www.ballyhouracountry.com
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BALLYHOURA COUNTRY ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURE GUIDE
Introduction Ballyhoura Country is famous for its beautiful landscape– perfect for relaxing strolls and rides through the country. But if all that sounds too leisurely don’t worry…. You’ve come to the right place. If your idea of a short break involves getting the heart beating a little faster there are a range of great outdoor activities available all inviting you to create your very own Ballyhoura Adventure break. Ballyhoura Country, situated in the southwest region of Ireland, on the borders of counties Limerick, Tipperary and Cork has a wonderful varied landscape with parklands and forest, waterways and mountains, cliff tops and valleys all just waiting to be explored. The natural landscape is perfect for outdoor activities and this guide will let you create your very own adventure with a selection of outdoor activities and events all designed to allow you have a memorable adventure. Learn new skills, get into new sports, meet new people, go on a lung-bursting climb up ancient hills, take to the sky, paragliding high above the Golden Vale with nothing but the sound of the wind in your ear, scale the heights of the spectacular Galtee Mountains, launch yourself down a rugged forest on a mountain bike, hit the saddle and take to the back roads, there’s miles of cycle ways to be explored! Whatever your adventure be sure to stop and take a deep breath, feel the wind in your face, taste real foods and experience the warm hospitality. However you choose to spend your days and nights in Ballyhoura Country you will find yourself reinvigorated and always longing for more.
Accommodation From secluded rural retreats to delightful old farmhouses and from intimate B&B’s to quaint self catering homes and elegant country houses accommodation throughout Ballyhoura Country offers the highest quality standards with a guaranteed warm welcome. Your choice of accommodation is also ideally situated and suited for outdoor sports and activities, being close to the action allows more time for exploring and experiencing the area. Aside from providing a comfortable place to stay your hosts will also offer a wealth of advice and information. Some cater for activities by offering early breakfasts, storage for equipment and drying facilities for wet clothes.
Booking To create your personal adventure contact the activity operators, find what you’re looking for and book directly. The accommodation listing here is just the beginning and a full listing is available on www.ballyhouracountry.com or telephone + 353 (0) 61 91 300 for the most up to date information. Corporate Days Out and Group Bookings Ballyhoura Country Holidays specializes in group holidays to the Ballyhoura area and will do all the work for you by tailor making your packages and booking your accommodation and transport. www.ballyhouraholidays.com Tel: + 353 (0) 63 90418 / + 353 (0) 87 2873916 or email: bcholidays@eircom.net Access Ballyhoura Country Many routes will lead you to Ballyhoura country either by public or private transport you just have to choose! International Access The area is easy to reach by plane or ferry from the UK, Europe and North America. The nearest access points into Ireland for visiting Ballyhoura Country are Cork Airport, Shannon Airport, Kerry Airport or Cork Ferryport. While Dublin Airport, Rosslare Ferryport, or Dun Laoghaire Ferryport (Dublin) are all less than three hours drive from the heart of Ballyhoura Country. Public Transport Bus Eireann - Bus Eireann operate a comprehensive provincial service to the many towns and villages throughout Ballyhoura Country. These services operate out of the main urban centres at Limerick, Cork and Tipperary. www.buseireann.ie Irish Rail - operates a regular train service from Limerick, Dublin, Cork and Tralee to stations at Charleville or Limerick Junction. www.irishrail.ie
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Angling Ballyhass Lakes, a private salmon fishery, is an ideal location for all year round angling holidays Ballyhass consists of two superb spring water lakes with plentiful rainbow and brown trout, ideal for fly fishing. Once introduced to the lakes, the fish feed only from the fly and insect life and there are plentiful salmon trout and some very large rainbows and good size browns. The main lake is 12 acres and can fished (fly only) from the banks but is best fished by boat. The water is 8 - 11m deep in most places with very clear visibility. Experienced anglers will be challenged to seek the larger fish from these depths while the lake is also ideal for those new to the art of fly fishing. The upper lake is 2.5 acres and can be fished from the bank with worm, spinners and bubble and fly. The lakes regularly produce fish over 10 lbs and on a good days fishing the experienced angler could meet an average of 15 fish. We reckon there could be up to five thousand fish in the lakes! Since the lakes were once a working limestone quarry, there is a plentiful supply of snails and insects which form a natural feed for the trout. In general a fly size 8 - 14 does well, and little gold beads with dark body are attractive. Fly rods can by hired and our resident ghillie is available to tutor and assist visitors to the lakes. Boats suitable for up to two or three anglers can be reserved and hired with life jackets. Facilities include ample car parking, boat hire, rod hire, electronic weighing scales, tackle shop, barbeque areas and rain shelters, toilets; tea, coffee, light snacks and accommodation. The lakes are open all year - every day from 09.00 to dusk.
