Rural Communities

Mallow is the largest town along the Blackwater Valley and is surrounded by 13 rural communities each with its own attractiveness and special character. Traditionally, Mallow has served as a market town and service centre for its extensive rural, agricultural hinterland. Even though the importance of agriculture to the local economy has lessened, the relationship between Mallow and its rural communties remains very strong.

Many people who work in Mallow or attend school live in the hinterland. Additionally, many of Mallow's residents are originally from these thirteen rural communities and continue to have family connections there. Because these communities offer so much to the local economy, quality of life, heritage and amenities their importance is increasingly appreciated.

Ballyclough

Ballyclough is a very pleasant village located about 5 miles north of Mallow in a primarily rural situation. The village has an assocation with a now inactive limestone quarry, hence its gaelic name Baile na gCloch.  It is situated in a particularly attractive setting and is adjacent to a well preserved castle which was built by the Desmond family in 1591.

Stone estate walls and mature trees add greatly to the character of the village. Given its historic significance, it is one of the Blackwater Valley's 'Villages of Tradition' (link). For its size the village has a good range of facilities including a church, national school and a community centre. Ballyclough has an active and welcoming community.

Agricultural activity brings commercial activity to the village from the surrounding hinterland. The village is a local service centre has a number of commerical facilities including a post office, a convenience store, a number of public houses and a Dairygold Co-op store.  There is easy access to Mallow and nearby Buttevant as well as to Cork and Limerick.

Buttevant

Buttevant was originally built by the Barrys in the 13th century and today visitors can still trace the last 800 years through the various churches, castles, mills and market houses which are to be found here. The ancient open air Cahirmee Horsefair is still held on the Main Street of Buttevant. Buttevant and Doneraile share a point-to-point, which is celebrated with occasional re-runs of the event, which dates back to 1752. A plaque commemorating the event can be seen on the Main Street. The Blackwater Valley Cycle Trail passes through Buttevant.

Doneraile

Doneraile, a thriving town in the 18th and 19th Centuries, continues to prosper today. Although the countryside around Doneraile is very beautiful, its main interest lies in its wealth of historical associations. Kilcolman Castle is located nearby which belonged to Edmund Spenser the famous poet. Doneraile was also known as home to many literary figures, including Canon Sheehan, John B. Keane and Elizabeth Bowen. 

Doneraile Park, 160 hectares of parklands with mature groves of deciduous trees and a number of deer herds, is one of the many tourist attractions located in Doneraile.  The Blackwater Valley Cycle Trail passes through Doneraile in a looped section comprising of Buttevant, Mallow and Doneraile. Doneraile is also one of the Blackwaters' Villages of Tradition.

Castletownroche

Castletownroche is a charming village, which is rich in amenities and attractions that will hold the interest of visitor and resident alike. Just one mile south from the village is Bridgetown Priory, a 13th Century Augustinian Friary and one mile north of the village is the renowned Annesgrove Gardens. Blackwater Castle rebuilt by the Widenhams has recently been restored to accommodate commercial guests. The castle has a number of self-catered apartments with modern amenities. 

It may also be rented for events such as weddings. Knockanare Well can be found on the premises of Blackwater Castle on the Awbeg River. With beautiful scenery, walking, fishing, cycle routes, restaurants, pubs and shops open daily; Castletownroche is a gem in the Mallow hinterland and is also one of the Blackwaters' Village of Tradition.

Killavullen

Killavullen, located on the banks of the River Blackwater was home to Nano Nagle, founder of the Presentation Order of Nuns and Richard Hennessy, the distiller who established the Famous Hennessy Brandy. The village contains the modern Ballymacmoy House, home of the Hennessy family of Cognac fame. The original was a short distance up river. 

The present house was built in 1818. From it, a stairs cut into the rock leads to the riverbank and a number of caves, some of which are quite extensive. When excavated the caves yielded the remains of Irish Elk, brown bear, wolf and other animals from the end of the Ice Age. Located to the south of the village is the Killavullen loop walk, which provides magnificent views of the Blackwater Valley.

Shanballymore

Shanballymore is a small village off the main route from Mallow to Mitchelstown. In 1929, a co-operative creamery was built, part of the successful co-operative movement, which blossomed in late 19th century Ireland. The creamery closed in 2003. To the south of the village, the ruins of Dannanstown flourmill survive on the banks of the Awbeg. A number of bronze plaques highlight some of the many heritage sites located in the village.

Dromohane / Glantane

The villages of Dromohane and Glantane are located just 5Kms outside Mallow. Both of these villages are nestled in the Blackwater Valley and enjoy a rural setting although close to Mallow. Activities such as tennis, walking and fishing, and facilities such as the nearby Cork Race Course nearby, provide visitors and residents alike an opportunity to get out and about! Dromohane has rich links to the Irish Nationalism as Thomas Russell founder of the Young Irelanders was born here.

Lombardstown

Lombardstown is about 5kms from Mallow. This small rural village is easily accessible from Mallow as it is just off the main Killarney to Mallow road. Lombardstown is serviced by a local post office, shop and three public houses. The village is also the site of a ground breaking Sustainable housing project (www.blackwater-resources.com/sushouse/aboutproj.html)

Liscarroll

The name of Liscarroll is derived from an earthen fort erected by the O'Carroll's, in the early Mediaeval Period. The Present village owes its origins to the Anglo-Normans, whose invasion of Ireland in 1169AD brought sweeping cultural, economic, social and administrative changes throughout the country. There are over 100 known archaeological sites in Liscarroll parish, some of which, such as the mediaeval parish church and graveyard is located on an outcrop of rock north of the village. 

In Liscarroll the co-operative movement enjoyed rapid development where the farmer-owned Liscarroll Co-operative Dairy Society founded a creamery in 1891. This creamery gave great vibrancy and industry to Liscarroll throughout its history. In 1969, as part of moves to rationalise the Irish dairy industry, Liscarroll Co-op amalgamated with the Mallow-based Ballyclough Co-operative Creamery which, in 1990, merged with Mitchelstown Co-op to form Dairygold.

Burnfort

Burnfort is a little village situated 1.8 miles off the main road from Mallow to Cork. This small rural village consists of a number of houses, a church and school. The Blackwater Way Walking trail is located just north of Burnfort.

Churchtown

Churchtown is a beautiful village located about three miles north of Buttevant. The famous actor Oliver Reed was a resident there and is buried in the 13th Century cemetery in the hear of the village. www.churchtown.net