Churchtown is an ideal location for touring the whole south-west of Ireland. It is situated close to thriving towns and cities that offer a variety of entertainment and shopping alternatives and Cork, Limerick, Blarney and Killarney are all just a short drive away. And for those who love the sea Churchtown is less than one hour’s drive from countless sandy beaches and coastal resorts especially our favourite spot at Ballybunion.
Visitors to Churchtown may explore the many historic monuments and visitor centres and participate in the wide range of sporting activities on offer in the area. Click on the links below for all the details you need …
Go direct to the Seven Marked Trails at Churchtown …
Cradled in the arms of the Ballyhoura and Galtee mountain, Ballyhoura Country offers the walker a unique experience to sample rural Ireland at its best. Located in an area of untamed, unspoilt pollution free country-side the Ballyhoura Way passes through Churchtown village and stretches across counties Limerick, Cork and Tipperary.
Ballyhoura Country is a haven of tranquillity, a jewel waiting to be discovered, a walker’s paradise where you will experience nature at its best. For the more experienced walker/hill-climber to the beginner, Ballyhoura can offer a variety of walks to suit your needs. Take on the challenge of the Galtees (919m), Seefin (519m), the Ballyhoura Marathon (26 miles) or experience peace walking close to a flowing river meandering through lush green Ballyhoura pastures far removed from the distractions and pressure of everyday living.
There is a wonderful variety of mapped and marked walks, not least the way-marked Blackwater Way, to be encountered in the Blackwater Valley: loop walks, forest walks, heritage trails, themed trails and scenic strolls, information on which can be obtained in Churchtown.
Cycling around the Churchtown area on quiet lanes and country roads is a real pleasure – no fuss, no rush and very little traffic to worry about. Ask at the reception desk in Boss Murphy’s Marked Trails for more information.
A signposted cycle route of approximately 100 miles, which explores the beguiling treasures of the Duhallow region. This well planned trail cuts off the N72 from Mallow bringing you on a wonderful tour, brimming full of interesting sites, breathtaking scenery, friendly encounters and rural charm.
The towns and villages encountered during the tour are:
Bikes for the mountain, bikes for the road all available from the Ballyhoura Centre, Kilfinane. Rent per day or special concessions for multi-day hire. Groups of up to 20 people catered for. Open 9.00am – 6pm (seven days a week). For further information phone: (353) 063 91300
In addition to being a great location for relaxed and uncrowded golf, Ballyhoura Country is also conveniently situated for touring the scenic south-west of Ireland. This enables the golfing enthusiast the opportunity for at least one day of exhilarating, links-style golf at one of the highly acclaimed championship golf courses in the region.
The choice of golf courses range from a charming 9 hole course known by many as the jewel of 9 hole courses to two challenging 18 hole courses (one with an additional 9 holes), set in mature parkland, to a superb 18 hole championship standard new golf course renowned for its many outstanding features and hazards, and a number of other courses in the locality.
For those interested in either commencing the game of golf or improving on their existing skills, the Ballyhoura region offers first class golf tuition for individuals and groups at the Philip Murphy School of Golf at Limerick County Golf and Country Club, Ballyneety. We included details on this site of some of our favourite clubs in the area. For more details od golf clubs in Country Cork we suggest you visit Golf Europe.
This attractive parkland course, established since 1941, has recently extended to a pleasant 27 hole heavily wooded course, well known for its lush fairways and beautiful greens. Its location at the foothills of the Ballyhoura Mountains and next to Munster’s most central town makes it an ideal centre for golf – a mere 40 minutes from both Cork and Limerick cities.
The club is renowned for its friendliness, which extends to Irish and Foreign visitors alike. On completion of a game, one can relax in the luxuriously appointed and tastefully designed clubhouse and avail of the excellent catering and bar facilities.
Charleville Golf Club
Smiths Road, Ardmore,
Charleville, Cork
Tel : +353 (0)63-81257 Fax : +353 (0)63-81274
Restaurant and snack bar on site. Club, trolley and buggy hire available.
