Daniel O’Donnell and Majella must have a fondness for West Cork, given they have once again paid a visit to the south west, as part of their TV series.
DANIEL O’Donnell and Majella must have a fondness for West Cork, given they have once again paid a visit to the south west, as part of their TV series.
Having visited Bantry last year, the couple opted to visit both Skibbereen and Sheep’s Head for their second series, and their visit to Ahakista will be shown next Tuesday night on RTÉ1, on Daniel & Majella’s B&B RoadTrip.
Noel and Lorna Bourke’s Gallán Mór B&B was their destination in Ahakista, and the programme showcases the breath-taking scenery of the peninsula. The scenery has already attracted many other celebrities, not least Bourke’s near-neighbour TV presenter Graham Norton.
No surprise, then, that Daniel described Gallán Mór as ‘Heaven on Earth’ when he visited it during the summer. The B&B is elevated high on a hill, on the Wild Atlantic Way, with panoramic views overlooking Dunmanus Bay, Mizen Head and way out West to the Atlantic ocean.
‘We have developed quite a reputation for our breakfasts, especially our signature dish, the Dutch Baby,’ explained Lorna, who also bakes all her own brown and white bread. Her granola, scones, biscuits, jams, marmalades and compotes are also homemade. The couple also keep bees. ‘We tell our guests that they can eat the scenery – it’s true in a way, because the bees forage on all the flora and fauna surrounding the B&B and make honey,’ joked Lorna.
‘We thought it would be good for Daniel and Majella to try their hand at beekeeping and the West Cork Beekeeping Association stepped in to lend a hand with suits and gloves for the couple and the crew, so it ended up being a real community affair.’
The icing on the cake for Daniel and Majella was a surprise organised by Lorna and Noel who arranged for them to be serenaded by the Muintir Bhaire Men’s Choir, of which Noel is also a member, and they also enjoyed an al fresco jacuzzi session in the outdoor wood-fired hot tub.
Meanwhile, the couple’s visit to Mona Best’s quirky Bridge House B&B in Skibbereen last June will be shown on the second episode, on Tuesday March 14th on RTÉ1. Daniel and Majella enjoyed their time in the town which included a visit to William O’Brien’s Corner Bar during a ‘hat party’ organised by hat-loving Mona.
The B&B owner has organised a party in the Corner Bar on the night of the screening.
*****
Click here to sign up to our mailing list and get the best of West Cork delivered straight to your inbox.