Rosscarbery is the modern name of the old ecclesiastical city of Ros Ailithir, Headland (or Wood) of the Pilgrim. The name derives, according to the Genealogies of the Saints, from one Colman, the Pilgrim. This historic West Cork town grew around a monastery established in the latter half of the sixth century by St. Fachtna. It is situated in one of the tuatha, or tribe lands, of the Corca Laighde. It appears that the Chief of the tribe gave to St. Fachtna, who was a member of the tribe, a portion of the tribe land for the foundation of his Monastery and School.

The School of Ross became a celebrated seat of learning and attracted students from far and wide. The learning, classical and theological, cultivated in this school was that of the Western Roman World during the last period of its existence viz. the Seven Liberal Arts: Grammar (including Latin and Greek), Rhetoric, Dialetics, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music and Astrology.

Today, the legacy of this early centre of knowledge lives on in the heritage of Rosscarbery, where the Celtic Ross Hotel stands as a welcoming base for those looking to explore the rich educational and ecclesiastical history of the region.

A Place Apart and the Fuchsia Flower

 West Cork possesses a unique character, beauty, tradition, and culture qualities all reflected in the variety, quality, and originality of its produce. It is said that variety has a charm all its own. Stunning scenery, an unspoiled environment, a warm welcome, and a rich cultural history combine to ensure that West Cork is truly “A Place Apart.” Visitors staying at the Celtic Ross Hotel often remark on the distinctive charm that defines this special part of Ireland.

One of the most iconic symbols of West Cork’s summer landscape is the Fuchsia magellanica ‘Riccartonii’, more commonly known as the hummingbird fuchsia or lady’s eardrops. This vibrant deciduous shrub brightens the hedgerows across the countryside, particularly around Rosscarbery and the scenic routes surrounding the Wild Atlantic Way.

Throughout the summer, the Fuchsia continues to make new flowers, while the older flowers fall to the ground leavening just the small berry behind. As a result of this, you see red carpets at the base of the plants. This Fuchsia is also popular with children, as the flowers contain a pouch of sweet nectar. Children would often pick the flower, pull off the purple petals and stalks, hold the part where the petals were, up to their lips and squeeze the back of the flower to release the nectar.

Local Historic Figures and Places

Rosscarbery has long been home to remarkable individuals who helped shape Ireland’s history from revolutionaries to philosophers. Their stories are deeply woven into the fabric of the area and can still be felt throughout the town today. Let’s know more about the people of Rosscarbery and the legacy they left behind during your stay at the Celtic Ross Hotel.

William Thompson

William Thompson, Philosopher, Socialist and Landlord (1775–1833), was a radical thinker who established a commune on his lands at Carhoogarriff near Leap, just 5 miles from here. A pioneer of cooperative principles, Thompson sought to create a more equal society through education, economic reform, and community-led living. He was ahead of his time in advocating for gender equality, workers' rights, and democratic ownership values that continue to influence social policy today.

He wrote 5 major works: -

• The State of Education in the Southwest of Ireland, 1818
• The Distribution of Wealth
• An Appeal of One Half of the Human Race (on Womens’ Rights)
• Labour Rewarded
• Practical Instructions for the Establishment of Communities

He is considered a leading figure in social thinking in Europe at the time and was referred to by Karl Marx.  Thompson was willing to give the ordinary people a sense of self respect so that others could not control them.

Michael Collins 

Michael Collins was born in Sam’s Cross in the Parish of Rosscarbery about 4 miles from here in 1890.  He was an Irish revolutionary, soldier and politician who was a leading figure in the Irish War of independence.

His parents are buried in the Abbey graveyard just behind the hotel.  On August 22nd 1922, shortly after the death of Arthur Griffiths, Michael Collins was on a tour of inspection in the Cork area. Returning in convoy from Bandon he was ambushed at Beal na Bath (The Month of Flowers) and died immediately of a single gunshot wound to the head.

 O’Donovan Rossa

Rosscarbery is the birthplace of O’Donovan Rossa, the noted Fenian who is credited with being a key figure in inspiring the 1916 Rising. A fierce advocate for Irish independence, Rossa dedicated his life to the nationalist cause and was imprisoned multiple times for his revolutionary activities.

Padraig Pearse’s powerful oration at Rossa’s burial in Glasnevin Cemetery in 1915 became one of the most iconic speeches in Irish history a rallying cry for those who would soon lead the Easter Rising. Today, a commemorative plaque marks the site of his birthplace on Convent Road, offering visitors a tangible link to one of Ireland’s most passionate patriots.

