Where Wild Atlantic meets a warm welcome

Hidden in the rolling hills of Ardfield, just outside the colourful town of Clonakilty, lies a little slice of heaven called Mountain Forge Escape. This isn’t your average campsite, it’s a lovingly crafted retreat where the beauty of West Cork’s wild landscape meets the heart and soul of family hospitality.

Founded by locals Conor and Bernadette Hegarty, this peaceful sanctuary invites you to press pause. Whether you’re camping under the stars, parked up in your van, or unwinding in one of their dreamy glamping domes, there’s a gentle magic in the air. The Robin’s Nest Dome, one of the first of its kind in Ireland, lets you gaze at the sky through a grand window as night folds in, while the Star of the Sea pod cradles you in comfort just a whisper away from the Atlantic. Its new addition The Galley ViewDome which brings luxury, tranquility and sleeps two adults and three children.

Facilities are beautifully considered. There are clean, accessible wet rooms, and a communal kitchen that feels homely.

The Mountain Forge Bistro on site is a warm space where you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner with local, fresh products also the Haggart Cafe which brew Mahers coffee which you can grab before heading out to explore.

And there’s plenty to explore. Blue Flag beaches like Inchydoney and Red Strand are just minutes away. Families will find joy at the nearby Model Railway Village or bouncing through Smugglers Cove.

And for those who seek stillness, the quiet rustle of the trees and the crackle of a campfire offer all the peace you need.

Mountain Forge Escape isn’t flashy, but that’s its charm. It’s grounded, welcoming, and full of heart, a place where stories are shared, kids run free, and mornings arrive slowly, wrapped in birdsong and sea breeze. For those chasing moments that matter, this is West Cork at its most soulful.