One Night at Top of the Rock West Cork, Ireland
During our travels through Ireland, we spent a night at a truly special place called Top of the Rock, a family farm nestled high in the hills of West Cork. As we arrived, it was easy to see how the farm earned its name. From the property, you can look out across an ever-changing landscape of mountains, drifting clouds, and bursts of sunshine rolling across the countryside.
We stayed in one of their cozy wooden pods in what they call their Pod Páirc, a small village of eight thoughtfully designed pods that sit quietly on the hillside. The concept was actually the first of its kind in Ireland when it opened in 2014. Each pod offers a simple but comfortable place to stay while remaining connected to the surrounding landscape. (You do need to bring your own bedsheets, but we were able to rent some directly from them.)
As farmers ourselves, we especially loved that this is still a working cattle farm, complete with sheep, hens, and ducks roaming about. There is something grounding about staying on a farm where real life is happening all around you. Visitors can meet the animals, walk the fields, and even be greeted by the farm’s friendly dog, Daisy.
We paid for a farm tour where we learned about how they used to milk cows and even received a milking demonstration. I grew up on a dairy farm, so I especially appreciated being able to compare my own dairy experiences with his. A baby goat followed us during the entire farm tour, and we fed him grass along the way.
Then we all — including the goat — climbed onto a hay rack and were taken on a wild, bumpy ride across the fields! My mom, the other visitors, and I couldn’t stop laughing. Our tour guide was so cheerful and seemed to love seeing us all giggling as we bounced along. It definitely wasn’t the smooth, peaceful ride we expected — it was much more fun than that!
Afterward, we walked through the pastures with cows, sheep, goats, and donkeys while learning about how their animals fit into their grazing system. We finished the tour by visiting their chickens and learning about their flock as well.
The landscape around Top of the Rock invites adventure too. The surrounding hills offer incredible opportunities for walking, cycling, and cross-country running. Everywhere you look there are winding lanes, rolling fields, and the kind of scenery that makes you want to slow down and take it all in. We went on several wonderful walks and even enjoyed dinner at a local pub nearby.
Places like Top of the Rock remind me why farm stays are such meaningful travel experiences. They allow visitors to step into the rhythm of rural life, connect with the people who care for the land, and experience a place in a way that goes far beyond typical tourism.
And as farmers who welcome guests at Feathered Acres Learning Farm + Inn back home in Minnesota, it’s always inspiring to see how farmers across the world open their gates and share their way of life with others.
