Mallow, Cork, Ireland
THINGS TO DO
Mallow can boast a wide range of indoor, outdoor and spectator activities for all ages and preferences. There is a fine selection of amenities and activities in the town itself, including excellent leisure facilities, children's playgrounds and a large, riverside town park. Mallow is synonymous with horse racing, and the Blackwater River is a world famous angling destination. Nearby at Ballyhass Lakes, there are obstacle courses and fun for all the family. Cork Racecourse, the River Blackwater, Doneraile Park & Estate, and Annes Grove Garden are just some of the attractions within a 20 minute drive of the town. Mallow's central location means that in an hour's drive there is an unrivaled range of amenities.
Mallow Tourist Office is located in the centre of the town in the Town Hall and the staff would be delighted to assist you with any queries you may have.
+353 (0)22 42222
Mallow is steeped in history. The town initially developed as a defensive settlement protecting an important ford on the River Blackwater. The name Mallow derives from the Irish 'Maghalla' (Plain of the Swans). The town developed rapidly in the late 16th century as a plantation town. In the 18th and 19th centuries Mallow became famous as a spa resort and became known as 'The Irish Bath'.
Throughout the centuries the town has prospered as a market town, helped by its rich agricultural hinterland, its central location and its importance on the railway network. It has survived the 1920s burning and the frequent overflow of the Blackwater. Today, Mallow is a highly attractive town that has retained much of its character.
The old Mallow Castle stands at the centre of the town on the banks of the Blackwater. Behind it stands the new castle, a fine baronial building and well maintained. In the grounds is a herd of white fallow deer, all of which are descended from two bucks presented to a previous owner by Queen Elizabeth I.
Mallow Heritage Centre - Visit Site
+353 (0)22 50302
Mallow Heritage Centre provides a genealogy research service. Whether you are just beginning your search or it is well on the way to tracing your family history, the Mallow Heritage Centre will welcome and assist you.
St Anne's Historical & Heritage Society
+353 (0)22 21879
St Anne's Historical & Heritage Society is a voluntary group, and registered charity, dedicated to the preservation, conservation & documentation of Mallow's built heritage.
Mallow Field Club ( Mallow Archaeogical & Historical Society )
Mallow Field Club is a non-profit organisation promoting the gathering and dissemination of information on the history and archaeology of the area around Mallow in North Cork through field trips, lectures & the publication of an annual journal
Artisan & Distillery Tour - Visit Site
A guided tour will welcome you to the world of Longueville House's Independent Craft Distillery, Orchards and Cider Mill, giving you a unique insight into the ancient arts of cider making & brandy distilling.
You'll start your visit with a brief history of Longueville House and its heritage, then take a trip through the walled garden, orchard's, cider mill and distillery, where you'll sip on ciders and brandy as you learn all about Longueville's cider making and distilling history. You'll see first-hand how your favourite ciders and brandy are made.
Longueville House,
Ballyclough,
Mallow,
Co. Cork
P51 KC8K
+353 (0)22 47156
Nano Nagle Birthplace - Visit Site
A centre for heritage, spirituality and ecology, marking the birthplace of the foundress of the Presentation Congregation, Nano Nagle. Our mission is to preserve her memory and message. We run retreats, courses, school programmes and host conferences.
Visitors are welcome to come and do a heritage tour, cosmic walk, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Our base is an organic farm, with self-catering accommodation, spaces for reflection and learning about ecology & heritage, all of which nourish the body, mind and spirit.
Farmers Market every second Saturday.
Nano Nagle Birthplace,
Ballygriffin,
Mallow,
Co. Cork
P51 CV91
+353 (0)22 26411
Cork Racecourse Mallow - Visit Site
+353 (0)22 50207
Cork Racecourse Mallow is a modern racecourse set in the midst of deep woodlands on the bank of the Blackwater River approximately 2km from the town on the main Mallow to Killarney Road
Mallow Farmers Market - Visit Site
The Mallow Farmers' Market is held in St James Church grounds every Friday from 9am to 1pm. Come & enjoy fresh fish, bread, cakes, jams, eggs, preserves, poultry, vegetables & more
Donkey Sanctuary - Visit Site
+353 (0)22 48398
The Donkey Sanctuary is set in the rolling countryside just outside the village of Liscarroll. Since opening in 1987, over 4,900 donkeys have been taken into their care and provided with loving homes. Visitors can stroll the walkways or sit for a while and enjoy the company of the highly sociable, friendly donkeys who reside there. Opening hours are Monday – Friday, 9am to 4.30pm, Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holidays, 10am-5pm. Admission and parking are free. Donations of any size are welcome. There is an information centre and gift shop on site, and you can also ‘adopt’ a donkey.
Doneraile Park - Visit Site
The Park comprises approximately 166 hectares and is an outstanding example of an 18th century landscaped park. Mature groves of deciduous trees, several restored water features and a number of deer herds can be viewed along the Park's many pathways which are all generally accessible for people with special needs.
Doneraile Court, the former residence of the St. Leger family, is situated within the Park. It will be opened to the public in the future, following completion of necessary restoration and safety works.
