pre-Famine Era in Darrara & Ring
During the decades prior to the Great Famine, those living in the community of Darrara and Ring enjoyed a good standard of living. There was an abundance of fish available and the fertile lands of the area yielded bountiful crops of potatoes, corn, barley and wheat, which ensured that even in the poorest cabin, there was plenty on the table.
The people of the area were industrious and were blessed with an abundance of sea-sand and sea-weed, which was used as soil manure. South Ring was recognised as one of the most reliable places in Ireland for consistently having the first early potatoes on the Dublin market. The mild temperate climate, the absence of frosts and the free-draining sandy soil all combined to produce the first earlies.
Of the 2,049 acres in the parish, 1,899 were arable, 125 bog and 25 waste. It is likely that most of the 125 acres of bog were located at Cruary bog, which was to increase its size to over 600 acres by the turn of the twentieth century. During the First and the Second World Wars, turf was cut in this bog and carted down the road to Ring Pier, where it was shipped to Cork City and other coastal towns.
'Sandlighter' boats were specially designed for the purpose of dredging sand in shallow water and played a vital role in keeping the narrow channel navigable for bigger vessels. In the 1800s, loading and conveying sand was a very profitable business. The sand was deposited on the quayside in Clonakilty for farmers as far as Ballineen/Enniskeane, and today it is still known as 'Sand Quay'.
The people of the area were industrious and were blessed with an abundance of sea-sand and sea-weed, which was used as soil manure. South Ring was recognised as one of the most reliable places in Ireland for consistently having the first early potatoes on the Dublin market. The mild temperate climate, the absence of frosts and the free-draining sandy soil all combined to produce the first earlies.
Of the 2,049 acres in the parish, 1,899 were arable, 125 bog and 25 waste. It is likely that most of the 125 acres of bog were located at Cruary bog, which was to increase its size to over 600 acres by the turn of the twentieth century. During the First and the Second World Wars, turf was cut in this bog and carted down the road to Ring Pier, where it was shipped to Cork City and other coastal towns.
'Sandlighter' boats were specially designed for the purpose of dredging sand in shallow water and played a vital role in keeping the narrow channel navigable for bigger vessels. In the 1800s, loading and conveying sand was a very profitable business. The sand was deposited on the quayside in Clonakilty for farmers as far as Ballineen/Enniskeane, and today it is still known as 'Sand Quay'.
Darrara Church
Set in its idyllic scene, the Church of the Sacred Heart in Darrara is known far and wide as a most desirable place for nuptial ceremonies. It has a standing stone on its grounds that stands over seven feet in height and more than five feet across. The building of this church was completed in 1897 and it is the third church to be built on or adjacent to this site. The first church existed towards 1830 approximately. It had a thatched roof and the congregation knelt on the floor.
Lios na gCon Ring Fort
Lios-na-gCon (Lis-na-gun/Lisnagun) which translates as the 'Ringfort of the Hound' is a historic ringfort that was excavated and reconstructed on its original location between August 1987 and August 1989 by Macra na Feirme Clonakilty. For many years it was looked after by a voluntary group, The Friends of Lios na gCon. They maintained and preserved the fort and operated open days, school tours and guided tours to allow public access.
It opened to the public in 2009 but was closed in 2015 over disagreements between Teagasc (the owners of the land) and Cork County Council regarding some issues, but primarily insurance.
The remains of 35,000 ringfort sites are known to exist in Ireland. Finds at the Lios-na-gCon site included iron slag and tool fragments, millstones, a blue glass bead and chared bones belonging to cattle, pigs and deer, making this a real jewel from an ancestry, from a historical, from a tourism and a rural regeneration point of view.
It opened to the public in 2009 but was closed in 2015 over disagreements between Teagasc (the owners of the land) and Cork County Council regarding some issues, but primarily insurance.
The remains of 35,000 ringfort sites are known to exist in Ireland. Finds at the Lios-na-gCon site included iron slag and tool fragments, millstones, a blue glass bead and chared bones belonging to cattle, pigs and deer, making this a real jewel from an ancestry, from a historical, from a tourism and a rural regeneration point of view.
Clonakilty Agricultural College - 'Darrara College'
The Teagasc Clonakilty Agricultural College was established in 1905 and has become renowned as a center of excellence over the past 100 years for the provision of agricultural training. Its location which is set amongst some of the most intensively farmed areas of southern Ireland, makes it a perfect backdrop for agricultural education.
The farm was given to the Irish State by trustees of the late Daniel O’Leary. The site is made up of 140 hectares and provides a variety of courses in Agriculture. There are around 240 students currently registered. There are three strands of Teagasc on the campus - Education, Research & Advisory. Students are trained in the theory and practice of agriculture and business and get an opportunity to work in a practical way on farms as part of their training.
