Celebration day at ‘best kept' village

RATHBARRY, Ireland's Best Kept Town 2017, is having a celebration day on Sunday, August 27th.

Events start at 1pm with the entire village and visitors engaging in a picnic followed by a walking tour of the sights led by heritage specialist, Ted Cook.

From 2pm onwards, afternoon tea will be served in the local shop and post office and there will be lots of entertainment – including music, song and dance – provided by Comhaltas Ceóltoirí Eireann Cloch na gCoillte.

There's another musical treat in store for visitors because Stephen Housden and Fionnuala Cherry will be playing at O'Donovan's Bar from 4pm.

When Rathbarry was named Ireland's Best Kept Village and Ireland's Best Kept Town in June, it was the third national title for the village, having previously won Ireland's Tidiest Village in the national Tidy Towns competition in 1999.

Now the entire community wants an opportunity to celebrate its success and give thanks.

The pretty West Cork village is located between Clonakilty and Rosscarbery and was once the home of Lord Carbery. It is also home to Castlefreke Woods and castle.