Greenfield House Bed and Breakfast
Mallow, Co Cork
At the request of my many visitors, I have now put together some of my personal favourite places which are both fascinating and inviting. My first mini Adventure has to include a visit to the Nano Nagle Centre, a centre for heritage, spirituality and ecologoy overlooking the beautiful river Blackwater. It offers visitors a multimedia presentation on the story and life of Nano Nagle, the cosmic walk along the river bank, the organic farm and market.. The centre is located 9KM east of Mallow on the N72 Mallow to Fermoy route. See www.nanonaglebirthplace.ie
Now continue your adventure to Doneraile Court house and gardens, a Georgian mansion, former residence of the St. Ledger family, set on 500 acres. The park features mature groves of deciduous trees, restored water features and the national reserve for a number of native deer herds. See this site for further details.
Next is the Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll, approximately 10KM from Doneraile/Mallow. The sanctuary takes you along farm walks, picnic areas and a media display room. You are now in Donkey heaven. See www.thedonkeysanctuary.ie
Alternatively, after leaving the Nono Nagle Centre, follow the Blackwater river to the scholastic town of Fermoy, taking in the Bridgetown priory at Castletownroche near one of three viaducts over the river. Further along a 3500 year old megalithic tomb at Lattacalee near Fermoy.
Leaving Fermoy towards the lovely heritage town of Lismore where the awesome Lismore Castle watches over the river, beneath the Knockmeddown Mountains. See www.lismorecastle.com
At Lismore thake the “V Valley Drive”. With nice weather this spectacularly beautiful drive takes you to Clogheen. Watch out for signs directing you to Mount Melleray Abbey, well worth a visit. See www.mountmellerayabbey.org
Arriving at Clogheen make your way to Ballyporeen, onwards to Mitchelstown and finally Kildorrery. You are now entering Ballyhoura country. All the sites you wish to visit are free, offer secure parking, picnic areas, toilets and Tea/Coffee facilities. All have disabled access.
Leaving Kildorrery towards Ardpatrick with its traditional association with St Patrick and Bruree with its connections with Eamonn DeValera, president of Ireland. At the heart of Ballyhoura Country is Lough Gur, recognised as one of the most important Archaelogical sites in Euope. It includes stone circles, standing stones, ancient burial chambers and Neolithic house sites dating back over 4500 years. A visit to the heritage centre overlooking the picturesque lake is a must! See this site for more information
Looking for an adventure? You just found it. Why not enjoy a day “Fly Fishing” at Ballyhass Lakes for as little as €15 with free boat hire. 10% discount at tackle shop. See www.ballyhasslakes.ie
If you enjoy nature, unspoilt scenenry then Millstreet Country Park is the ideal venue for the environmentally conscious visitor. See www.millstreetcountrypark.com
If you enjoy a round of golf you can choose from the local courses: Charleville, Doneraile, Mallow, Kanturk or Mitchelstown and play for as little as €20. Email: info@donerailegolfclub.com
The Ballyhoura region stretches from Liscarroll to Mitchelstown at the foot of the Galtee mountains to Lough Gur and features various walks suitable for rambling enthusiasts of all levels. Maps available from www.ballyhouracountry.com
When you may want to join in a guided walk with the “Ballyhoura Bears Walking Club” which takes place every Sunday throughout the year. Please visit the www.ballyhourabears.com website for information on their upcoming walks.
In Kilmallock, one can enjoy the largest Mountain Biking area of its kind in Western Europe. It features 90KM of purpose built track.
I hope you find this helpful.
Patrick Walsh
Greenfield House B&B
Navigation / Killarney Road
Mallow
Co Cork
Tel: 00353 + (0)22 50231
email: greenfieldhouse@hotmail.com
Web: www.greenfieldhousemallow.com
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