Ballyhass Lakes Cecilstown, Mallow, Co. Cork Tel: 022 27773 Fax: 022 27990 info@ballyhasslakes.ie web: www.ballyhasslakes.ie
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Clonlara Trout Angling Centre At Clonlara Trout Angling Centre, located 6 miles from Limerick City, provides the ideal setting for a relaxing and fun day`s fishing for both young and the young at heart. The Centre provides natural river angling for both the beginner and the expert angler. The river is stocked regularly with wild Brown trout weighing between 1lb to 12lbs. The Centre has a full Tackle Hire service available, including spinning & fly rods, baits & flies. Clonlara Fishery can offer expert tuition for fly casting and fly tying. Corporate and Group days are catered for and ghillie service is also available. Hire Charges Fly or spinning rod, reel and line per session, €10 Boat Hire up to 3 anglers €20 Ghillie and/or fly fishing lessons price on request Salmon Fishing on the Cork Blackwater also arranged: April: €30 per day May - September: €50 per day Clonlara Trout Angling Centre, Clonlara, Co. Clare. Telephone : 00 353 61 354023 Email: clonlarafishery@msn.com Web: www.clonlarafishery.com
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BALLYHOURA COUNTRY ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURE GUIDE
Cycling and Mountain Biking Ballyhoura Country remains unspoilt and undiscovered with hundreds of miles of almost traffic-free lanes on which you can walk and cycle. There is no better way than a cycle route to enable you to experience the people, place and pace of Ballyhoura Country. A cycle through Ballyhoura Country will enrich your visit, allowing you to discover the attractiveness of less congested landscapes, towns and villages. From leisurely cycling to challenging road cycling, quiet country roads make the many signposted routes a joy to navigate. The routes are designed to allow you visit the sites of interest along the way. The beauty of cycling the trails is that they can be joined at any stage and pass alongside numerous cultural and heritage sites and outdoor activities. The routes are fully signed with map boards in towns and villages along the trails. Cyclists have a choice of way marked trails to follow, the Ballyhoura Trail takes in the scenic and historical landscape of north Cork taking you through towns like Castletownroche and Churchtown, the Golden Vale trail takes you from the level pasture lands to the north, from which the Golden Vale (112km) derives its name, to the foot of the highest inland mountain, Galtymore. The undulating picturesque countryside on the southern side takes in Griston Bog, the medieval town of Kilmallock, and around Lough Gur, famous for its many archaeological sites. The Sli Finn (30km) is an archaeological, mythological and historic discovery which follows quiet roads winding through scenic rolling hill country. It also offers opportunities for pleasant village stops, way-marked loop walks, nature trails, angling and bird watching. The Black water Cycling Trail is a 191Km long spanning from Rathmore to Midleton, the route passes through 18 villages and towns including Doneraile taking in a wide range of historical sites along the route.
Opening Summer 2007 The Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Centre opens in Summer 2007 ! 96 Km of World Class Cross Country Mountain Biking. Keep up to date on the development.
Contact: Ballyhoura Fáilte, Kilfinane, Co.Limerick. Tel: 063 91300 Email: info@ballyhoura.org www.ballyhouracountry.com
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Equestrian Equestrian activities on offer in the area include trekking through the peaceful countryside; horse-riding lessons for the beginner and advanced rider, polo and hunting. Of course, Ballyhoura Country is also the ideal base for enjoying equestrian spectator sports such as horse-racing and point-topoint, with many tracks within easy driving distance. Trekking Hillcrest Equestrian Centre offers trekking on the Ballyhoura/Glen of Aherlow Trail. The trail begins at Hillcrest and wanders its way through the breathtakingly beautiful Glen of Aherlow. The aim on the trail ride is to relax, make new friends and enjoy the scenery and hospitality of the area. Hillcrest Equestrian Centre offers training in Show Jumping, Dressage and Cross Country catering for all grade of rider from beginner to advanced providing horses suitable for any rider. Children and adults equestrian camps are provided from the beginning of June to the end of August. The area is famous for its hunts and Hillcrest can arrange excellent fox hunting with the Scarteen’s, Limerick’s, Tipperary’s, and Kilkenny hunts while also providing pre hunting lessons. Hillcrest also organise liveries, making and breaking horses, grooming, stable management, riding club, pre hunting lessons and provide professional teaching to students up
to B.H.L.A.I and B.H.S.I.I examinations . Hillcrest is A.I.R.E and Fáilte Ireland approved Hillcrest Equestrian Centre Tel/Fax: 353(0)6237915 E-mail: hillcrestcentre@eircom. net Web: www.irishabroad.com/ holidays/horseriding/hillcrest
Other Equestrian Centres in the area include: Ivy Bridge Equestrian Centre offer a wide range of services for the equestrian enthusiast, with beautiful trekking countryside at its door step and top class facilities for the keen show jumper or dressage rider. Private individual tuition is a specialty while Ivy Bridge also provides 10 stables, an all weather arena, refreshments, car parking, pick up from train or airport. Tailor made itineraries to suit individual’s needs. One and three hour horse trekking tours available through local countryside and forest David Boult Ivy Bridge Equestrian Centre, Mourne Abbey, Mallow, Co. Cork. Tel: 086 8110217 Email: davidboult@eircom.net
Churchtown Riding School is set on 48 acres near the picturesque village of Churchtown in North Cork. The Riding School has an outdoor arena, 3 horses and 5 ponies and offers livery facilities. The Riding School offers crosscountry and tuition for BHS, Pony Club and Riding Club exams and summer camps and also offers private lessons to individuals. Churchtown Riding School Norma Bourke, Riding School, Carrigeen, Churchtown, Mallow, Co. Cork Tel: 022 48417
Point-to-point The point to point season in Ireland begins on New Years Day and finishes the last day in May. If you are lucky enough to be touring Ballyhoura Country during these months, the point to point experience is a must. For further information on exact dates, times and venues log onto www. ballyhouracountry.com
Hunting Hunting is popular in Ballyhoura Country, with the Scarteen Hunt, Limerick Harriers, Duhallow and
Tipperary Hunt. The season runs from October to March.
