Durrus is a village and civil parish in West Cork in Ireland. It is situated 10 km from Bantry in County Cork, at the head of the Sheep's Head and the Mizen Head peninsulas. Durrus is on the Wild Atlantic Way driving route which spans the Irish coastline from the Inishowen peninsula in Donegal to Kinsale in County Cork. A number of public gardens have been established in the area, including 'Kilravock' and 'Cois Abhann'.

Name

Durrus was known in mid-19th century as both Four Mile Water (after the nearby river) and Carrigboi (from Carraig Bhuí, the Irish for Yellow Rock). There are a number of variations and derivations given in the Irish language for the village's name, including Dubh Ros (black or dark headland) and Dúras (as used on local road signs).

History

Prehistory

Evidence of prehistoric settlement in the area include a stone row at Moulinward and a stone circle at Dunbeacon (both dated to the Bronze Age c.2200 BC-600 BC). There are also standing stones (gallauns) at Ballycomane, Kealties, and Parkana. The Coolcoulaghta Standing Stones stand in a field approximately 3 km southwest of Durrus. There are a number of Iron Age ringforts in the townlands of Ballycomane, Brahalish, Clonee, Drumtahaneen, Dunbeacon, Gortyalassa, Kealties, and Rushineska.

Built heritage

The village is the location of Cool na Long castle, a fortified house built by the McCarthy (Muclagh) family in the 17th century. The present layout of the village is based on works undertaken by the owners of the Bandon estate when the lease of Rev. Evanson's interest expired in 1854. Around this time a manor court for debt recovery was held once a month, with petty sessions once a fortnight. The former courthouse is still standing. The Protestant church was built in 1792, with a number of later 18th-century additions. The local Roman Catholic church was built in 1900.

Geography

The civil parish of Durrus has an area of approximately 45 km2 and contains 28 townlands. The Durrus River flows through the village and into Dunmanus Bay. The bay, and village lie at the head of the Sheep's Head and Mizen Head peninsulas.

Sport and community

Local sports clubs include Muintir Bháire GAA, a Gaelic Athletic Association club which competes in the Carbery division. Durrus FC fields teams in the West Cork Soccer League. The Durrus Festival involves sports, family and entertainment events, and typically takes place during July.

Notable people