Cléden Cap Sizun

Ballydehob is twinned with Cléden Cap Sizun in Brittany.

The charter was signed on 19th September 1999 and facilitates a variety of social and cultural exchange opportunities, including visits to local places of interest, hospitality, music, dance, song and cuisine.

In addition both communities benefit greatly from the linguistic experience, improving their fluency in either language, and the twinning also creates an excellent opportunity for the schools of both communities to share their projects and experiences.

The cultural exchange usually consists of alternate annual visits between the two villages, typically with a party of about 45 people travelling. The journey takes 18 hours by ferry, and the trip lasts about a week. Each visitor is usually hosted within a family home close to the village, with transport provided either by the family or coach, and brought to the organised social events and activities. Host families usually enjoy these occasions too, allowing for the further development of friendships.

Over the past years the coach trips organised in Ballydehob have taken our visitors to places such as Schull, the Mizen, Barleycove Beach, lunch at the picturesque setting of Glebe Gardens in Baltimore, Bantry market, the beautiful Garnish Island off the coast of Glengarrif, Sherkin Island, Kinsale and Killarney – a place to which they love to return every year.

Across the water in Brittany, our hosts have introduced us to some wonderful places. Over the years these have included a boat trip on the River Odet to Benodet – a beautiful seaside resort, a visit to Ocean Apolis and aquatic centre in Brest, the Glenans Islands, Isle de Sein and the historic town of Quimper with its cobbled streets and beautiful castle.

The people of Clédan Cap Sizun came to Ballydehob in April 2010, and the next journey from Ballydehob to Clédan Cap Sizun will take place this summer (2011). All offers of support with things such as fundraising and hosting families are greatly appreciated, and we aim to continue to make this rich and rewarding project affordable and accessible to all who wish to join us.