Polo Polo Returns to Cork - Opening August 2007After an interval of 75 years, the sport of Polo comes back to Co. Cork. Cork Polo Club, based at Killabraher, Dromina officially re-opens in August 2007 with a demonstration match between Argentina and Ireland and a tournament between Cork and three other counties. The tournament will be run over three days from Saturday 4th of August and the finals will be played on Monday the 6th. Entry for spectators is free. Anyone wishing to try the sport of polo, with or without riding experience, should contact the organisers at the details below. The club will offer polo 5 days a week from May to October, a number of international tournaments and regular social events. Mark Selway Polo Festivals Ltd Killabraher Polo Dromina Co. Cork www.killabraher.com info@killabraher.com Tel: +353 87 206 0510
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BALLYHOURA COUNTRY ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURE GUIDE
Good Food Guide to Ballyhoura Country: Ballyhoura Country lies in the heart of the Golden Vale, home to Ireland’s finest dairy land. There is a long tradition of quality food produce from the area. World renowned companies such as the Kerry Group and Dairygold are based in the area and there is a growing number of small and medium sized food production companies producing a variety of top class products in the area. When you are in the area be sure to sample some of the great food on offer.
Cheese A wide variety of cheeses find their home in Ballyhoura Country. Cheddars such as “Charleville” and Edams such as “Galtee” can be found in almost every store. For the more discerning cheese connoisseur award winning cheeses such as Oisin Farmhouse Cheese produce a range of cheeses from their own organic goat herd and a nearby organic cows milk supplier. Their cheeses include a fresh goat log, a cows milk washed rind, a blue goats and a cheddar. Or alternatively you could seek out Clonmore Goats Cheese, which has also won national and international prizes for it’s goats cheese.
Healthy Foods Radical Fruits is another award winning company based in the region and they produce fresh fruit smoothies and juices. A Taste of Summer Foods produce fresh salads that can be found at any deli counter in the area and for those with a sweet tooth David Lee J Honey is produced in Kildorrery. All of these fine products can be found in O’Callaghans Delicatessen in Mitchelstown, who stock an excellent range of Healthy Foods from the area and further afield.
Pork Produce The area is also famous for its pork produce with Galtee rashers and sausages a market leader. However there are a number of smaller scale producers such as Hodgins Sausages, Glen Aine Fine Foods and Hanley’s Butchers in Mitchelstown who make excellent puddings and sausages. Global Fine foods produce a range of smoked and cured hams from their base in Bruree.
Fresh Produce If the direct approach is more your style why not check out the fresh produce of our Farmers markets, where you will be able to source fresh fruit & veg, eggs, jams, fish, breads & confectionary. Farmers Markets operate in the towns surrounding the mountain park on Thursday mornings in Croom, on Friday mornings in Kilmallock and on Saturday mornings in Mitchelstown.
Mitchelstown Good Food Festival: Each August Mitchelstown showcases good food from all over the country at it’s festival. The event has cookery demonstrations, hot food stands, an ever-expanding marquee village of food stands and entertainment for all the family. For exact times and dates contact Bill Power at 087-8113611.
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Accommodation Business Name
Address
Telephone No
Website
The Farm Cottages
Castletownroche, Co.Cork
00 353 (0) 22 26103
dmagner@eircom.net
www.thefarmcottages.com
Throughstone Self Catering Coach House
Castletownroche, Co.Cork
00 353 (0) 22 26750
throughstone@hotmail.com
Marengo
Ballyhea, Charleville, Co.Cork
00 353 (0) 63 89658
marengoballyhea@eircom. net
www.marengoaccommodation.com
Glenroe Cottage
Glenroe, Co.Limerick
00 353 (0) 63 86029
marycoffey5@ireland.com
www.glenroecottage.com
Bruff Accommodation
Bruff, Co.Limerick
00 353 (0) 87 0685444 stayinbruff@eircom.net
CastleView Cottage
Bruff, Co.Limerick
00 353 (0) 87 0685444 stay@castleviewcottages.ie
www.castleviewcottages.ie
The Old Bank
Bruff, Co.Limerick
00 353 (0) 61 382832
admin@oldbank.ie
www.theoldbank.ie
Desmond Lodge
Lough Gur, Co.Limerick
00 353 (0) 61 382963
bridget@desmondlodge.ie
www.desmondlodge.ie
Annies Place
Grange, Co.Limerick
00 353 (0) 61 382625 087 9397714
margaretokeeffe@icmsa.ie
Glengrove
Ballyneety, Co.Limerick
00 353 (0) 61 351399
glengrove@iolfree.ie
Harkaway
Skenakilla, Castletownroche, Co.Cork
00 353 (0) 22 26337
harkawayquirke@yahoo.com www.harkawaycottages. com
Ash Hill
Kilmallock, Co.Limerick
00 353 (0) 63 98035
ashhill@iol.ie
www.ashhill.com
Dairy Guesthouse and Activity Centre
Dromkeen, Cappamore, Co.Limerick
00 353 (0) 61 388807 0876669186
info@dairyguesthouse.com
www.dairyguesthouse.com
Castleoliverfarm
Castleoliver, Ardpatrick, Co.Limerick