Holes: 9 Yardage: 6750 SSS: 72
This beautiful parkland golf course, founded in 1927, is acclaimed by many as ‘the jewel in the crown of 9 hole golf courses’. Adjacent to Doneraile National Park, this course is well endowed with an abundance of natural trees, making it a most picturesque golfing experience. The sixth hole is a signature hole at Doneraile with a severe dog-leg to the right bounded by the local graveyard. The tee shot is a 200 yards carry over an intimidating ravine.
Doneraile Golf Club
Doneraile, Cork
Tel : +353 (0) 22 24137
Holes: 9 Yardage: 5528 SSS: 67
Set in the lush Golden Vale, this attractive parkland course is particularly renowned for the quality of its greens and fairways, and its friendly atmosphere. The view from the course is magnificent with the majestic Galty Mountains as the natural backdrop. Drainage is a natural feature making the course playable twelve months of the year.
Gently undulating land, intercepted by a river, makes Mitchelstown the ideal golf course for players seeking tranquillity and a golf challenge.
Mitchelstown Golf Club
Mitchelstown, Cork
Tel : +353(0)25-24072
Secretary: D Nollan Tel : +353(0)25-24072
Holes: 15 Yardage: 5676 SSS: 67
Established in the heart of the Blackwater Valley with exceptional mountain views. At the crossroads of Munster, it is readily accessible to all golfers. Here long undulating fairways bordered by pine, beech and oak trees transport the golfer from tee to green. The course, with its advantageous positioning of bunkers and plantations, is a true test for all golfing standards.
Mallow Golf Club
Ballyellis,
Mallow, Cork
Tel : +353 (0) 22-21145 Fax : +353 (0) 22-42501
Secretary: Michael O’Sullivan Tel : +353 (0) 22-22591
Professional : Sean Conway Tel : +353 (0) 22-21145
2 km south east of Mallow Bridge on Killavullen Road.
Club, caddie and trolley hire available. Bar and restaurant on site.
Holes: 18 Yardage: 6559 SSS: 72
Established in 1972, Kanturk golf course was upgraded to an impressive 18 hole course in 1993. Situated in the heart of Duhallow, the course offers its guests excellent greens with spectacular scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This course is a good test for the keen golfer. Pre-booking not essential.
Kanturk Golf & Country Club
Fairy Hill,
Kanturk, Cork
Tel : +353 0 29 47238 Fax : +353 0 29 50534
Secretary: Dennis Fitzgearld Tel : +353 0 29 47238
Trolley hire available. Snack bar catering.
Holes: 9 Yardage: 6026 SSS: 69
Here, one can experience the challenge of 18 holes of championship golf, enhance their game with a professional golf tuition or relax in the steamroom and jacuzzi. Whether it is a friendly fourball, golf society or corporate organisation – Limerick County is a special place dedicated to enjoyment. Located 5 miles from Limerick City, 20 miles from Shannon Airport.
Limerick Golf and Country Club
Ballyneety, Limerick
Tel : +353 61 351881 Fax : +353 61 33065
Manager: Vari McGreevy Tel : +353 61 31034
Professional : Philip Murphy Tel : +353 61 33065
Directions – 7 km south of Limerick on the R512
Club and trolley hire available. Practice facilities, bar, restaurant, conference hall and steamrooms on site.
e-mail address: lcgolf@iol.ie
Customer Service Manager: Anne Farrell For more information on Limerick Golf and Country Club see www.limerickcounty.com
Course1 Holes: 18 Yardage: 6714 SSS: 74
Established in 1891, this wooded course represents a challenging test for both the expert and the novice golfer. The newly refurbished clubhouse and restaurant overlook the rolling course and countryside. Corrin Hill is a focal point for the area with its commanding stone cross at its summit. Handicap Cert. not required. Overseas membership available.
Fermoy Golf Club
Corrin,
Fermoy, Cork
Tel : +353 (0) 25 32694 Fax : +353 (0) 25 33072
Manager: Ailish Thompson Tel : +353 (0) 25 32694
Professional : John Savage Tel : +353 (0) 25 31472
Directions – 3 km south of Fermoy off N8
Club and trolley hire available. Restaurant catering.
Holes: 18 Yardage: 6340 SSS: 70
Duhallow Driving Range, Rossacon, Newmarket, Co. Cork. Tel: 029-51105.