Darrara Water Tower is a substantial water tower and a striking landmark in the surrounding landscape. The elevated structure supports a water tank constructed at a height sufficient to pressurise a distribution system for water.
The freestanding four-stage concrete water tower was built c.1960. A circular-plan tank on four rectangular profile piles with bracings between stages and fixed galvanised steel ladder, it is set on a concrete plinth with a stepped approach, surrounded by rubble stone faced concrete walls.
The farm was given to the Irish State by trustees of the late Daniel O’Leary. The site is made up of 140 hectares and provides a variety of courses in Agriculture. There are around 240 students currently registered. There are three strands of Teagasc on the campus - Education, Research & Advisory. Students are trained in the theory and practice of agriculture and business and get an opportunity to work in a practical way on farms as part of their training.
Darrara Water Tower is a substantial water tower and a striking landmark in the surrounding landscape. The elevated structure supports a water tank constructed at a height sufficient to pressurise a distribution system for water.
The freestanding four-stage concrete water tower was built c.1960. A circular-plan tank on four rectangular profile piles with bracings between stages and fixed galvanised steel ladder, it is set on a concrete plinth with a stepped approach, surrounded by rubble stone faced concrete walls.
Castleview Castle
Castleview Castle, or Ballinroher Castle, was built in the late sixteenth or early seventeenth century as a guard tower, over the only pass between the town of Bandon and the southwest.
Today the castle is ivy-covered and is reasonably well preserved. The spiral staircase to the upper floors has disappeared, but can still be accessed by the adventurous by means of a ladder, however it is not advisable due to the insecure condition of these floors.
Local folklore claimed that hidden treasure was buried in a field adjacent to the castle, and in 1970 a part of the road actually did cave in to reveal an underground tunnel or cavern. However, despite some anticipation, it is said that nothing of consequence was found.
Today the castle is ivy-covered and is reasonably well preserved. The spiral staircase to the upper floors has disappeared, but can still be accessed by the adventurous by means of a ladder, however it is not advisable due to the insecure condition of these floors.
Local folklore claimed that hidden treasure was buried in a field adjacent to the castle, and in 1970 a part of the road actually did cave in to reveal an underground tunnel or cavern. However, despite some anticipation, it is said that nothing of consequence was found.
Darrara National School - The Old School
The ‘Old School’ building opened its doors to children on the 9th of January, 1888. Children walked to school there from miles around, as parents realised the value of education for their children, and were willing to sacrifice much so that the young people would have the ability and confidence to go out into the wider world. They themselves had lived through decades of deprivation after the Great Famine and the trauma of the scarcity and frugality that they had seen and endured.
This school was not the first in the area, since we know that a school (possibly a hedge school) existed near the present day cemetery in Darrara, most likely near the site of the old original Darrara Church. The site for the school was purchased from tenant farmer, James White, who like many at the time, was unable to write and marked the lease with an ‘X’. The leasehold was for 99 years and the purchaser was Reverend Father Jeremiah Lucey, Parish Priest of Clonakilty.
Despite the drain of emigration, over the next one hundred years the attendance at the school fluctuated between 80 and 120 pupils. In 1975 it was recommended that a new school be built. The Principal of the Old School, Mr. Tom Lyons, closed it doors for the last time on 28th June, 1985.
The Old School building didn’t remain silent for long. A branch of Muintir na Tíre was set up in Darrara in 1985 with a willing and able committee. They leased the building from the then Parish Priest of Clonakilty, Mons. Timothy Daly. The outcome was that a thriving Community Centre developed in a short space of time.
This school was not the first in the area, since we know that a school (possibly a hedge school) existed near the present day cemetery in Darrara, most likely near the site of the old original Darrara Church. The site for the school was purchased from tenant farmer, James White, who like many at the time, was unable to write and marked the lease with an ‘X’. The leasehold was for 99 years and the purchaser was Reverend Father Jeremiah Lucey, Parish Priest of Clonakilty.
Despite the drain of emigration, over the next one hundred years the attendance at the school fluctuated between 80 and 120 pupils. In 1975 it was recommended that a new school be built. The Principal of the Old School, Mr. Tom Lyons, closed it doors for the last time on 28th June, 1985.
The Old School building didn’t remain silent for long. A branch of Muintir na Tíre was set up in Darrara in 1985 with a willing and able committee. They leased the building from the then Parish Priest of Clonakilty, Mons. Timothy Daly. The outcome was that a thriving Community Centre developed in a short space of time.
