Molly Gallivan’s Cottage & Traditional Farm
At Molly Gallivan’s you’ll experience the simple country lifestyle in rural Ireland as it was in the days before electricity and modern conveniences. Molly’s enchanting cottage is over 200 years old and her farm is complete with animals, fowl and traditional farm machinery. On the farm walk, you can also visit the ghostly ruins of a family dwelling from the era of the Great Famine and a Neolithic Stone Row that forms part of an ancient sun calendar. It’s 5,000 years of history on a 500 metre walk!
Molly Gallivan’s is located on the picturesque N71 tourist route, about halfway between the towns of Glengarriff and Kenmare. You’ll find ample parking space at Molly’s and a traditional Irish welcome. Molly Gallivan’s is open from March to November and on request for groups during off-peak times. A visit to Molly’s Cottage and Traditional Farm takes roughly one hour – including a 12-minute audio-visual presentation.
We do heritage tours of the Sheen Valley, which take in some of the unique historical sites of the Sheen Valley including the Bonane Heritage Park which contains seven multi-period pre-historic sites. These include a 5,000-year-old stone circle, a Bronze Age cooking pit and a very impressive ring fort. This tour takes approximately three hours, beginning with a 20 minute slide show presentation, which explains the rediscovery of these special monuments and their astronomical significance.
Back in Molly’s Cottage, visitors can help bake and enjoy sampling traditional Irish soda bread with real Kerry Gold from the churn. For self-guided tours, information is provided in various languages. Traditional Irish meals and home baking can be enjoyed in Molly’s tearooms and restaurant, which seats up to 80 guests. We also offer guided tours and demonstrations for guests, tailor-made to your requirements. For example there’s sheep-shearing, spinning, weaving, poitin (whiskey) making and tasting, or indeed you can learn how to make your own Irish coffee from the blessed stuff, or be a helpful neighbour at the peat bog where you can cut your very own sod of turf!
Step into the Heart of Ireland: An Authentic Irish Experience
At Molly Gallivan’s, we invite you to step beyond the ordinary and immerse yourself in a genuine slice of old Ireland. Our “Taste and Tales of Old Ireland” evenings weave together food, music, dance, and captivating stories – a celebration of tradition and flavor.
Our Irish evening entertainment includes our American Wake presentation and The Home Coming. These are nights of Irish food, music, song, dance and story-telling, which recreate the old customs that took place in Irish homes the night before a family member emigrated or returned from a foreign land – usually America. The shows offer the wonderful experience of being entertained in front of the open fire in Molly’s cottage.
Genuine Irish Craft & Gift Shop
Step into our charming old-world craft shop, where customers can unwind and delight in a truly pleasant shopping experience. This historic establishment has a rich heritage: it was once the place where Molly Gallivan sold her hand-spun woollens and, of course, her famous Moonshine-Poitin. Today, we proudly carry on that time-honored tradition by offering an array of locally crafted goods. From meticulously knitted Aran sweaters and cozy grandfather shirts to beautifully made pottery, hats, and scarves, our shelves are brimming with treasures that celebrate Irish craftsmanship.
A Journey Back in Time
Step into Molly’s cozy cottage, where time seems to slow down. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the age-old craft of Irish soda bread making. Imagine the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air as it crisps over an open fire. And that’s not all – discover the secrets of butter-making, passed down through generations. It’s a taste of history, served warm.
Traditional Farm Tour. Follow our knowledgeable guides as they lead you through Molly’s traditional farm. Along the way, you’ll encounter relics of the past – the sturdy machinery that once tilled these fertile fields. Picture the lime kiln, its ancient stones whispering tales of hard work and resilience. Don’t miss the well, where water flowed freely for both humans and livestock. And keep an eye out for the farmyard’s hidden treasures – they’re waiting to share their stories.
Meet the Farm Animals. Pause to greet our farm’s delightful inhabitants. From woolly sheep to curious chickens, they’re the living embodiment of rural life. Their friendly bleats and clucks add a touch of authenticity to your experience. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself sharing a smile with a contented goat or a mischievous piglet.
Ancient Relics & Famine Ruins. As we continue our journey, we’ll delve into the poignant history of the famine ruins. These weathered remnants tell a tale of struggle, loss, and survival. Our guides will unravel the threads that connect these stones to the past, revealing the resilience of those who walked this land during challenging times.
Turf Cutting. At Molly’s Farm, witness a skill that sustained generations: turf cutting. With nothing but hand tools called slanes, our ancestors harvested peat – the lifeblood of warmth and comfort. Feel the connection to the land as you learn about this ancient practice. Who knew that a simple slice through the earth could hold such significance?
Whiskey Making & Tasting. Finally, raise your glass to Molly Gallivan herself. At her Poitin Still, witness the alchemy of wild Irish Poitin (better known as whiskey). Our expert demonstration will reveal the secrets behind this spirited elixir. Sip, savor, and toast to tradition – it’s the perfect finale to a day steeped in history.
Bonane 