Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa has begun a €300,000 project to enhance and protect the natural beauty of the headland of Inchydoney Island in an initiative that provides increased access and unparalleled dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the stunning views of the West Cork coastline.

The focus of the redevelopment, which is due for completion in April is on natural harmony and the seamless integration of the elements into the natural habitat. It will include features such as a picnic terrace, specially designed headland walk routes, amphitheatre style seating and a Wind Garden.

Conservation management is one of the key factors in the enhancement project because over time both the Atlantic Ocean and public access have taken their toll on the eroding headland. Inchydoney wants to ensure that we manage and preserve the headland for generations to come.

When completed in April, the headland will be visually alluring with meandering paths, stone faced walls with grass seating, proper fencing and lighting along with replenished native species of shrubbery, grasses and foliage. A viewing platform will be constructed overlooking the beach and headland providing stunning photo opportunities.

As the footpath and ancillary routes snake around to the open clearing, there will be a picnic area with a large range of viewing areas, and art and sculpture displays in the Wind Garden.  The concept of the Wind Garden will be to harness the natural wind speeds of the area, which are typically high, and channel them into a scenic art project where the installations will respond naturally to the elements.

Proprietor of Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, Des O’Dowd, says, “We are delighted to be the guardians and custodians of this beautiful landscape. We would like to leave it in a better way than we found it.”

This is a joint initiative between Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa and West Cork Development Partnership.