Kanturk Activities...
HORSE RACING...Cork Racecourse, Mallow is only a twenty minute drive from Roche's B&B county Cork. The are lots of meetings held throughout the year, see www.corkracecourse.ie for fixtures. CORK RACE TRACKCork Racecourse is located in the heart of Munster and steeped in the traditions of racing in Ireland. The first Steeplechase ever was run locally between Buttevant and Doneraile over 250 years ago. Chasing from steeple to steeple or point-to-point began in 1752 when Mr. Blake challenged his neighbour Mr. O'Callaghan, to race across country from Buttevant church to Doneraile church some four and a half miles distance and so jump stone walls, ditches and hedges as these presented themselves. By keeping the steeple of the church in sight (steeple chasing) both riders could see their finishing point. A racecourse was established in 1924 in Mallow, partly to compensate for the closure of Cork Park Racecourse. A massive upgrade saw the present facilities come into being after 1996. Both Jump and Flat racing is now on offer at Cork Racecourse Mallow. The most prestigious races currently are our two Murphys Hurdles sponsored by the local Heineken Brewery, The Cork Grand National, The Hillyway Chase and The Cork Stayers Novice Hurdle. At early summer fixtures The Kerry Group Ballyogan Stakes, The Blue Wind Stakes and The Platinum Stakes present the best of Flat racing. Famous winners at Cork include, Aintree Grand National Winner Monty’s Pass, Melbourne Cup Winner Media Puzzle as well as National Hunt favourites Timbera, Be My Royal and Kicking King. GOLF Kanturk county Cork...There are an abundance of fine golf courses in the Kanturk, county Cork area. Within a short disance from Roche's Country House B&B, are many 18 hole and 9 hole golf courses. The 18 hole courses include.. • Charleville • Mallow • Fermoy • Mitchelstown • Kanturk There are 9 hole courses in... • Doneraile • Mourneabbey CYCLING IN CORK...Roche's B&B, Cork is located in the heart of the Blackwater Valley, on the banks of the river Blackwater. Only two miles from Kanturk town, Roche's B&B is ideal as a base for circular routes in the surrounding Blackwater countryside or as an overnight location as part of a cycling tour in County Cork. Ireland has more miles of road per square mile than any other country in the world. As Ireland's largest county, Cork has great potential for the cycling enthusiast. Most of the roads are minor, and on quite a few you are as likely to meet a slow-moving tractor or a motor car. Also, even in the most mountainous areas, the roads do not rise very high above sea level, so cyclists have few hills to climb. What more could a cyclist want? Irish weather is excellent for an active holiday. It is rarely too hot in summer, or too cold in winter, to cycle. It does rain quite often, but apart from a few mid-winter days, the sun usually appears for at least a little while each day. When it does, the countryside is transformed, and the streams turn to silver. WALKING IN KANTURK, COUNTY CORK...There are wonderful trails in Kanturk, including forest walks, parklands, historic sites and monuments and centuries old houses. One of which is the magnificent Kanturk Castle which is only a five minute drive from Roche's Country House. ENJOYING CRAIC... PUBS & RESTAURANTSThere is an excellent variety of restaurants and pubs providing food and beverages in Kanturk and also in the nearby towns of Mallow and Mill Street, where the Eurovision Song Contest was held during the 1990's. There are some choice nights out in the area, some of which are featured in the main International Good Food Guides. KANTURK CASTLE & OTHER HISTORICAL SITES...Kanturk Castle is only a 5 minute drive from Roche's Cork B&B. The castle is also known as The Old Court and is situated one mile south of Kanturk town, the capital of the ancient Barony of Duhallow. The Castle was built for MacDonogh MacCarthy, Lord of Duhallow. The Castle was probably started at the end of the sixteenth century. On the Map of Ireland made by John Norden between 1609 and 1611, there is a castle shown at "Cantork" (Kanturk) which is almost six miles west of "Castle Magnere" and 10 miles south-west of Liscarroll Castle. Kanturk Castle combines a number of different architectural styles, making it difficult to pinpoint a specific date for its construction. However, it was normal for a major work such as this to span several years, and the date of completion/suspension of work was probably close to 1618. BALLYHASS LAKESBallyhass Lakes is situated in North Cork which is considered the gateway to Cork and Kerry. Roche's B&B is ideal for anyone visiting North Cork who want to follow the path of the majestic River Blackwater, one of the longest rivers in Ireland, flowing through quaint villages and charming countryside. This is one of the most interesting spots in Ireland, with many centuries-old castles, round towers and other historic structures. The area is famous for its county Cork fishing and racetrack, making for an exciting and relaxing day out. BLARNEY CASTLENo trip to Cork is complete without visiting Blarney, where people the world over have stopped at this internationally known tourist centre to kiss the Blarney Stone, which traditionally imparts the ‘gift of eloquence’ on all who kiss it. The famous Stone is located just below the battlement in Blarney Castle, built in 1446. In order to kiss the Stone, it is necessary to hang ones head downwards over the battlements having climbed 110 steep steps by the original spiral staircase to the summit of the castle. To visit Blarney Castle is to step back in time, and feel the enchantment of a long and heroic past. Here is one of the great historical sites of Ireland, renowned throughout the world. The view from the entrance gate sets the scene immediately, with fine vistas of parkland crowned by Blarney castle rising up in its entire ancient splendor, framed by clumps of trees. While in Blarney, visit the nearby Blarney Woolen Mills, one of Ireland's oldest and most authentic Irish woollen mills. Blarney is less than 30 minutes drive from Roche's B&B in Kanturk. MALLOW CASTLEBuilt by Sir Thomas Norreys in the late 16th century, Mallow Castle is a ruins fortification, even though it resisted the besiegement by Mountgarrett in 1642, but was later captured by Lord Castlehaven and the Confederates in 1645, only to be abandoned some time after this. MILLSTREET NATIONAL PARKA surprise is the ultimate treat for lovers of the outdoors as from the slopes of Knocknakilla you can see the higher slopes of Musheramore Mountain as they plummet to 183m below the valley. This is Millstreet Country Park, a microcosm of all that is precious to Heritage Lovers of all ages, this 500-acre park is yours to explore and enjoy and soak up the 'spirit' of this timeless landscape. Moorlands, managed wetlands all complete in spectacle and beauty will vie for your attention with rich meadows, tumbling rivers, lakes, extensive young woods and peaceful ornamental grounds. The park is home to an extensive flora and fauna; you may travel miles of living trails and enjoy the mystical spectacle of 600 red deer silhouetted against ancient stone circles. There is something for all visitors whether they plan an active exploration of the park or just a restful stroll in the gardens. The crannog acts as a notable feature of many walks, picnics and photographs. The mood of this striking scene is ever changing with the light of dawn, day and dusk. The ancient standing stones portray an air of permanence, set in a landscape changed over millennia both by human hand and climate influence. With abundant fresh air, good appetites are satiated with superb meals in the restful and beautiful visitor centre which provides a spacious reception area for a restaurant, shop and cinema and is set amongst gardens in the lower part of the park overlooking lakes and the colorful herb rich meadow. |
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