Ivory Driving Range, Culinagh, Fermoy, Co. Cork. Tel: 025-33032.
Mallow Golf Range, Copstown, Mallow, Co. Cork. Tel: 022-27894.
Castlelyons P&P Club
Castlelyons Village
18 Holes
Length: 800m
Par: 3
Tel: 025-36840
Fermoy GAA P&P Club
Fitzgerald Park, Fermoy.
18 Holes
Length: 1200m
Par: 3
Tel: 025-31415
Kilworth P&P Club
(1m from Cork/Dublin road) Kilworth.
18 Holes
Length: 850m
Par: 3
Tel: 025-27495
Newmarket P&P Club
James O’ Keeffe Institute, Newmarket.
18 Holes
Length: 790m
Par: 3
Tel: 029-60360
Millstreet P&P Club
Between Millstreet Town Park & Green Glens Arena.
9 Holes
Length: 400m
Par: 3
Tel: 029-70665
Cullen P&P Club
Cullen Village
18 Holes
Length: 630m
Par: 3
Tel: 029-79102
Churchtown
Mallow
Co. Cork
Tel: 022-48417
Norma Bourke BHSII
All Levels . Adults & Children
Pony Camps in Summer .
A.I.R.E. Approved
Located on the riverside, this 200 acre race course attracts top class trainers and jockeys yearly. Visitors are encouraged to join in the excitement at this venue, which promises a fun day out for all.
Located on the Killarney Road, Mallow, Co. Cork.
Tel: 022-50210 Fax: 022-50213
Valley View has both sand and grass arenas as well as an outstanding 3-mile cross-country course over 30 fences. Trekking for all standards through varied landscapes.
Gooseberry Hill, Newmarket, Co. Cork.
Tel: 029-68185 / 029-68026
Activities at Eden Hill include show-jumping, cross country, hacking and trekking for all levels. There is also a polo course and indoor and outdoor arena.
Navigation Road, Mallow, Co. Cork.
Tel: 022-21143 Fax: 022-21576
Ballindenisk provides lessons from beginners to advanced riders. It boasts an outdoor sand arena and cross-country course, up to international level.
Ballindenisk, Watergrasshill, Co. Cork.
Tel: 021-889106 Fax: 021-889323 email: fells@iol.ie
Fermoy Rifle Club has the facility of a 100m Sporting Rifle Range, equipped with steel targets, rifles and ammunition, the only range of its kind in Munster. All shooting is fully insured and conducted in a supervised and controlled manner with coaching and instruction available by qualified members. Click here to link to Fermoy Rifle Club.
Kieran Barry, Rifle Range, Ballydague, Ballyhooly, Co. Cork.
Tel: 025-31416 or 087-2400 691
Located in Baltydaniel with 3 sporting stands and 1 D.T.L. which can be set up. Guns, cartridges and clay targets are available for hire, all accessories are provided. Traps can be changed to give different types of targets. Tuition is available and personal attention is assured.
Pat Hayes, Mallow Pet Centre, Spa, Mallow, Co. Cork.
Tel/Fax: 022-20121
If you are interested in fishing then Churchtown is just the place to stay as it is close to some of the best salmon fishing in Ireland on the famous Blackwater River. On the Blackwater the salmon fishing season is from 1 February to the end of September; the trout season is from 15 February to the end of September. Coarse fishing for dace, roach, pike is also available in the Churchtown area.
The Awbeg River, a tributary which runs into the Blackwater midway between Mallow and Fermoy is also very good trout stream, especially for dry fly.
For more information conatct the Mallow Trout Anglers Assoc. Information from the Bridge House Bar or Pat Hayes, the Spa, Mallow.
A purpose built circuit, Kart World is 800m long 27m wide with the largest hire facility in Ireland, with twin-engine pro-karts available for hire, and up to 20 karts on the track at any one time. Computerised race meetings and lap times on an “arrive and drive” basis. The track is floodlit for your night time enjoyment. Full face helmets and wet suits provided, it’s great in the dry and magic in the wet!
Kart World, Watergrasshill, Co. Cork.
