Things to travel to in the greater
Churchtown Area ...

Croom Mills, Waterwheel and Heritage Centre:

In Croom, you can come and live the story of an Irish country mill from the glorious days of its success to its demise in the 1940’s, and make the acquaintance of the Catholic landed gentry family who built it, the local community who worked and supplied it, and the bakers who made bread from the flour milled there. Try milling yourself the traditional way! They also have a great restuarant and their Sunday lunches are really excellent.




De Valera Museum and Bruree Heritage Centre:

A leisurely browse around the de Valera Museum and Bruree Heritage Centre will serve as a lesson in both the political history of Ireland and the local history of a small Irish village. Dedicated to Eamon de Valera (1882-1975), former President of Ireland and one of the country’s most famous statesmen, it houses a unique collection of personal belongings of this historic figure, as well as a wide range of articles which record life in Bruree in the early 20th Century. (www.bruree.net)


Doneraile Court and Wildlife Park:

It has the shape of an estate where beauty and the landlord’s pleasure were the guiding principles, rather than utility and profit. Preserving the grandeur known and enjoyed by the landed gentry in Ireland in times past, it is a magnificent tribute to God, to nature and to man’s creativity. Covering an area of 160 hectares, it boasts one of the finest collections of old oaks in the country, as well as various species of deer and birds. Points of architectural interest include the Georgian Doneraile Court, home the St. Ledger family until 1969, the portico gate lodge and the "Hunting Bridge".


Irish Dresden Workshop & Showrooms:

Established in Dromcollogher by Oskar and Johanna Saar following the destruction of the Mueller Volkstedt porcelain workshop in Germany during the Second World War, a visit to the Irish Dresden Workshop and Showrooms is a unique opportunity for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Combining one of Germany’s most famous traditions with the best of Irish workmanship, you can experience the creation of the delicate Irish Dresden figurines first hand, and take advantage of the great value for money in Irish Dresden on offer in the showrooms nearby.


Kilmallock Museum and Historic Town Trail:

Follow in the footsteps of men and women from the Middle Ages, and set out on the self-guided Historic Town Trail through the narrow streets of Kilmallock. A good starting point is the Kilmallock Museum, housed in a 19th Century town cottage, which serves as an introduction to the heritage of the mediaeval fortress town, noted for its imposing gates, as well as its fine 12th Century Collegiate Church and Dominican Priory.


Lough Gur Heritage Centre:

Nestling along the peaceful lakeside shores of Lough Gur is an archaeological gem of great international significance, which includes the remains of stone circles and standing stones, as well as ancient burial chambers and cairns erected up to five thousand years ago. At the Lough Gur Heritage Centre their meaning is brought home to visitors through interpretative panels and audio visual means, serving as a reminder of the ingenuity of "primitive" man.


National Co-Operative Dairy Centre:


Learn more about the history of dairying in Ireland, and the economical and social implications which the establishment of the Co-Operative Movement brought about in this country on a visit to the National Co-Operative Dairy Centre in Drumcollogher. Located in the country’s first co-operative creamery, it has been faithfully restored to preserve the atmosphere and character of a Co-Op Dairy in Ireland at the turn of the century – complete with a working steam engine, boiler and milk vats from the time – and dedicated to the Founder of the Movement in Ireland, Horace Plunkett.


Springfield Castle Deer Centre

Welcome to the charming old world of the Springfield Castle Estate, home to the Sykes family and their six-hundred-head herd of deer. With its specially designed and constructed trailer, visitors are taken on a guided tour of the deer farm, where children can feed and pat down the different species which they meet en route. History of the evolution of the deer and of deer farming in Ireland is presented no attractive interpretative panels, with attractive woodland walks, picnic areas and a children’s playground, the Springfield Deer Castle has something for everyone.


Mitchelstown Caves:

Discovered in 1833, the Mitchelstown Caves are amongst the finest Limestone caves in Europe, extending over an area about sixteen kilometres wide between Cahir and Mitchelstown. A haven of mystery and intrigue, it is a chilling and exciting place for visitors and explorers alike. Up to one kilometre deep, the showcase boasts some spectacular stalagmite and stalactite formations; the Tower of Babel, standing 10 metres high, is a wondrous sight and a timeless tribute to the power and wonder of nature.


Ballylanders Wildlife Bog:

Ballylanders Wildlife Bog is situated at Griston Bog on the west side of Ballylanders village. It is home to a wide range of flora and fauna now in danger of extinction in many parts of the world. To facilitate easy viewing of the park, a special wooden walkway has been put in place, which visitors can use as they guide themselves through this peaceful peatland with the help of the informative interpretative boards.

 

Ballyhoura Mountain Park:

This is a natural park of woodland, rugged mountain, grouse moor and peat bog, which covers an area of approx. 10,000 hectares. With its abundance of beautiful trees and plants, it is an ideal venue for nature trails and bird watching. Thanks to its marked walking routes, visitors can fully enjoy its peace and beauty at leisure or at a more lively pace along the fitness and orienteering trails, if preferred.


Kilfinane Education Centre Gardens:

A haven of peace tucked away within a hive of activity, the Kilfinane Education Centre Gardens bear witness to the skill of the gardeners at whose hands this impressive landscape was moulded. Covering an area of approx. 1 hectare, the gardens are classical in style and dominated by a fountain feature. Noted for its fine roses in season, the abundant colourful plants and rolling greens combine to provide a perfect place for croquet, bowling or simply sitting back and enjoying the spectacular surroundings.