Darrara National School - The New School
After the summer holidays of 1985, on the 5th day of September, the teachers and pupils of Darrara settled into their brand new school.
Darrara National School is a co-educational primary school catering from children in Junior Infants to Sixth Class. The school is under the patronage of the Catholic Church and implements the Primary School Curriculum and guidelines set out by the Department of Education and Skills.
This school includes an onsite Preschool, a specialist Autism Unit, and a large outdoor space and playground for children to play and learn together.
Three new flags have been added outside the school in recent times:
Darrara National School is a co-educational primary school catering from children in Junior Infants to Sixth Class. The school is under the patronage of the Catholic Church and implements the Primary School Curriculum and guidelines set out by the Department of Education and Skills.
This school includes an onsite Preschool, a specialist Autism Unit, and a large outdoor space and playground for children to play and learn together.
Three new flags have been added outside the school in recent times:
- Amber Flag represents a commitment to ‘minding ourselves and others, wellness and awareness’
- Active Flag celebrates keeping the school active and healthy, working on fundamental movements, inclusive activities and keeping a balanced healthy routine in school
- Cineáltas Flag celebrates working hard to prevent and address bullying, and keeping kindness at the core of everything at the school
Pre-Famine Cottage, Ballintemple
In Ballintemple, commonly referred to as 'The Pound', is situated a pre-famine cottage. It is only one of a handful now remaining in such good condition in West Cork. Stone from this cottage came from a small quarry or land clearing, as traditional builders used whatever materials were close at hand.
There was a window high up for light and a window to the right and left of the entrance door. It was originally a thatched cottage, but was subsequently slated during the late 19th century with slate sourced a couple of yards away in the Gleebes, Ballintemple. This is one of the better pre-famine cottages. Some would have walls built with sods of turf and clay, or thatched with rush or straw. There was often but not always a hole in the roof to let out smoke.
Previously, a drain was located in the lower section, to remove cattle waste, since cattle would be housed inside in bad winter weather.
Due to landlord oppression, the tenants were reluctant to beautify or improve their homes. They could not be over a certain height or the rent was raised. Since the door could not be more than five feet eight includes high, there was often a step down into the kitchen. The stone built cottage with thatched roof and windows provided humans and animals with a drier, brighter and more comfortable environment.
There was a window high up for light and a window to the right and left of the entrance door. It was originally a thatched cottage, but was subsequently slated during the late 19th century with slate sourced a couple of yards away in the Gleebes, Ballintemple. This is one of the better pre-famine cottages. Some would have walls built with sods of turf and clay, or thatched with rush or straw. There was often but not always a hole in the roof to let out smoke.
Previously, a drain was located in the lower section, to remove cattle waste, since cattle would be housed inside in bad winter weather.
Due to landlord oppression, the tenants were reluctant to beautify or improve their homes. They could not be over a certain height or the rent was raised. Since the door could not be more than five feet eight includes high, there was often a step down into the kitchen. The stone built cottage with thatched roof and windows provided humans and animals with a drier, brighter and more comfortable environment.
Tadgh O’ Donovan Asna
Tadgh O’ Donovan Asna was the most prominent leader of the rebels, when the Battle of the Big Cross took place in Shannonvale on the fateful day, June 19th, 1798. The battle, between the United Irishmen and a detachment of the Westmeath Militia, has gone down in history as the only recorded engagement between the United Irishmen and government forces to occur in the whole of Munster during the rising.
Tadgh O’ Donovan Asna was born in Lackenalooha, a few hundred yards to the north of the present day Darrara Agricultural College. The ruins of the family home are still standing, and in June 1998, Tadgh’s birthplace was commemorated with the unveiling of a marble memorial plaque there. In the adjoining townland of Ballymacowen, stood a forge, belonging to ‘Desmond the Blacksmith’, where many of the pikes used in the Battle of the Big Cross were made. Since this forge was also reputed to be a secret meeting place of the United Irishmen, it is very likely that young Tadgh’s nationalistic spirit was nurtured there.
Victory seemed to be in hand for the United Irishmen at the Battle of the Big Cross, when Tadgh seized the reins of the horse of Commanding Officer, Sir Hugh O’ Reilly, calling him to surrender. At that crucial moment, he fell to the ground, having been shot in the back by a Militia Sergeant. With the unexpected loss of their leader, the fight was over very quickly and the rebels who had lost their lives were taken to Market House and their bodies were left there for days as a warning against any further rebellion before being thrown in the strand known as the Crab Hole. It is said Tadgh An Asna’s girlfriend, Eleanor, along with relatives, retrieved the bodies and buried his body in the dead of the night in the O’ Donovan Asna family grave in Ballintemple.