Tel: 021-889477
Fax: 021-889333
Available for private bookings, group and instruction. Why not take the plunge! Monthly timetable available at the complex. £2.50 before 18:00 £3 after and £1 for children.
Mallow Swimming Pool, New Road, Mallow, Co. Cork.
Tel: 022-21863
Located in the Fermoy town park this leisure centre is open Mon – Fri 11:00 – 21:00 and Sat/Sun 11:00 – 18:00. Its facilities include swimming pool, steam room and gym.
Body Works, Fermoy Leisure Centre, Town Park, Fermoy, Co. Cork.
Tel: 025-33272
Fax: 025-33232
This health and fitness club offers you the opportunity to work out and tone up in its gymnasium, sports therapist clinic, Ki-massage clinic and sauna, fully qualified health and fitness instructors.
Mon – Fri 10:00-18:00 Sat/Sun – 10:00-18:00
Carrig Court Health & Fitness Club, The Showgrounds, Fermoy Co. Cork.
Tel/Fax: 025-32570
Opened all year round, Millstreet Community Museum carries an extensive range of slides, photographs, audio-visual tapes of recent local events, including the Eurovision and Riverdance, as well as a comprehensive history of the area. The centre also incorporates a busy Tourist Information Centre providing tourism brochures along with regular guided tours of the town and surrounding area. Well worth a visit. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sunday – 2pm-5pm, Closed Saturdays.
Millstreet Museum, Carnegie Hall, Millstreet, Co. Cork.
Tel: 029-70844
Occasional exhibitions are held here at the Village Arts Centre, a building of character and versatility formerly a Church of Ireland, where the performing arts are staged weekly. Viewing can be arranged by appointment and inquiries from groups/individuals wishing to exhibit are at all times welcome. See the “Avondhu” newspaper for details of what’s on display.
The Village Arts Centre, The Square, Kilworth, Co. Cork.
Tel: 025-24858
Fax: 025-84463
The lovely Castle and grounds of Drishane have been the focal point of local history and folklore since pre-Christian times. The castle, built by the McCArthy Clan between 1436 and 1450, is seated on a limestone rock on the southern bank of the river Finnow. A prominent and important feature of the castle is the tower, commanding a beautiful view of the chain of mountains which, commencing with Claragh, run 30km in an uninterrupted line to Killarney. In 1909, the Sisters of Infant Jesus operated a very successful boarding school for girls until its closure in 1992.
Drishane Castle, Millstreet Town, Co. Cork.
Tel: 029-70707
Dromagh Castle, of the O’Keeffe’s, boasts impressive ruins with four circular towers approximately 50 feet high guarding a square court. The O’Keeffe’s, having been driven westwards from Fermoy, also established castles at Duarigle, Drominagh, and fortified homes at Ahane, Ballymaquirk and Cullen. In 1651 Lord Muskery marched out of Dromagh Castle for the famous battle of Knocknaclasy where the last hope for the Confederate Irish was quenched. It is now in the possession of the O’Leary family, who receives many visitors from all over the world.
Dromagh Castle and Farmhouse, Mallow, Co. Cork.
Tel: 029-78013
This is one of the largest and finest castles ever undertaken by a Gaelic Chieftain and was built for Dermot MacDonagh McCarthy, Lord of Duhallow. Much local legend surrounds the castle and the reasons why the roofing was never completed despite the rows of heavy corbelling prepared for the parapets. It is said when work was abandoned, the coloured window glass was dumped in a nearby stream, known as ‘The Blue Pool’. The castle is owned by the English National Trust but is set on a 1,000 year lease to An Taisce. Kanturk Castle remains the focal point of the McCarthy Clan gathering to this day, and is well worth a visit.
Kanturk Castle, 1 mile outside Kanturk, Co. Cork.
Mallow Castle stands in its ruined state in the 40 acre deer park. The present herd of white fallow deer has 16th century origins. They were gifts by Queen Elizabeth I to Sir Thomas Norreys, who built the castle here in the late 16th century. The second castle built in 1690 is owned by the McGinn family who operates it as a super standard luxury holiday home.
Mallow Castle, Mallow Town, Co. Cork.
This Tower House is perched on a rock overlooking the Bride River. It was residence of Sir Thomas Fitzgerald until his death in 1599. The castle was later granted to Richard Boyle. In present times it sets the scene for an annual rock concert, held every June.
