Glengariffe can be reached by pursuing a south-western route from Gougane barra, or by following either of two roads from Bandon to Bantry; the northern by Dunmanway and Drumdaleague; and the southern , and most picturesque, by Clonakilly, Ross-Carberry, and Skibbereen. From Bandon to Dunmanway, the road keeps along the left bank of the Bandon River, through the valley which lies between these towns. The surrounding country is of the same hilly character as that about Macroom and Bandon, but increasing in magnitude and wildness as we approach the mountains that guard Bantry bay, and protect the inland country from the winds and waves of the Atlantic.