00 353 (0) 63 91667 087-9844430
Info@castleoliverfarm.com
www.castleoliverfarm.com
Ballyhoura Forest Homes
Ballyorgan, Co.Limerick
00 353 (0) 1 6683534
reservations@ tridentholidayhomes.ie
www.thh.ie
Ballyhorua Country Holidays
Bruree, Co.Limerick
00 353 (0) 63 90418 0872873916
bcholidays@eircom.net
www.ballyhouraholidays. com
Woodview B&B
KilďŹ nane, Co. Limerick
00 353 (0) 63 91106 0876406173
josiekilďŹ nane@hotmail.com
Tig Roy, Ionad Chultuir Gaelach
An Gallbhaile, Co. Thiobraid Arann
00 353 (0) 62 37032 087 2572281
tighroy@eircom.net
www.tigroy.com
Ballyhass Lakes
Cecilstown, Mallow,Co. Cork
00 353 (0) 22 27773
info@ballyhasslakes.ie
web: www.ballyhasslakes.ie
Check out www.ballyhouracountry.com for a full list of accommodation listings
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BALLYHOURA COUNTRY ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURE BALLYHOURA COUNTRY ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURE GUIDE
Kilfinane OEC Kilfinane Outdoor Education Centre Kilfinane, Co. Limerick. Tel: 063-91161 Fax: 063-91201 Email: koec@eircom.net www.kilfinaneoec.com
Sample Programme Fri eve: Indoor Rock climbing Sat: Option A: Canoe Trip on R Shann
Located in the heart of Ballyhoura Country, Kilfinane Outdoor Education Centre is the ideal venue for the outdoor enthusiast. Whether you want to scale rock-faces, paddle down rapids or simply want a relaxing introduction to hill walking or kayaking the Kilfinane OEC has a course for you. Kilfinane OEC provides courses from Introductory to Instructor Level in Kayaking, Canoeing, Rock climbing, Hill walking & Orienteering. Kilfinane Outdoor Education Centre cater for groups all year round and individuals can choose from our extensive training course list. Courses are offered on a residential (fully catered) and nonresidential basis. Kilfinane OEC is approved by the Department of Education and Science and holds full Public Liability Insurance.
Option B: Kayaking & Abseiling Sun: Option A: Full Day Rock climbing Option B: Hill walk & Orienteering
Kilfinane OEC Hill walking Located at the edge of the Ballyhoura Mountains & within a short drive of the Galty’s, Kilfinane OEC is the ideal location for Hill walkers. Our most popular course is the Mountain Skills series, which is designed to give hill walkers the skills they need to safely participate in walking in the Irish hills. We also provide Mountain Leadership Training & complementary courses such as first aid & night navigation.
Teen Adventure Holidays - Kilfinane OEC
Course
5 Day’s of action packed adventure. Our Teen Adventure Holidays offer a real taste of Outdoor Adventure. Activities include Kayaking, Rock-climbing, Abseiling, River trips, Hill walking, Canoeing, Camping & much more. Participants will learn a wide range of new skills and bring home many wonderful stories & experiences. Course fees include activities, full board & 24hr supervision provided by experienced and professional staff.
Non Res
Course
Dates - 2007
Price €
Teen Adventure Holiday
Jul 30th – Aug 3rd
€220.00
Weekend Adventure Holidays - Kilfinane OEC Our holiday programmes take advantage of the many beautiful waterways and local mountain ranges. Activity options include Kayaking, Canoeing, Rock-climbing, Hill walking, Abseiling & much more. Our all inclusive package includes comfortable accommodation, excellent food, transport, specialist equipment and of course a challenging adventure. Course
Dates - 2007
Price €
Weekend Adventure Holiday
April 27 / 28 / 29, June 8 / 9 / 10, Aug 24 / 25 / 26
€220.00
Dates - 2007
Price €
Mountain Skills 1
Feb 24 / 25, Mar 31 / 1st , Sep 22 / 23, Nov 24 / 25
€130.00
Mountain Skills 2
Feb 24 / 25, Mar 31 / 1st , Sep 22 / 23, Nov 24 / 25
€150.00
Mountain Skills Assessment
Apr 27 / 29, Nov 23 / 25
€160.00
Mountain Leader Week
Oct 29th – Nov 3rd
tbc
Res
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URE GUIDE
Kilfinane OEC Rockclimbing
First Aid - Kilfinane OEC
Kilfinane OEC provides a range of Rockclimbing Courses suitable for all levels. Our qualified instructors will take you through the basics using our Indoor Climbing wall & develop those skills at our outdoor climbing venues. Our indoor facilities mean that even on those wet evenings we can continue to climb. All specialist equipment is provided & included in course fees. Our courses are sociable & so a great way of meeting up with other rock climbers with similar experience.
The Rescue and Emergency Care (REC) Scheme offers an interesting & practical approach to first aid. REC is suited to those involved in sport and the outdoors and provides practical solutions to administering first aid in more remote locations
Course
Dates - 2007
Price €Non Res
Open Climb – Indoorspublic sessions
Feb 2/9/16/23, Mar 2/9/23/30,
€10.00
Course
Dates - 2007
Price € Non Res
Res
REC 2: - Basic First Aid
Sep 29/30
€140.00
€200.00
REC 3: - Intermediate First Aid
Sep 29/30
€140.00
€200.00
Kayaking - Kilfinane OEC
Apr 6/20/27, May 11/18/25 Sep 14/21/28, Oct 5/12/19/26, Nov 2/9/16/23/30 Dec 7/14 Indoor Wall Climbing Course – 4 evenings
Feb 2/9/16/23
€10.00
Introduction to Rockclimbing – 4 evenings.