Fishing
Game/ Course Angling
Visit Mallow Trout Anglers Club Site
The Blackwater catchment offers first class fishing of trout, salmon, roach, dace and perch. This excellent river has few equals as a competition water and is a most important game/coarse angling river. Permits for a day, week or longer can be purchased at The Bridge Bar (Tel :353 22 21057) and Country Lifestyle & Pet Store (Tel: 353 22 20121) , (contact the club directly for prices). A card will be issued upon payment which entitles the bearer to fish the club waters.
Walking
The Blackwater Way
The Blackwater Way combines the two routes of the Avondhu Way and the Duhallow Way walks and is over 180 kms long. The route is divided into 15 sections representing a half days trek. The trail offers a magnificent contrast of wild bogs, mountain, forest, roadways, glens, historic settlements, lakes, rivers and stretches of beautiful isolation in North Cork.
Knockroura Walk
Knockroura is a newly developed amenity 2.5 km south of Mallow comprising of forest walks, impressive scenery and picnic facilities. The route links Mallow Railway Station to Blackwater Way.
Killavullen Loop
Cloghvoolia North is a hill walk located just south of the village of Killavullen. The walk is 10 km long, winding through the woodlands and offering superb views of the Blackwater Valley to the north from Mallow to Fermoy.
Ballyhoura Mountain Park
The Ballyhoura Mountain Park 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 livelier pace along the fitness and orienteering trails, if preferred.
Sli na Slainte, Mallow
This 3.5 km begins at Mallow Town Park. To follow the route walk along the Park Road and onto West End turning left at the junction. Continue onto the roundabout and take the first exit onto the Cork Road (N20), passing the first kilometre sign and walking over the bridge. Continue out along the N20 and take the first left hand turn back towards the River Blackwater and the town centre (Dromohane/Coachford Road). Follow the road leading back into the town parallel to the River Blackwater for over 1km, pass the Resurrection Church before turning left over the bridge. Pass the third kilometre sign marker at the bridge and turn left and back to the starting point. Maps are available from the tourist office.
Mallow GAA Grounds Health Walk Track
+353 (0)22 50757
This purpose built path follows the perimeter fence of the 35 acre Sports Complex site. Walking is an excellent way to improve your health and fitness and is great for all ages. The path includes lighting every 20 metres for your safety. An annual registration fee of €25 for Adults and €10 for children and OAPs allows members to avail of this facility all year round.
Horse Riding
Ivy Bridge Equestrian Centre
(086) 8110217
Ivy Bridge Equestrian Centre offers a wide range of services for the equestrian enthusiast, with beautiful trekking countryside at its doorstop and top class facilities for the keen show jumper or dressage rider. One-hour displays are also available for tours on requests.
Eden Hill Language and Equestrian Centre - Visit Our Site
+353 (0)22 21143
Eden Hill Language and Equestrian Centre specialises in unaccompanied young people’s holidays where, onsite, they combine both English language learning and Equestrian activities. Supervised full-board accommodation is provided in the Courtyard of the main Georgian house.
Cycling
The Blackwater Valley Cycle Route
The Blackwater Valley Cycle Route is a 191 km long spanning from Rathmore to Midleton. The route passes through 18 villages and towns including Mallow. The beauty of "The Blackwater Valley Cycle Trail" is that it can be joined at any stage and that it boasts numerous cultural and heritage sites. The trail is also close to a wide range of activities from Fishing to Hot Air Balloon rides!! A loop section encompassing Mallow, Ballyclough, Buttevant and Doneraile can also be cycled and the trail is fully signed.
The Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails - Visit Site
+353 (0)63 91300
The largest trail network of its kind in Ireland. 98 km of trails including forest road climbs, tight twisty single track with loads of ups and downs, board walk, tight turns and technical rocky bits are guaranteed to leave you smiling. The trails range from the moderate 6 km Greenwood loop to the demanding Castlepook loop, over 50 km in length! Facilities at the trail head include map boards, car parking, toilets, showers and bike wash facilities. On arrival there is a secure car park with monitored CCTV cameras. Snacks and tea and coffee are also available for a reasonable price. Trail accommodation, bike rental and good food are available locally.
Golf
Mallow Golf Club - Visit Site
Ballyellis, Mallow, Co.Cork
+353 (0)22 21145
Surrounded by beautiful countryside and breathtaking scenery, the testing18 hole, 72 par course is both challenging and creative. Apart from the golf course, Mallow Golf Club has many other attractions including excellent clubhouse facilities, golf shop, squash courts, tennis, billiards and a sauna.
Pitch & Putt
Majestic Pitch and Putt
(087) 1316969
Gouldshill, Mallow. New members always welcome - Green Fees available
Kilshannig Pitch and Putt
+353 (0)22 47181
Located 5 miles outside Mallow in Glantane
Activity Centres
Ballyhass Lakes - Visit Site
Cecilstown, Mallow,
Co. Cork
+353 (0)22 27773
Ballyhass Lakes is Ireland's best known still spring water trout fishery, with 11 four star holiday homes and an activity centre for groups and schools, sports clubs and teams, and corporate team building.