Tom Barry

Tom Barry was born in Killorglin Co Kerry on 1^st of July 1897. His father Thomas was from Rosscarbery and in 1908 returned to Rosscarbery where the family ran a retail business in The Arcade (The Old Post Office) until 1915. Tom went to school in the local boys school, Ardagh NS. When he was a young boy growing up in Rosscarbery he played football on the site where the Hotel is built.

In 1920, Barry joined the 3rd (West) Cork Brigade of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) which was then engaged in the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921). He was involved in brigade council meetings, was brigade-training officer, flying column commander, was consulted by IRA General Headquarters Staff (GHQ), and also participated in the formation of the IRA First Southern Division. The West Cork Brigade became famous for its discipline, efficiency and bravery, and Barry garnered a reputation as the most brilliant field commander of the war.

The Kilmichael Ambush on November 28, 1920 was, a turning point of the war as the Auxiliaries, previously thought “invincible”, were defeated by an IRA column – a fact which had a very negative impact on British morale.

On 28 November 1920, Barry’s unit ambushed and killed almost a whole platoon of British Auxiliaries at Kilmichael, County Cork. In March 1921 at Crossbarry in the same county, Barry and 104 men, divided into seven sections, broke out of an encirclement of 1,200 strong British force from the Essex Regiment. In total, the British Army stationed over 12,500 troops in County Cork during the conflict, while Barry’s men numbered no more than 310. Eventually, Barry’s tactics made West Cork ungovernable for the British authorities.

Drombeg Stone Circle 

There are numerous megalithic tombs and stone circles to be found around Rosscarbery, the most famous of these being the Stone Circle at Drombeg (also known as The Druid’s Altar), situated about 3 miles from here just off the road to Glandore. The site was in regular use circa 945–830 B.C. and remained significant well into the 5th century A.D. Drombeg is particularly impressive with 17 closely spaced stones standing in a perfect circle, aligned with the setting sun at the winter solstice.

As one of the most visited megalithic sites in Ireland, it offers a powerful glimpse into prehistoric Ireland’s ceremonial and astronomical practices. Visitors often combine their trip to Drombeg with a stay at a hotel near Drombeg Stone Circle like the Celtic Ross Hotel, which provides the perfect base to explore this ancient landscape along the Wild Atlantic Way.

The Salt House

The two-storey building in the right foreground in the picture below stood for many years on the roadside of where the Hotel now stands. In earlier years before the harbour silted up there was a small fishing industry as indicated to by the salt House where salt was stored for the fishing industry.

In the later years of the nineteenth century the upper floor was used as meeting rooms known as the league rooms as the Land League met there. In 1887 a meeting of locals founded the Rosscarbery GAA in these rooms and appointed G Wycherley as President. The owner (and developer) of the Hotel is his grandson.

The lay-by opposite the entrance to the Hotel was known as the Quay.  The causeway, Abbey Road beside the Hotel leading to the village and Serpentine Road, opposite the Hotel leading to the Pier were constructed in the middle of the 19^th Century.

The field where the Hotel is located was known as the Abbey field.  It is mentioned in Tom Barry’s famous book on the West Cork Flying Column story in the War of Independence “Guerilla Days in Ireland” when Tom Barry recalls growing up in Rosscarbery.

The Warren

The Blue Flag beach at The Warren, Rosscarbery is a wonderfully sheltered family beach with safe bathing and numerous rock pools.  If swimming or paddling isn't your thing then try a round of Pitch and Putt on the 18-hole championship course located in the adjacent dunes or perhaps a spot of fishing off the pier.

It is believed that the sand dunes on the South Coast of Ireland happened as a result of the Lisbon Tsunami in 1755.  Rosscarbery was probably navigable right up to the Hotel prior to this.  It is believed the Monastery at Rosscarbery was sacked by the Vikings in the 9^th Century. In earlier centuries, the area also bore witness to dramatic events — such as the sacking of the Monastery at Rosscarbery by Vikings in the 9th Century. Today, visitors looking to enjoy the surrounding coastal scenery often stay in hotels near Warren Beach, where history and nature meet just steps from the shoreline.

Whether you're exploring ancient stone circles, walking in the footsteps of historical figures, or simply relaxing by the sea at Warren Beach, Rosscarbery offers a truly memorable escape. Book your stay at the Celtic Ross Hotel one of the top hotels near Warren Beach and Drombeg Stone Circle and experience the perfect blend of heritage, hospitality, and West Cork charm.