Jun 5/12/19/26, Jul 5/10/17/24
€120.00
Crag Skills – 2 Days
Jul 21/22, Sep tbc
€130.00
Learn to Lead Outdoors – 2 Days
Aug 25/26
€180.00
Single Pitch Award (SPA) 2 Day + 1evening
Oct 6/7
€240.00
Kilfinane OEC provides a range of Kayaking Skills & Coaching Courses suitable for all levels. Challenge yourself to some water based activity. Our Kayaking courses are located in the best paddling spots in the region. We offer Kayaking for Beginners on flat water, Introduction to White Water for those with some experience & Advanced White Water Skills for the more accomplished paddler. Our courses are approved & certified by the Irish Canoe Union. Course
Dates - 2007
Price € Non Res
Level 1 Introduction to Kayaking
May 23/30, June 13/20, July 11/18, Aug 22/29
€60.00
Level 2 Kayak Skills Training
Apr 28/29, May 12/13, June 9/10, July 14/15 Aug 25/26, Sep 15/16
€120.00
Level 2 Kayak Skills Assessment
May 19, Jul 21, Sep 22
€65.00
Kayak River Trips
Oct 6/20/27
€45.00
Level 3 Kayak Skills Training
Oct 13/14, Nov 17/18
€120.00
Level 3 Kayak Skills Assessment
Nov 3, Dec 8
€70.00
Level 4 Kayak Skills Training
Dec 1/2
€150.00
Canoeing - Kilfinane OEC Kilfinane OEC provide a range of Canoeing Skills & Coaching Courses suitable for all levels. Generally a 2 to 3 person craft, Canoes are used for both flat water journeying and whitewater paddling. Canoeing is a very sociable and relaxing activity suitable for all the family. On moving water it offers excitement, physical challenge & a test of skills. Our Canoeing courses are located on the many beautiful stretches of our local rivers. Course
Dates -2007
Price € Non Res
Level 1 Introduction to Canoeing
June 13/20, Aug 22/29
€60.00
Level 2 Canoe Skills Training + Assessment
Aug 25/26
€120.00
Level 3 Canoe Skills Training
Oct 13/14
€120.00
Res
€185.00
Res
€185.00
€185.00
€215.00
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BALLYHOURA COUNTRY ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURE GUIDE
Orienteering and Trim Trail With the support of
Ballyhoura two-day Orienteering Event The Ballyhoura Two-day Orienteering Event is run by Bishopstown Orienteering Club in and around the Ballyhoura area in North Cork/ Limerick. The 2007 Event takes place over the St. Patrick’s Weekend on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th March. Sat 17 THOMASTOWN WOOD, on Mitchelstown / Kilfinane road. Day 1 of Ballyhoura 2-Day (R695208) 11-1 pm Sun 18 GARRYARTHUR WOOD, off Mitchelstown / Kilfinane road. Day 2 of Ballyhoura 2-Day (R701169) , If you would like to participate in the Ballyhoura 2 Day Orienteering Event you should contact John O’Callaghan email: johnocallaghan2002@eircom.net Bishopstown Orienteering club hold events most Sundays in County Cork during the Autumn, Winter and Spring months, and on most Thursday evenings during the Summer months. Non-members are welcome at all of our events. For further information on the Bishopstown Orienteering Club Contact: Sean Cotter on tel:021-4546194 and email: Seancotter001@eircom.net
Trim Trail The Ballyhoura Trim Trail at Glenanaar, in the Ballyhoura Forest Park , opens in spring 2007 and will offer rope climbs, ladder walks, parallel bars, pole climbs, arm stretches, chin-up and lots more fitness stops along a 2.5 km trail. 10
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Paragliding Midland Paragliding, 6 Cashel Road Tipperary Town, Phone 062 -52429 Fax 062 -52429 Mobile: 086-2232955 Email: info@paragliding.ie www.paragliding.ie Paragliding training at Midland Paragliding School is in the very experienced hands of Chief Flying Instructor Jerry Parles making sure flying with Midland Paragliding is a fabulous experience where safety is paramount. Training is conducted on gentle nursery slopes, practicing take offs and ‘low hops’, instructors with very experienced pilots committed to maximizing your enjoyment and safe progress. Your instructor will explain how the canopy is laid out, checked, inflated and how it is controlled when on the ground and in the air, you’ll then take it in turns with other members of your group to have your first short training hops.
When you’ve become adept at ground handling, controlling airspeed and making gentle turns, you’ll go to a higher hill for longer flights. As you gain experience you’ll learn to soar - to stay up in favorable winds and make longer flights. Eventually top landing and no more climbing slopes and onward to flying for many miles across the Irish countryside........Heaven
Why not Join Falcon Paragliding and Hand Gliding club Email Now: infofalcon@eircom. net www.Falcon-club.net BHPA trained professional instructors. Small groups max. 4 novices, ensuring personal instruction time. High quality, user friendly training paragliders - harnesses - radios - helmets etc.....all included in the price. Flexible teaching hours.
