Cows walking on the sidewalks, church bell rings on the hour, sheep blaring in the distance, that is the soothing sounds of Barrydale.
A fantastic roadtrip to the Klein Karoo. Barrydale is a small town just 2.5 hours away from Cape Town, with a breathtaking Tradauw’s Pass, or through the beautiful mountain gap on Route 62 through Montagu.

They say Barrydale is a drinking town with a farming problem… and that could be the truth, cause we all love our wines and beer…and with Joubert-Tradauw wine farm just kilometers away from Barrydale, with award winning wines, craft gin at Metanoia, hand crafted beer made by Ryno at Maker’s Brew and Joseph Barry Brandy Cellar, you can’t go wrong.
Coupled that with more than 40 guesthouses in Barrydale to stay a night or 3, night life has also became more exciting.
Hubby Manus and I have a business, Dung Beetle Pub and Lodge, which we have owned for 7 years now, after moving from Hermanus to this beautiful klein dorpie.

From journalist by the sea, to pub owner in the Karoo! At Dung, you will meet all the real life folk and locals of the town, a diversified, cultural mix with Afrikaans farmers, England ladies, and interesting, local is lekker, folks!
So many stories to tell, one feels inspired to write a book about this spectacular town and its versatile characters. The gossip in town is much faster than our Wifi…
Situated next door to us is the famous Diesel & Creme, with their delectable milkshakes and diner vibe! The other day we had a beautiful waffle with local homemade ice-cream made by the renown chef Michelle Berry of Mez Karoo Kitchen/Mud Modern. To die for, for real.

The hotel recently revamped and the owners are fantastic folks. They own the famous, luxury leather goods, Melvill and Moon, which I renamed to Mills and Baboon, much to the laughter and delight of owner Rick!
Their dog Charlie always travels with them, either in their smart Rolls Royce named Sputnik, or on their motorbike in the side cart!
Barrydale is filled with the most interesting characters, and at our pub you hear all the crazy stories! Stories of back in the day.
This is really a unique town, but sometimes reminds me of my time as journalist at Hermanus Times… same Karen’s living here as in Hermanus… complaints about dogs with or without leashes, dog poop, youngsters racing on their motorbikes, people dare to build a double volume home and change the character of Barrydale, but while Hermanus might have the whales, we have cows grazing the sidewalks, sheep as neighbours (we even have a quaint boutique sheep farm, All About Sheep, selling sheep milk and very fancy products.

Barrydale have a few pubs, 2 liquor stores, one garage (the liquor stores and garage is owned by friends of ours and boy, do they enjoy the monopoly they have in this little town.)
Barrydale have lots of churches, of which one day I ended up in the wrong church when I was invited to the christening of a friend’s baby!… The absolute horror when I realised I am in the wrong church and everybody glaring at me when I stood up and ran out when I realised my mistake!

Barrydale don’t have permanent doctors or even a pharmacy!
But if you need medication, a boer maak ‘n plan they say.
Here you phone the pharmacy in Swellendam with your order, you make a payment to them, and then the first Barrydaler going to the pharmacy collects all Barrydale parcels, and drops it off at the garage in Barrydale. Who ever the saint collecting the meds, then lets everyone know on our Barrydale WhatsApp groups, so then you can just collect the meds when you are ready.
We don’t have Uber Eats, but, we have something even better: Sarah from the Donkey Cart! With her 3 wheeler rickshaw, she delivers take away from the local restaurants, collects your washing and drops it off at The Wishy Washy, and even buys your groceries at the local OK Grocer!


In and around Barrydale there is so much to do and see, one night is just not enough!
Three great establishments just outside of Barrydale: Karoo 62 Escapes, just outside Barrydale on your way to Ladismith offers music festivals, different accommodation options and a great, modern party venue.
They recently opened their fancy doors and it is already a hit amoungst locals and visitors. Ronnie’s Sex Shop is also on your way to Ladismith, but don’t let the name fool you, its a nice pub with lots of underwear hanging from the roof, a bar filled with character!
Then towards Montagu, the fantastic Karoo Saloon have great music rock shows, excellent breakfast and pizzas, and is a big attraction of locals, especially the farmers in the vicinity.

Unique stores in Barrydale include steampunk Papa Joe’s selling collectibles on Route 62, The House of Books (literally filled with books from floor to ceiling) and Hearts On Main, with homemade clothes and unique offerings. For the best yellow fat biltong, pop in at Ranger and Sons Butchery, a feast for any meatlover!
We have famous people living here too. I know Hermanus has the beautiful actress Wilna Snyman (I am very jealous of that and miss her dearly) but luckily we have Grant Swanby (famous and much loved South African actor) Sorry Grant hope you are not hiding, and the super famous designer Gert van de Merwe!
Next time, do yourself a favour. Don’t just drive through Barrydale, stay a night or two. Enjoy breakfast at the oldest restaurant in Barrydale, Country Pumpkin, go for beer tasting and homemade delectable pizza at The Makers, enjoy beautiful cheesecakes at The Camel Horse (yes you read correctly, Camel Horse) lovely little restaurant, and stay over in one of the many gorgeous accommodation establishments!
And remember to pop in by us at The Dung Beetle for a big hug and ice cold beer! Every Saturday for the past 7 years we host a bring and braai for locals and visitors, so just bring your meat and we supply salads and bread for free, mahala.
See you in Barrydale, soon!
Janine van der Riet-Neethling
Photos: Supplied
