Sweeping green hills, the smell of freshly baked scones, and the sound of a donkey singing (yes, singing) greeted us upon arrival at the Top of the Rock Pod Páirc in West Cork. After glamping in Scotland earlier this year, I’ve been itching to get back out there and try it again. The pods at the Top of the Rock, inspired by ancient Christian structures in County Kerry, sounded like the perfect chance to escape back to nature and it didn’t disappoint.
True Irish charm at the Top of the Rock
Since moving to Ireland earlier this year we have been enamored with the livelihood of the Irish people. Culture and family heritage are at the crux of the Irish and the Ross family, who have farmed the land at the Top of the Rock since the 1920s are no different. David, and his wife Elizabeth, are two of the friendliest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and take an immense amount of pride in their sanctuary at the Top of the Rock.
Upon arriving we were greeted with freshly baked scones paired with locally sourced jam and butter from the farm next door.
Still a working farm you’ll be surrounded by green pastures and the most loving farm animals. From cows to singing donkeys (you have to hear it to believe it) to ducks to the cutest little goat(s) – I was absolutely obsessed with the animals.
Pods at the Top of the Rock
The pods at the Top of the Rock were inspired by the ancient Christian structures in County Kerry and are the first of their (modern) kind in Ireland. With both luxury (contains a mini-kitchen and your own toilet) and standard (contains a bed, heater, and lighting) pods you’re sure to find one that suits your fancy. We stayed in the Muscovy (a standard) pod and with the heating turned on and the sound of the rain dancing on our rooftop we were lulled to sleep right away. The toilets were a few steps away in a common area under the walking center.
The next morning we were greeted by the singing donkey and headed up to the walking center for more scones, coffee, tea, and fresh yogurt (also from a nearby farm!). While sipping on my coffee I took this opportunity to take a sneak peak of a fellow travel blogger’s new travel journal detailing her year traveling around the UK and Ireland. I was inspired to visit the Top of the Rock after reading Emma’s, from Gotta Keep Movin’, detailed description of life here and I can’t wait to get my hands on my own copy of this beautiful journal.
Walking along an ancient Pilgrim Path
If you keep up with this blog, you probably know by now that I like to pretend I’m a hiker. Really, I just like long walks, but I’m trying to build up my skills so I can hike the Azores with Walk Hike Portugal next year. So, when David told us that there was an extended network of walking trails starting from the Top of the Rock we were sold. For two days we walked along a pilgrim path known as St. Finbarr’s Way and the acclaimed Sheep’s Head Way and my goal of getting back to nature was more than fulfilled (more to come on our two days of walking/hiking soon!).
Glamping at the Top of the Rock was the perfect weekend away from the hustle and bustle of Dublin. The views alone were enough to satisfy my need for some nature. Combined with the hospitality of David and Elizabeth and long walks each day this weekend couldn’t have been any better. We’ll be back, that’s for sure.
Thank you to David and Elizabeth for hosting us at the Top of the Rock. While the stay was complimentary, the gushing is all my own. I mean who really could spend a weekend with THE singing donkey only ONCE in their lifetime?
Happy Trekking!
– Boots not Roots