Tadgh O’ Donovan Asna was born in Lackenalooha, a few hundred yards to the north of the present day Darrara Agricultural College. The ruins of the family home are still standing, and in June 1998, Tadgh’s birthplace was commemorated with the unveiling of a marble memorial plaque there. In the adjoining townland of Ballymacowen, stood a forge, belonging to ‘Desmond the Blacksmith’, where many of the pikes used in the Battle of the Big Cross were made. Since this forge was also reputed to be a secret meeting place of the United Irishmen, it is very likely that young Tadgh’s nationalistic spirit was nurtured there.
Victory seemed to be in hand for the United Irishmen at the Battle of the Big Cross, when Tadgh seized the reins of the horse of Commanding Officer, Sir Hugh O’ Reilly, calling him to surrender. At that crucial moment, he fell to the ground, having been shot in the back by a Militia Sergeant. With the unexpected loss of their leader, the fight was over very quickly and the rebels who had lost their lives were taken to Market House and their bodies were left there for days as a warning against any further rebellion before being thrown in the strand known as the Crab Hole. It is said Tadgh An Asna’s girlfriend, Eleanor, along with relatives, retrieved the bodies and buried his body in the dead of the night in the O’ Donovan Asna family grave in Ballintemple.
Ring Rowing Club
Ring Rowing Club was founded in 1984 by Ger O'Driscoll, Charlie McCarthy, Carlow Wycherly, and Denis Harrington. To this day, Ger O'Driscoll remains as Club President and is still an active member. You can often spot him at the pier holding boats, planting flowers at the clubhouse, or clearing seaweed from the slipway.
The club began with fixed seat coastal rowing in West Cork and has proudly kept this tradition alive. In the last seven years, Ring Rowing Club has also established a foothold in the latest coastal rowing discipline—beach sprints—and boasts some of the most qualified members to represent Rowing Ireland at international events.
In addition to its success in beach sprints, the club has made its mark in coastal rowing endurance, bringing home silverware in 2024 with a 2nd place finish at the European Coastal Rowing Championships, and placing 7th at the World Coastal Rowing Championships.
The club's President is particularly proud of these achievements, celebrating the club’s growing success on the international stage. Ger was honoured at the 2024 Clonakilty Mayoral Awards for his 40 years of volunteering at the club. What an inspiration!
The club began with fixed seat coastal rowing in West Cork and has proudly kept this tradition alive. In the last seven years, Ring Rowing Club has also established a foothold in the latest coastal rowing discipline—beach sprints—and boasts some of the most qualified members to represent Rowing Ireland at international events.
In addition to its success in beach sprints, the club has made its mark in coastal rowing endurance, bringing home silverware in 2024 with a 2nd place finish at the European Coastal Rowing Championships, and placing 7th at the World Coastal Rowing Championships.
The club's President is particularly proud of these achievements, celebrating the club’s growing success on the international stage. Ger was honoured at the 2024 Clonakilty Mayoral Awards for his 40 years of volunteering at the club. What an inspiration!
Darrara Creamery - Branch of Barryroe Co-Op
Darrara Creamery is a branch of Barryroe Co-Op, a farmer owned multi-purpose agribusiness. Its range of business includes purchasing milk, grain and pigs from its farmer shareholders, manufacturing animal feedstuffs, supplying farm inputs, building materials and hardware, as well as grocery retailing. Through its Staunton Foods subsidiary, it is involved in pork processing.
Founded in 1925, the group now employs 350 and has an annual turnover of €200 million. Its goal is to service the needs of the Co-op’s owners, providing goods and services to the rural communities stretching from Ring on the west to the Old Head of Kinsale on the east. The Co-op services this coastal area of west Cork through its network of five branches: Darrara, Barryroe, Ballinspittle, Inchybridge, and Kilbrittain.
Founded in 1925, the group now employs 350 and has an annual turnover of €200 million. Its goal is to service the needs of the Co-op’s owners, providing goods and services to the rural communities stretching from Ring on the west to the Old Head of Kinsale on the east. The Co-op services this coastal area of west Cork through its network of five branches: Darrara, Barryroe, Ballinspittle, Inchybridge, and Kilbrittain.
Other
If there are other places you'd like to see featured in this Local Area Guide, please get in touch.
Huge thanks to local historian, Diarmuid Kingston, for his permission to publish the historical information above from his book Clonakilty's Darrara and Ring - A Short History. © 2015, Diarmuid Kingston. This book, photographed below, was officially launched at Darrara Community Centre on September 25th, 2015.