Conna Castle, East end of Conna, just off main road, Co. Cork.
As you traverse Glanworth’s 12 arch 15th century bridge, Glanworth Castle beams down from its proud perch on a cliff of rock alongside the River Funcheon. Within the bawn are the remains of a square 13th century gate tower. Excavation uncovered a “sheela-na-gig”, a pre-Christian female fertility statue, in one of the vaulted ground floor chambers.
Glanworth Castle, Boherash, Glanworth, Co. Cork.
Liscarroll Castle was built about 1280. A very large Keep survives with four Towers. This is said to be the third largest 13th century castle in Ireland.
Liscarroll, Mallow, Co. Cork.
Abbeys & Churches
St. Berehert founded the old Gaelic monastery here on the “hill of the huts”, from which Tullylease or Tulach derived its name. The monastery, like most at that time, consisted of a central church, a little house for the superior and huts or ‘cillins’ for the monks and students. The present abbey has two holy wells nearby. Prayers are said at this site all year, but particularly Feb. 18th. Early grave slabs on the site include one erected to St. Berehert about 700AD. Tullylease was one of the last strongholds of druidism in this part of Munster.
Tullylease Church, Tullylease, Co. Cork.
One of the area’s most important buildings in mediaeval times, mentioned in the “Pipe Role” of Cloyne, a 13th century Papal report. Philip de Barry, who is buried in the crypt, founded the Friary between 1229 and 1237. A slightly later church and 15th century tower occupy the site, which also boasts a columbarium, one of the best preserved in the British Isles, which housed over 350 pigeons.
Ballybeg Friary, Buttevant, Co. Cork. 1.5 miles south of Buttevant, just off main Cork-Limerick road.
This abbey was founded in 1254 by Donal de Barry, grandson of Philip de Barry, and dedicated to Thomas a Beckett. The ruined abbey, of which only the church still remains, contains a skeleton-filled two story crypt together with some well preserved sarcophocis.
Buttevant Franciscan Abbey, Main Street, Buttevant, Co. Cork.
A 1199 foundation of the Knights Templar, relinquished in 1307 to the Knights Hospitallers. The Irish Chieftains attacked and took possession from the late 1400’s until 1790, Owen McCArthy, was the last Master of Mourne. The church, mill tower and boundary walls from extensive and impressive ruins, currently undergoing restoration.
Mourneabbey, South of the main Cork-Mallow road, 4 miles from Mallow.
Alexander FitzHugh Roche founded this Augustinian Priory in 1224, which was at one time home to 300 monks. Situated at the confluence of the Blackwater and Awbeg rivers, this beautiful setting has been the ancient burial place of the Roche Clan.
Bridgetown Abbey, 2 miles south of Castletownroche, Co. Cork.
Founded in 1307 by John de Barry for the Carmelites. It was confiscated at the time of the reformation of 1541 and came into the hands of Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork. In the 18th century it was used as a hedge school.
Castlelyons Abbey, Castlelyons, Fermoy, Co. Cork.
These early churches show the architecture of the Celtic Church and the early Norman Church. There is a holy well adjacent to the churchyard.
Coole Churches, 4 miles east of Castlelyons, Co. Cork.
This 13th century Dominican Priory, adjacent to the castle, was desecrated in the 16th century. The Priory’s fine gable tracery window, now restored, was once incorporated in the nearby 1812 church.
Glanworth Abbey, Boherash, Glanworth, Co. Cork.
The City is one of the most ancient, historical and interesting religious sites in the entire western world which has continued its unbroken tradition of worship since its foundation as a Pagan site. A circular stone wall of 10ft high encloses it. The Mayday festival is now a Christianised event of prayer and recital, with “cures” still taken from the City’s stones.
The City, 5 miles south west of Rathmore village, at foot of Paps Mountains Shrone, Co. Kerry.
Dating from 2,000 BC approx., Knocknakilla Stone Circle forms a present day link with early civilisation. Located on the panoramic upper slopes of Musheramore, only a few of the stones, a low cairn and two monoliths are left standing, but the isolated hilltop still retains its ancient mystery. Discover this monument and many more by following the Duhallow trail.
