Breathtaking Scenery & Wonderful People in North Cork
Millstreet to Charleville
North Cork is a world all of its own. It is a place where people are deeply connected to their communities and beautiful surroundings where taking time out to relax is as important as having great fun and where being a good neighbour means everything. Check out our insider tips with options to suit diverse interests to lift the lid on North Cork’s real story.Day 1
Millstreet
Break into the morning in Millstreet at the foot of the Claragh Mountains – a boutique market town with some of the best views in Ireland that has hosted some of the largest events in the world!
Breathe in the fresh North Cork air listening to the sounds of nature in a walker’s paradise! Choose from the Claragh Loop 9KM that starts and ends in Millstreet GAA Community Hall. Follow the purple arrows for a scenic off-the-beaten track walk through woodlands and hillsides with rich biodiversity, flora and fauna.
If you are a keen walker with time to linger, consider the North West Cork Way (36km) that is part of the wider Beara-Breifne Way (700km). This section starts in Millstreet, crossing through Blackwater River on through country roads to Newmarket.
Green Glens
Mingle with Millstreet locals and check the Millstreet Green Glens Arena calendar for horse showjumping and eventing. One of the world’s best equestrian venues, the arena hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in 1993.
Potter in Wordsworth Book & Gift Shop to find a great read by an Irish author. Take time out for brunch or a sweet treat in local favourites West End Café or Kall and Dyyne.
Insider Tips
1. Millstreet Museum is a community-led museum sharing the story of North Cork and Millstreet.
2. Tubrid Well is a beautiful and peaceful spot where people come to reflect, pray and drink the waters - reputed to have healing powers.
3. Valley View Equestrian is a small, family run equestrian centre approx. 30 minutes away from Millstreet – call to ask about a lesson in beautiful surroundings
Day 2
On to Kanturk
Picturesque Kanturk, with it's beautiful castle (pictured) is where the rivers Allua and Dalua meet. With stop offs in Boherbue, Rockchapel and Newmarket, it takes about an hour (50km) to get to Kanturk from Millstreet.
Next stop – the busy town of Newmarket. On route ask locals in the thriving rural hamlet of Boherbue about the 3KM scenic local Bounds Ditch looped walk – historically used as a Mass Path (shortcut to go to church). Head onwards, stopping for a drink among North Cork townies at Paddy Molly's in Rockchapel – spotting the beautiful carved stone of St Peter’s 19th-century cruciform parish church.
Alternatively, head straight for Newmarket to enjoy an hour on the 3km Island Wood Trail in the woods along the River Dalua.
Dinner & Dancing
End a busy day in Kanturk, home to the atmospheric Kanturk Castle (1.5km outside the town) where a 16th century chieftain once dwelled.
You will be spoiled for dinner choices like The Vintage or Bob's Restaurant offering a fine North Cork welcome with dishes celebrating local and seasonal produce.
Kanturk is famous for traditional Irish music – make sure to ask your hosts about where best to catch a live session.
Insider Tips
1. Newmarket and the surrounding area is part of the enchanting Cork/Kerry Sliabh Luachra. This is an area where vibrant traditional Irish music and stunning landscapes create an unforgettable cultural experience. Find out more on Sliabh Luachra Music Trail
2. Kanturk Castle is free to visit – a must when in Kanturk
3. Kanturk Golf Club is a warm and friendly champion standard par 71 parkland golf course – ideal for adults and families.
4. Taste the award-winning Kanturk Black Pudding - McCarthys of Kanturk
5. Visit The Donkey Sanctuary (pictured) in Liscarroll village (15kms away)
Day 3
Morning Adventure
Begin your day at Ballyhass Lakes in Mallow with a refreshing lakeside walk before trying activities like kayaking, paddleboarding or the inflatable aquapark.
Thrill-seekers can opt for wakeboarding, ziplining or the high-ropes course. It's an easy, energising start to your Heartlands journey in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Doneraile
Enjoy a dreamy stroll in the glorious Doneraile Estate through a 160-acre hectare landscaped parkland. Admire treelined avenues, still water ponds and herds of red, fallow and sika deer grazing alongside rare breed Kerry cattle.
Take a tour of Doneraile Court – a magnificent mid-17th-century Georgian House.
Charleville
Your final stop is Charleville – a historic market town in the lush Golden Vale that has given its name to the Irish household-favourite Charleville Cheddar Cheese.
This vibrant town is an ideal spot to browse in the many high street stores and boutiques.
Relax over dinner in local hotspots like Geary's Bar 1780 Bar & Eatery (great atmosphere and food!). Or head for the Charleville Park Hotel for a delicious casual meal in the Park Bar and Grill or Greenfinch Restaurant for elegant Irish dishes
Insider Tips
1. Doneraile
Wildlife Park Loop is a 5km lightly trafficked trail suitable for all skills levels – ideal for walking,
hiking and bird watching.
2. Do not miss a guided tour at Doneraile Estate. Enquire also about seasonal
tours delivered in period costumes.
3.
Charleville is in the must-visit Ballyhoura
Area
with many beautiful walking and hiking
trails.
4. Charleville
Golf Club is a par 70 beautiful parkland golf course
cherished by locals.
5. Connect with local people at Cork Racecourse - Ireland’s first
Steeplechase (1752) took place between the church steeples of Buttevant and
Doneraile.
6. Salt & Sage serve an excellent day time menu.
7. The Schoolyard Theatre and
Art's Centre is a wonderful
community based theatre with evening performances.