Millstreet Country Park:

This 500 acre park, with its herd of 700 lively red deer, is home to an extensive array of flora and fauna at the foothills of Musheramore Mountain and is yours to explore and enjoy. Moorlands, managed wetlands, herb rich meadows, ancient sites, tumbling rivers, lakes, waterfalls and peaceful ornamental grounds can all be appreciated by foot, or on the park mobile. With abundant fresh air, appetites are satisfied by delightful meals in the visitor centre, where also you will find a gift shop, theatre and state of the art interactive display systems along the multilingual presentations. These reveal the true wonders of the park’s nature, a treat for young and old!

Open – All Week, 10am – 6pm, April – Oct, Other by arrangement. 8 km from Millstreet, Co. Cork.
Tel: 029-70810
Fax: 029-70899
Email: micp@iol.ie


Ardrahan Farm Cheese – Kanturk:

Ardrahan is a washed rind vegetarian semi-soft cheese. It is made on the farm from pasteurised cow’s milk. The herd is the oldest Pedigree Friesian Herd in Ireland. Visitors are at all times welcome to come and visit the farm and view the cheese making process by appointment. Ardrahan Cheese is on sale nation-wide and throughout the continent.

Burns’ Farm, Ardrahan, Kanturk, Co. Cork.
Tel: 029-78099
Fax: 029-78136

Email: ardrahan@indigo.ie


Kanturk Rural Farm Museum:

At Kanturk Rural Farm Museum you will experience at first hand rural Ireland’s development over the last 150 years. Here you may browse around the old type farm buildings, rural post office, famine soup kitchen, carpenter’s shop, forge, the traditional horse drawn equipment and the circular working vintage railway is guaranteed to delight all children. Ancient stones with religious and cultural associations are also on display. Follow the heritage and nature trail and enjoy the secluded park and gardens. Open all year round. Coffee shop on site.

Kanturk Rural Farm Museum, Meelehera, Kanturk, Co. Cork. Tel: 029-51319


"Rambling House" Farm Museum and Folk Park – Boherbue:

Blackwater Valley’s crafts and skills during the years 1900 – 1950 are brought back to life in this folk park and museum, which houses 35 full life-size figures. The collection includes Harness-maker, Blacksmith, Dress-maker, Poteen-maker, Tin Smith, Seanachai, the popular Irish "Wake" scene and many more. Here you will see one of the South West’s most impressive collections of farm machinery and tools of by gone years. An intrigue for children is the pet centre, as they are free to mingle with hamsters, puppies, peacocks, other rare birds and domestic fowl. Refreshments and a picnic area provided. Open May to September, groups catered for year round by appointment.

Rambling House, Ruhill, Boherbue, Co. Cork.
Tel: 029-76155
Fax: 029-76155

 


Killavullen Caves:

Located in a limestone crag on the bank of the River Blackwater, these extraordinary caves are accessed from the grounds of 18th century Ballymacmoy House, ancestral home of the Hennessy (brandy) family. Here putative Palaeolithic human remains, along with remains of Irish Elk, brown bear, wolf and other animals from the end of the Ice Age have been excavated. This vast ancient cave structure offers a wonderful display and variation of colour and formations which give the feeling of entering a "different world". Refreshments provided. Open June to September daily from 10am to 6pm.

Ballymacmoy House, Killavullen, Co. Cork.
Tel: 022-26022


Mallow Spa House:

The Spa House is now the location of the Public Energy Agency Office, run by Cork County Council and is open to visitors during normal business hours. The office has so far participated in 14 EU co-funded Energy Projects, primarily in renewable energy. The main aim of the office is to disseminate information on Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy to the general public, through the provision of literature, a reference library and advice – all free of charge.

Energy Agency Office, Spa House, Mallow, Co. Cork.
Tel: 022-43610
Fax: 022-43678
Email: mallowre@indigo.ie

 


Nano Nagle Centre – Killavullen:

Birthplace of Nano Nagle (1718 – 1784), foundress of Presentation Sisters and pioneer of Catholic education in the 18th century. This sacred place and wildlife sanctuary, in the shelter of the Nagle Mountains and bounded by the River Blackwater, is one of great beauty and tranquillity. The heritage centre illustrates the story of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters in broad historical and religious context. Open Jan – Nov, 10am – 6pm daily.

Nano Nagle Centre, Ballygriffin, Killavullen, Co. Cork.
Tel: 022-26411


Mallow Heritage Centre:

This centre provides a Genealogical Research service. Until mid ’98, an initial search and postal service is involved. Thereafter, it involves a full research service including, where possible, location of the ancestral homestead and a next day service. The centre has at least 7 sources available to it for research, including 1901 Census, birth, death and marriage registrations for the geographical area of the Diocese of Cloyne. Open all year, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm

Mallow Heritage Centre, 27/28 Bank Place, Mallow, Co. Cork. Tel: 022-21778, Fax: 022-27076

 


Labbacallee Megalithic Tomb – Glanworth:

Over 3,500 years old, it is perhaps the best preserved wedge-shaped Gallery Grave in Europe. It is unusual in having two chambers and the rare feature of a gap in the upper corner – thought to facilitate the departure of the "Old Hag’s" spirit (Labbacallee – "Hag’s Bed"). Excavation unearthed the remains of, Mogh Ruith’s reputed wife, along with prehistoric pottery, presently housed in the Dublin National Museum.

Labbacallee Megalithic Tomb, Glanworth, Co. Cork.


Castle Tavern Vintage Machinery Display – Ballyhooly:

The Castle Tavern restaurant’s riverside setting is a place of beauty where you can discover the farming traditions of old. On view is a pet’s corner along with the indoor and outdoor displays of horse-drawn farm equipment, the Horse Operated Drum Thresher being a main feature.

Castle Tavern, Ballyhooly, Co. Cork.
Tel: 025-39206