Beach restaurant has taste of TV show

THINK of the Summer Bay restaurant in the TV soap Home and Away, and give it an Irish twist and you get a picture of what might be at the Maryland Cafe, in West Cork’s turbulent beach Long Strand.

One of the finest stretches of sand and dunes in this so-called beach capital of West Cork, the beach is about a mile long, with views of Galley Head to the east and Glandore and Rosscarbery to the west.

The beach, although dangerous for bathers in portions, is popular with surfers, horse riders and walkers.

It is close to Rathbarry village, the woods at Castlefreke, Kilkern lake and Galley head lighthouse.

This beachside cafe was built 20 years ago, and extended again in 1986, and was owned by the late Mary O’Sullivan, whose father was one of West Cork’s best known politicians, John L O’Sullivan.

The atmospheric gothic-style castle has now been bought by the wealthy Freke family who are resident in the US, and work has commenced on its regeneration with a firm of architects employed to oversee its rebirth.

The Maryland cafe is at the western end of Long Strand, and has scope for a year-round business, and has an exceptional summer trade with full catering kitchen and seating for 32 people.

No price guide is given but it is likely to be at around 300,000.