Knocknakilla Stone Circle, Cloghboola, Upper slopes of Musheramore, 8km southeast of Millstreet.
This stone circle and radial stone enclosure dates back to the late Neolithic and bronze age some 4000 – 5000 years ago. Unusually the park also contains a fullacht fiadh, a bronze age cooking site, this together with the park’s many other historical treasures are interpreted by attractive colour on-site information panels and in the park’s Audio Visual presentation centre.
Millstreet Country Park, 8km from Millstreet, Co. Cork.
Tel: 029-70810
Fax: 029-70899
Visitors – enjoy the path climb to the top of Taur mountain and be handsomely rewarded with a splendid view encompassing four Counties of Munster. Here remains of monoliths, souterrains, pillar stones, a stone circle, a fort and a cairn will be revealed to you as you walk through the traditional site of the Kings of Munster.
‘The Kerryman’s Table’ is a large flat rock situated on the Old Kerry Road or the “Old Butter Road”, now 250 years old. This road was used long ago by carters from Kerry travelling to Cork with cargoes of butter for export. They used to stop here to eat, thus getting its name ‘The Kerryman’s Table’.
Four miles outside Millstreet on the road to Rylane, mid-way between Killarney and Cork.
A linear earthwork subject to intent interest by archaeologists. The path of the earthwork is well defined at Ballydague in the Nagle Mountains, south of Ballyhooly. Dated to the Iron Age (400 BC – 400 AD), it is thought to have been a boundary formation.
One of a triad of Iron Age hillforts overlooking Fermoy plain. The magical druid Mogh Ruith is said to be under the hilltop’s 1800 BC burial mound. Annual pilgrimages are made to the landmark Cross at Corrin Hill’s crest.
Corrin Hill, South of Fermoy, Co. Cork.
The Well of St. Bridget rises on the slope of Mount Bridget, which rises abruptly from the Moanroe, about two miles from Churchtown. Canon J.F. Lynch, late Church of Ireland rector of Caherconlish, and a native of the Mallow district, visited Churchtown in 1905. Canon Lynch was a noted historian and antiquarian. In his writings Canon Lynch states, “at this sacred place I met a woman named Mrs. O’Sullivan”. Mrs O’Sullivan told Canon Lynch that she had a son who when four years old, suffered from lung and kidney disease. The young lad with his father did the rounds with and drank the water mixed with milk. When Canon Lynch visited Biddy’s Tree he met that young lad who was growing up to be a strong and healthy young man.
For further details about our Holy Well contact Mrs Hannah Carey, Ballindillanig, Churchtown, Mallow, Co Cork.
See also under our history section an article by the late Jim McCarthy on Biddy’s Tree.
Situated about one mile to the west of Millstreet town, Tubrid Well is probably the best known of a number of wells in the Blackwater area. This the second largest holy well in Britain and Ireland, is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and is visited all year round particularly in the month of May by thousands of people; who come to pray and drink its healing waters.
St. John’s Well otherwise known as Tobar na Faithi, is situated on the north slopes of Mushera mountains, approx. four miles from Millstreet. Like most holy wells it is steeped in legend and tradition, reputedly holding a cure for warts. Originally a pagan site it is now christianised with Naomh Eoin (St. John), a local 6th Century saint. The stations of the cross here are most unique having been crafted by local craftsmen. June 24th the feast day of St. John, traditionally draws a large attendance at the well, all visitors are graciously welcome.
St. Laitiaran, a revered figure shrouded in folklore, is remembered on July 25th when rounds are made at her well. This commemoration is connected with the pre-Christian festival of Lughnasa. This well is one of the “Three Sisters”, the others are Cill Lasaer in Boherbue and Ingean Bhui in Dromtariff. Each has a different Pattern Day, where rounds are paid at the well, Cill Lasear celebrates the start of Spring, Ingean Bhui to celebrate the start of Summer and St. Laitiaran’s to celebrate the Harvest.
Boss Murphy’s
Churchtown
Mallow, County Cork
Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)22 23 890
Fax: +353 (0)22 23 048
Email: info@bossmurphys.com
Web: www.bossmurphys.com