Prices Hill Tandem Flight €105.00 Motorised Tandem Flight €135.00 Elementary Pilot Course €600.00 Club Pilot Course cost per day €150.00 Paramotor Course Beginner €1250
Clay Bird Shooting Lazy dog Ltd., Ray Sampson Bobernore, Knocklong Co.Limerick Tel: 062 53563 Mob: 087 9079556 The Lazy Dog clay bird shooting club was founded in 2002. The ground is situated in Ballinatober woods on the outskirts of the village of Kilfinane, Co. Limerick. Each Wednesday and Saturday the grounds host open shooting from 6-9 pm with all other times strictly by appointment.
All equipment is provided and corporate bookings and groups are catered for. Tuition is now available with a C.P.S.A instructor. Beginners are advised to seek professional tuition when taking up the sport. The Grounds are N.A.R.G.C affiliated clay bird grounds. Facilities include: > > > > > >
Skeet layout Down the line Compact sporting Sporting 2 covered strands Floodlights
Helicopter Trips For something really different why not take a helicopter trip over the beautiful Ballyhoura Mountains. Gaelic Helicopters - (022) 22040/087 2575323 General Charter, Scenic and Golf Tours. Dromahane, Mallow. E-mail info@gaelichelicopters.com Web: www.gaelichelicopters.com
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BALLYHOURA COUNTRY ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURE GUIDE
Nearby Activities University of Limerick Sports Centre University Arena University of Limerick Limerick, Ireland Contact Details: Tel: +353 (0) 61 213555 Fax: +353 (0) 61 213598 Email: query@universityarena. com
> Kitchen where hot drinks and refreshments can be prepared and a small indoor dining area.
Arena Indoor Facilities include:
Dinghy Sailing Courses
+ National 50m Swimming Pool
Powerboating
+ National Strength and Conditioning Centre
Wind surďŹ ng
+ Cardio-Fitness Centre
Kayaking & Canoeing
+ 4 Court Sports Hall Arena Outdoor Facilities
Dragon Boat racing
Arena Outdoor Facilities include: + 400m International Athletic Track
> Barbeque/picnic area on site. > Lecture room complete with up to date audiovisual lecturing facilities. > Wheelchair friendly.
High Ropes Course
University of Limerick Activity Centre ULAC UL Activity Centre, Two Mile Gate, Killaloe, Co. Clare Phone: +353 61 376622 Fax: +353 61 375137 E-mail: info@ulac.ie November - March 9am-5pm April - October 9am - 9pm ULAC located two miles from Killaloe in East Clare, is situated on the sheltered shores of Lough Derg. Rising from the lake the wooded hillsides of crag hill provide a perfect environment for a variety of land-based activities > Purpose built modern and safe environment for water based activities. > Heated changing facilities and hot showers for ladies and gents as well the luxury of a sauna.
Watergrass Hill Karting, Watergrasshill, Co. Cork. Tel. 021 488 9477 email: kartworld@eircom.net www.kartworld.ie Equestrian Clonshire Equestrian and Polo Centre Clonshire Equestrian and Polo Centre, Adare, Limerick, Ireland Tel: + 353 (0) 61 396770 e-mail: info@clonshire.com www.clonshire.com
Team Challenge Orienteering
+ Outdoor Pitches + Floodlight Astroturf
Karting Kilcornan Karting, Kilcornan, Co. Limerick Tel: 353 (0)61-393728 (0)-61-393733 email: info@limerickkarting.com www.limerickkarting.com
Archery
Munster 4*4 Munster 4x4 are proud to offer off road, green lane and safari tours into areas that are not open to the public. Experience the excitement and thrill of driving off-road miles and miles of abandoned trails. Deep washouts, steep slopes, streams and water logged boggy ground are just a few of the challenges that are in store for those with a sense of adventure. All off road trips are individually planned to your needs. For novice drivers and expert off road enthusiast alike, the terrain can be suited to your vehicle and needs, from open non-damaging tracks to more intense and challenging trails.
WaterSki Cork Powerboat and WaterSki Club Agherinagh, Lower Dripsey, Co. Cork Tel: 021 7334605/0863069202 Email: barry@waterskiireland. com Website: www.waterskiireland. com Team Building Little Orchard Doneen, Crecora, Co. Limerick, Tel. +353 61 320 292 email: info@funireland.com www.funireland.com Paint Ball Combat Zone Unit 4, Limerick Business Complex, Raheen Business Park, Limerick Tel/Fax : +353 61 302031 Mobile : +353 87 9305050 email : sales@combatzone.ie www.combatzone.ie
Please feel free to contact us at: info@munster4x4.com Contact: James Deane: 087 2639267
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Walking and Hiking WALKING BALLYHOURA COUNTRY Ballyhoura Country is a walker’s paradise offering spectacular walking in ancient and unspoilt landscapes. Whether your interests lie in short, easy walks or long distance walking, whether you prefer guided walks or to organise your walking independently, walkers of all abilities will be invigorated by the sheer beauty and tranquility of the area. There are many different walks available throughout Ballyhoura Country including: > Mountain Walks > Long Distance Trails > Mythological Walks > Woodland Walks > Bogland Walks > Archaeological/Historical Walks Alternatively, you can opt for a guided walk or why not join in with the local Walking Club ‘The Ballyhoura Bears’ a great bunch of expert walkers and mighty talkers with an in-depth knowledge of
Ballyhoura Country’s history and culture. The Ballyhoura Bears have an A and a B walk every Sunday throughout the year with B walks Thursday Nights throughout July and August. Log onto www. ballyhourabears.com find out this weeks walk and join in.
