Mill Cove Gallery is beautifully located near Castletownbere, just off the Glengarriff road. It is a must-visit West Cork destination for art lovers and collectors, with access to the studio of gallery director, John Brennan, and an impressive gallery showcasing the best of contemporary Irish work from both established and emerging artists.

In addition to continuous exhibitions and occasional craft fairs in summer (April to September), classes and workshops are offered between October and March, making this a vibrant all-year centre for the arts.

The gallery is set in four acres of gardens which, over the last decade or so, proprietors John Goode and John Brennan have restored and opened to the public. With over forty sculptures by leading Irish sculptors located throughout the gardens, art lovers will especially appreciate them, but the gardens also make a very enjoyable outing for all visitors to the area.

The gallery and gardens feature on the Beara Peninsula trail ‘A Grand Day Out’, which maps a dozen or so attractions on the peninsula (mainly arts, crafts, gardens and food, identified by ‘Follow Me’ fish signs along the route; details from participating businesses, or local tourist information offices).

On the seaward side of the gallery there is a nice little café. With a lovely view across to Bere Island and a choice of indoor seating or a table on the patio to the front, it can be stunning in good weather.

A short menu offers simple, wholesome daytime light meals and snacks, such as good soups and breads, quiches, salads, cakes and traditional desserts – flavoursome homemade food that suits the setting perfectly and is reasonably priced.

Mill Cove Gallery also has premises at 22, Main Street, Kenmare, Co. Kerry.

There is a charge for entry to the sculpture garden [Adult/Senior/Student €3, Child under 12 free, Family (2 adults + 5 between ages 12-18) €10] but entry to the gallery, John Brennan’s studio and the café is free.