Ballyhass Wake Park - Visit Site
Cecilstown, Mallow,
Co. Cork
+353 (0)22 27773
Ballyhass Wake Park is Ireland's largest cable wakeboarding facility. Cable wakeboarding uses an overhead cable which pulls you over the surface of the lakes. This is the most accessible water sport for all ages.
Playgrounds
Mallow has three playgrounds. One on Park Road across from Mallow Town Park, another at Sandfield, close to the Resurrection Church and Scoil Gobnatan and one in Woodview Drive.
Little Rascals - Check Us Out on Facebook
Majestic Business Park, Gouldshill,
Mallow, Co.Cork
+353 (0)22 51408
Little Rascals is an indoor children's activity and adventure centre located just outside the town of Mallow. It is open 7 days a week from 10am to 7pm. The centre boasts plenty of children's activities such as Super Slides and Ball Ponds but also a coffee area for Mums and Dads.
Mallow Swimming Pool - Check Us Out on Facebook
New Road,
Mallow Co.Cork
+353 (0)22 21863
Residents and visitors alike can avail of Mallow swimming pool. There is an indoor 25-metre Swimming Pool, a Kiddies Splash Pool, steam room and viewing area. Tea and coffee facilities.
Hibernian Fitness Pool & Spa - Visit Site
HiB Fitness, Bowling Green
Mallow Co.Cork
+353 (0)22 58291
Mallow ' The Crossroads of Munster's ', easily accessible by car, bus or train. Mallow boasts a comprehensive bus service and train service connecting to such places as Cork, Limerick, Killarney, Tipperary, Rosslare, Dublin etc. Taxis are available locally.
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1. Visit Magical Mallow - where else would you find an old and new castle sitting side by side in all their glory on banks of the Blackwater River. Take a walk around the lovely grounds of the castle which dates back to 1811 and view the unique white fallow deer herd established here since 1600. Free entry to the grounds and great place for a family picnic.
2. Stroll along the banks of the Blackwater River and enjoy the Mallow Riverside Amenity Walk taking in the wonderful views of the river, castle woodland from the Ten Arch Bridge down through the Town Park and onto Lovers Leap.
3. Sport activities at Mallow Golf Club - 18 hole golf course with many fringe benefits including a golf shop, squash, tennis etc. The Majestic Pitch & Putt course on the Cork Road also offers a great way to spend an afternoon.
4. Visit some of the wonderful amenities only a short distance from Mallow - Doneraile House and Gardens (13.4 km), Nano Nagle Birthplace (9.6km), Liscaroll Donkey Sanctuary (18.6 km), Buttevant Walled Town (11.4 km), Ballyhoura Mountain Park (35.5km).
5. Cork Racecourse Mallow, situated on the banks of the Blackwater River, Cork Racecourse provides fabulous facilities to enjoy the excitement and spectacle of a day at the races, National hunt and flat racing are held all the year round.
6. Festivals - depending on the time of the year you choose to visit Mallow there is always something happening -
County Market every Friday in Dairygold Car Park with regular farmers markets at the Nano Nagle Centre in Killavullen
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St Patrick's Day Parade (17th Mar),
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Racing Home for Easter Festival (Easter Weekend),
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Mallow Arts Festival (July),
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Outdoor Theatre Performance, Mallow Castle Grounds, (Intermittent)
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Home and Garden Festival (Jul),
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Summer Street Entertainment (Jul/Aug),
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Picnic in Mallow Castle (Aug),
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Duathalon (Aug),
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Culture Night (Sept),
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Munster Maths & Science Fair (Oct),
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Spooktacular in Mallow Castle (Oct),
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Christmas Family, Food and Craft Fair in Mallow Castle (Dec).
7. Indoor and Outdoor Activities for the Children - Pay a visit to Little Rascals Activity Centre, Mallow Swimming Pool, Mallow Gate Cinema or the Mallow Library. For those looking for outdoor adventure, why not check out Ballyhass Lakes Activity Centre, Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail, Horseriding at Eden Hill Horseriding Farm.
8. Mallow is steeped in heritage and there are many wonderful examples such as...
The Clock House, The Spa House, The Dogs Head Fountain, St James Protestant Church, St Mary's Catholic Church, Town Hall and Tourist Office - Tel: 022 42222.
9. Food Trail - the town offers a wide array of places to eat, from coffee shops, restaurants and hotel. Every taste and price range is catered for... check out places to eat for full listing but just to whet your appetite here are a few - Arches Bar and Restaurant, Gallery Bar and Restaurant, Wild Goose Bar and Restaurant, Khao Asian Cuisine, Springfort Cafe, Food Capers, The Roundabout Inn . The Old Butter Road if a new food concept which includes a number of towns in North Cork with Peppers Restaurant flying the flag for Mallow gourmet cuisine.
10. Entertainment - photographic and art exhibitions are held on a regular basis in Mallow Library, with classical concerts being held in various venues including St Mary's Church and St James Church. Traditional Irish Music Sessions are held in many of the pubs in the town, with Albert Lynches Bar, the Olde Fiddle and the Hibernian Hotel to mention but a few.
Come to visit Magical Mallow, You won't be disappointed.