Map Boards are located throughout Ballyhoura Country at 22 different locations.
BALLYHOURA COUNTRY LOOP WALKING TRAILS
LOUGH GUR GUIDED WALKING TOURS GRANGE, CO. LIMERICK
There are twenty-two loop walks throughout Ballyhoura Country for every type of enthusiast, whether interested in a country stroll, or more of a challenge. These shorter circular waymarked walks have been built into the course of the Ballyhoura Way. They are all colour-coded starting and finishing at the same point, with many places of interest to visit along the way.
Times: Wednesdays & Fridays at 7:30pm (from Grange Stone Circle) July and August:
Maps for these walks are available in selected shops throughout Ballyhoura Country including the Tourist Information Office, Kilfinane, Co. Limerick.
Pick up a copy of Geoff Hunts Limerick Nature Walks A comprehensive guide to nature walks in County Limerick
Contact: Michael Quinlan 087 2739199 GALBALLY HISTORICAL WALK TO MOOR ABBEY Times: Tuesdays May to August 7.30 pm: Contact: Jim Fitzgerald 062 37920 BALLYHOURA INTERNATIONAL WALKING FESTIVAL May Bank Holiday Weekend 2007 Featuring the Ballyhoura Mountain Marathon Challenge along with three days of great guided walks on the Ballyhoura and Galtee Mountains.
GALTYMORE MOUNTAIN CLIMB Galtymore is the third highest mountain in Ireland (3,684 ft) and can be climbed from the south and west. The north climb is for experienced hill-walkers - not for the faint hearted but definitely worth the effort for the view. It is also possible to visit the “Galty Lakes”, where legend has it witches were drowned, as the lakes are reputed to be bottomless. BALLYHOURA MOUNTAIN PARK The Ballyhoura Mountain Park is a nature 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 walking. Thanks to its many marked walking routes, visitors can fully enjoy its peace and beauty at leisure. Access to Ballyhoura Mountain Park is at, Green Wood, Ardpatrick, Co. Limerick
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BALLYHOURA COUNTRY ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURE GUIDE
INTRODUCTION TO THE BALLYHOURA WAY
ROUTE INFRASTRUCTURE
The Ballyhoura Way is a 90km way-marked trail. It follows the route of the Irish Chieftain O’Sullivan Beare who marched from Castletownbere to Leitrim between December 1602 and January 1603. You can retrace their steps across the pastures and highlands of Ballyhoura, with views of the rolling acres of the Golden Vale and the six counties of Munster. The scene from the summit of Slievenamuc sweeps from the majestic Galty Mountains to the rich Glen of Aherlow. It is an attractive and varied walking route including lowlands, mountains and riverbanks.
The Walking Routes are signposted with standard waymarkers - the familiar yellow arrow and walking man to guide you through the countryside. Stiles and bridges have been erected where necessary.
The Ballyhoura Way stretches from John’s Bridge to Limerick junction and is divided here into 7 sections each representing a half days walking. The trail starts at St. John’s Bridge and ends at Limerick Junction Railway Station. It is essentially a fairly short, easy, lowlevel route; it is of interest to those walkers who have only a little experience of walking long distances. Accommodation options feature at intervals, so that it is possible to arrange either long or short day’s walks. Dozens of shorter circular waymarked walks have been built into the course of the Ballyhoura Way. These are all colour-coded, but to avoid confusion, the course of the Ballyhoura Way is consistently marked with yellow arrows throughout. There is also a waymarked link, mainly along roads, linking the course of the Ballyhoura Way with the course of the Blackwater Way. This link proceeds from the village of Ballylanders, on the Ballyhoura Way, running through the busy market town of Mitchelstown, to reach the Mountain Barrack Inn on the Blackwater Way. Arrows are Red - Yellow.
Maps and Guidebooks have been developed for the Ballyhoura Way and while it is possible to follow a trail simply by using the markers and signs, it is strongly recommended that walkers take a map-guide or guidebook. A Grading System has also been introduced for each walking section of the Ballyhoura Way. This grade gives a general indication as to the level of difficulty you can expect on each section of the walk. This is based on a number of indicators including underfoot conditions, quality of marking and trail furniture. BALLYHOURA COUNTRY GUIDED WALKS Guided Walks throughout Ballyhoura Country An excellent way of getting to know the Ballyhoura Countryside is to allow a trained tour guide lead the way. Local Guide Contacts: Michael Moroney: 087 9267948 Elizabeth Stanley: 086 2687123
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TRAIL OVERVIEW, BALLYHOURA WAY DAY 1
Walking Route Terrain
John’s Bridge All road. Mostly minor roads that can however carry fast to near traffic with the last 1 km on a Ballyhea
Distance
Time Estimate
Standard of Marking
20 km
6.5 hours
Good
Distance
Time Estimate
Standard of Marking
20 km
7.5 hours
Good
main road with wide margin.
