There's plenty to do and see in Marengo's vicinity.
Here's a selections of some of the activities on offer in
and around Ballyhoura.
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THE BALLYHOURA WAY AND MAPPED WALKS -
Ballyhoura, Co. Cork
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 the 31st of December 1602 and the 14th of January 1603. This natural park of woodland, rugged mountain, grouse moor and peat bog, 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. Wildlife from Natter jack toad, Peregrine falcon, merlin to deer abound. Thanks to its marked walking routes, visitors can fully enjoy its peace and beauty at leisure, or at a more lively pace along the fitness and orienteering trails if preferred. Telephone + 353 (0)63 91300 |
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GOLF - Ballyhoura, Co. Cork
Marengo B&B is situated 5 mins away from Charelville Golf Club - a 27 hole course with restaurant and clubhouse facilities. The famous Adare Manor course, which has staged the Solheim Cup, is less than twenty minutes away by car. You are spoiled for choice when you consider that the golf courses in Blarney, Mallow, Fermoy, Kilarney and Limerick are all within a 45 minutes drive of Marengo. |
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ANNES GROVE GARDENS - Castletownroche,
Co. Cork
A supremely romantic garden, laid out in the early 20th century and Robinsonian in style. Also incorporating elements of an earlier 18th century 'ornamented glen' and landscape. Rare rhododendrons and extensive woodlands feature; and magnolias, hoherias and eucryphias grow to unusual size on sheltered slopes overlooking the River Awbeg. Behind the 18th century house, secretive paths wind down past limestone cliffs, offering glimpses of the river, lily ponds and wild meadow below. Riverside walks are bordered by giant foliage plants - lilies, astilbes and primulas. Above the cliff, the walled garden offers a display of herbaceous colour throughout the summer and a contrast of styles within compartments divided by hedges of box, beech and yew. Situated 1.6km north of Castletownroche, on the Fermoy/ Mallow/ Killarney road. Private car/ coach parking; limited wheelchair access; plant sales; guided tours by appointment. Open daily, 17th March to 30th September; Monday to Saturday, 10.00am to 5.00pm; Sunday 1.00pm to 6.00pm. Other times by appointment Telephone + 353 (0)22 26145 |
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LOUGH GUR HERITAGE CENTRE - Near
Grange, Co. Limerick
Nestling along the peaceful lakeside shores of Lough Gur this is recognised as one of the most important archaeological centres in Ireland, and acknowledged as one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic settlement in North Western Europe. It is an archaeological gem of great international significance, which includes the remains of stone circles and standing stones, as well as ancient burial chambers and cairns erected up to five thousand years ago. At the Lough Gur Heritage Centre their meaning is brought home to visitors through interpretative panels and audio visual means, serving as a reminder of the ingenuity of "primitive" man. Open daily, May to September 10.00am to 6.00pm. Last admission 5.30pm. Telephone +353 (0)61 361511. |
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THE DONKEY SANCTUARY - Liscarroll, Co.
Cork
The Donkey Sanctuary has taken in approximately 2000 donkeys, rescued from all parts of Ireland. Many donkeys have been abandoned or put in a field and given little or no attention after having worked for their owners for years, hauling peat or pulling a cart. The Sanctuary strongly believes that these donkeys deserve to be provided with care, and their suffering should cease. Under the Sanctuary's education programme, talks are provided to schools, local groups and clubs, and training is provided to donkey owners throughout the country. An annual training programme is held for farriers who benefit from the advice of the Donkey Sanctuary Vet and master farriers. The Sanctuary at Liscarroll is managed by Paddy Barrett, who has dedicated his life to animal welfare. The Donkey Sanctuary is a UK registered charity founded by Dr. Elisabeth Svendsen MBE in 1969. Through the dedicated team of staff and volunteers, reports of cruelty can be investigated quickly anywhere in Ireland. Open all year round. Telephone + 353 (0)22 48398. Website: http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk |
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BALLINVREENA CROSSROADS DANCING -
Ballinvreena, near Kilfinane, Co. Limerick.
At the turn of the century, Crossroads Dancing at Corbett's Cross, Ballinvreena, was one of the main social activities of the area. People young and old came to the dancing which became their weekly meeting place. Experience the magic of traditional crossroads dancing to live music. Tea/ Coffee, cakes, sweets, ice-cream. Situated off the Kilfinane - Tipperary road. Follow the signpost for Ballinvreena Community Hall (approx. 1.5km). Takes place end of May to first Sunday in September; Sundays 8.00-10.00pm. Telephone +353 (0)63 88033. |
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TRADITIONAL IRISH MUSIC - Cushvreena
Lodge, Ballinvreena, near Kilfinane, Co. Limerick.
A great evening's entertainment. Takes place in a traditional cottage, with real turf fire. Poetry reading, story-telling. All welcome, participation encouraged. Tea and traditional 'spotted dick' cake. Takes place Wednesdays 9.30 to 11.30pm, starting the 2nd Wednesday in September until April. Telephone +353 (0)63 88033. |
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BALLYHOURA MOUNTAIN BIKING - Ard Patrick Co. Limerick.
The development of the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Centre is near the village of Ard Patrick in East Limerick. A full range of visitor services is provided at the trail head such as car parking, bike wash, showers and toilets. Use of the trails will be free with small charges applying to the other visitor services provided.
The mountain bike trails has 3 world class trails, 91 km in total, of way marked routes using a combination of forest roads and new built single track trails. bikers across the globe. There will be three trails in all with each of the circular loops offering a different experience, length and level of difficulty. The Trails
For more information see http://www.ballyhouramtb.com/ |
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More information on places of interest in the area is available here. |