The Cottage Today
Leigh-Dale Cottage has been enjoyed as a venue for overnight stays by Irish Girl Guides since 1960. Within short driving distance of Cork city, Leigh-Dale is a popular location for groups in the surrounding areas and farther afield. It is also used for hosting training days and meetings due to the ample facilities available.
Leigh-Dale History
To commemorate two leading Guiding figures in the region, an abandoned, disused cottage was purchased in the memory of Mrs Arethusa Leigh-White and Miss Kathleen Dale. Following renovations, Leigh-Dale Cottage was officially opened in 1960.
A visit from World Chief Guide, Lady Baden Powell
Lady Baden Powell visited Leigh-Dale before it’s official opening. She visited whilst renovations were ongoing in November 1959.
Leigh-Dale officially opened in 1960
Leigh-Dale Cottage was officially opened in 1960 by Dame Lesley Whateley, Director of the World Bureau.
Major extension in 1985
The cottage was extended to as we know it today, providing sleeping accommodation for 24 children, increasing from the original space for 10.
Leigh-Dale Cottage Reopening
Following some renovations and the new kitchen fit-out, Leigh-Dale cottage was reopened for bookings in February 2023. This new chapter in Leigh-Dale history was marked by a previous Cottage Warden, Violet Warner, who cut the ribbon across the old front door in front of many IGG volunteers from across the region. The occasion was marked in IGG style with plenty of tea and cake on offer! Read more about it on our blog.
Leigh-Dale Cottage 