DAY 2 Near Ballyhea to Green Wood Car Park Glenosheen
DAY 3 Green Wood Car Park Glenosheen to Kilfinane
DAY 4 Kilfinane to Ballylanders
Walking Route Terrain About 10 km forest road, 3 km rough path/open ground, remainder track and path. Easy walking on forest roads, some short steep climbs, rough path on top of a ditch, some of path on ditch and a short section of rough path can be wet
Walking Route Terrain About 4 km road, 5 km forest road, 1 km path, About 1.5 km road is Regional, remainder on 3rd class but traffic can travel fast on it, one section of forest very quiet and mainly used by walkers
Walking Route Terrain About 5 km road, 4 km forest road, 1 km track, remainder on path and grass; Road mainly quiet though section at start and finish can be busy, some of path winds through trees and can be a bit overgrown, short section of path very steep descent
Distance
Time Estimate
Standard of Marking
10 km
3.5 hours
Good
Distance
Time Estimate
Standard of Marking
11.5 km
4 hours
Good
Time Estimate
Standard of Marking
Ballylanders to Lisvernane
About 6 km road, 3 km forest road/track, 3 km through fields without path. Roads are quiet except for last section out of Galbally, in field section alongside river cross electric fencing at hose provided.
12 km
4.5 hours
Good
Walking Route Terrain
Distance
Time Estimate
Standard of Marking
11 km
4 hours
Good
DAY 7 Tipperary Town
Walking Route Terrain All road. Most along busy main road with footpath some of way and wide verge for remainder, take care crossing railway bridge
OSI Discovery Series Sheet 73
Maps and Guidebooks OSI Discovery Series Sheet 73
Maps and Guidebooks OSI Discovery Series Sheet 73 Map Guide to the Ballyhoura Way – Ballyhoura Failte The Way-marked Trails of Ireland – Michael Fewer
Distance
About 6 km on road, 4.5 km on forest road, 0.5 km path. Roads mainly quiet though 1 km on main road approaching Tipperary Town requires care, path on nature trail, good view of Glen of Aherlow from Christ the King Statue
Maps and Guidebooks
Map Guide to the Ballyhoura Way – Ballyhoura Failte The Way-marked Trails of Ireland – Michael Fewer
Walking Route Terrain
Lisvernane to Tipperary Town
OSI Discovery Series Sheets 72 and 73 Map Guide to the Ballyhoura Way – Ballyhoura Failte The Way-marked Trails of Ireland – Michael Fewer
Map Guide to the Ballyhoura Way – Ballyhoura Failte The Way-marked Trails of Ireland – Michael Fewer
DAY 5
DAY 6
Maps and Guidebooks
Maps and Guidebooks OSI Discovery Series Sheet 73, 74 and 66 Map Guide to the Ballyhoura Way – Ballyhoura Failte The Way-marked Trails of Ireland – Michael Fewer
Maps and Guidebooks OSI Discovery Series Sheet , 74 and 66 Map Guide to the Ballyhoura Way – Ballyhoura Failte The Way-marked Trails of Ireland – Michael Fewer
Distance
Time Estimate
Standard of Marking
4.5km
1.5 hours
Good
Maps and Guidebooks OSI Discovery Series Sheet , 66 Map Guide to the Ballyhoura Way – Ballyhoura Failte The Way-marked Trails of Ireland – Michael Fewer
Surrounding Landscape
Heritage
Surrounding landscape along this section includes the River Allow, hedgerows of elder, ash and whitethorn, and the Boggeragh, Ballyhoura and Galty mountains.
Heritage features of note include, St. John’s Bridge, Liscarroll Castle, Churchtown village and the 19th century castellated gateway of Burton Hall.
Surrounding Landscape
Heritage
Landscape features of note include, the Ballyhoura mountains, open moorland, forestry, Carron mountain, the Ballyhoura Mountain Park, the Slievereagh Hills and the Keale River.
Surrounding Landscape Along this section of the way visitors shall encounter the wooded Benyvoughella Hill, boreens, rich hedged grasslands and will be afforded views of the Galty mountains and the Slievereagh Hills.
Surrounding Landscape This section includes the Palatine wood, Benyvoughella Hill, the summit of Slievereagh and great views out to the Galty mountains.
Surrounding Landscape This section offers glimpses of the Galty Mountains, the River Aherlow, and Golden Vale.
Surrounding Landscape Landscape includes Slievenamuc, the Galty Mountains, farmland and forestry.
Along this section features of note include an ancient burial cairn on Carron Mountain, Ardpatrick recorded to have been founded by St. Patrick and Oliver’s Folly.
Heritage This section takes in the castellated gateway of Castle Oliver, two gallans and a lofty Norman motte that would appear to be in the middle of a much earlier ring fort.
Heritage Heritage features include a catholic church and the church tower in Ballylanders.
Heritage Heritage features include Galbally town, and the limestone monument to the IRA flying columns
Heritage Historic sites include the Glen of Aherlow, and a 2,000-year-old ogham stone.
Surrounding Landscape
Heritage
This section offers good views of the surrounding area including farmland and forestry.
Tipperary town is formed around a Norman Castle. It now has a bronze statue of Charles Kick ham. Limerick Junction is near where O’Sullivan Beare had a running battle with his enemies.
BALLYHOURA COUNTRY GUIDED WALKS. Guided Walks throughout Ballyhoura Country. An excellent way of getting to know the Ballyhoura Countryside is to allow a trained tour guide lead the way. Local Guide Contacts: Michael Moroney: 087 9267948. Elizabeth Stanley: 086 2687123
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Ballyhoura Failte, KilďŹ nane Co. Limerick Tel: 063 91300. email, info@ballyhoura.org, www.ballyhouracountry.com Supported by
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