Ballyhoura Web Brochure

www.ballyhouracountry.com

Ballyhoura3.indd 1Ballyhoura3.indd 1 04/12/2006 12:22:0904/12/2006 12:22:09

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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 fi nd 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.

IntroductionBallyhoura 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.

Booking

To create your personal adventure contact the activity operators, fi nd 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: [email protected]

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

BALLYHOURA COUNTRY ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURE GUIDE


Clonlara Trout Angling Centre,Clonlara, Co. Clare.Telephone : 00 353 61 354023Email: clonlarafi [email protected]: www.clonlarafi shery.com

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Ballyhass consists of two superb spring water lakes with plentiful rainbow and brown trout, ideal for fl y fi shing. Once introduced to the lakes, the fi sh feed only from the fl y 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 fi shed (fl y only) from the banks but is best fi shed by boat. The water is 8 - 11m deep in most places with very clear visibility. Experienced anglers will be challenged to seek the larger fi sh from these depths while the lake is also ideal for those new to the art of fl y fi shing. The upper lake is 2.5 acres and can be fi shed from the bank with worm, spinners and bubble and fl y. The lakes regularly produce fi sh over 10 lbs and on a good days fi shing the experienced angler could meet an average of 15 fi sh. We reckon there could be up to fi ve thousand fi sh 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 fl y 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 LakesCecilstown, Mallow, Co. CorkTel: 022 27773Fax: 022 [email protected]: www.ballyhasslakes.ie

AnglingBallyhass Lakes, a private salmon fi shery, is an ideal location for all year round angling holidays

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 fi shing 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 & fl y rods, baits & fl ies. Clonlara Fishery can offer expert tuition for fl y casting and fl y tying. Corporate and Group days are catered for and ghillie service is also available.

Hire ChargesFly or spinning rod, reel and line per session, €10Boat Hire up to 3 anglers €20Ghillie and/or fl y fi shing lessons price on requestSalmon Fishing on the Cork Blackwater also arranged:April: €30 per day May - September: €50 per day


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Ballyhoura Country remains unspoilt and undiscovered with hundreds of miles of almost traffi c-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,Kilfi nane,Co.Limerick.Tel: 063 91300Email: [email protected]

Cycling and

Mountain

Biking



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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 CentreTel/Fax: 353(0)6237915E-mail: [email protected]: 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 BoultIvy Bridge Equestrian Centre,Mourne Abbey, Mallow, Co. Cork.Tel: 086 8110217Email: [email protected]

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 cross-country and tuition for BHS, Pony Club and Riding Club exams and summer camps and also offers private lessons to individuals.

Churchtown Riding SchoolNorma 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 fi nishes 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 offi cially 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 fi nals 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 SelwayPolo Festivals LtdKillabraher PoloDrominaCo. Corkwww.killabraher.com

[email protected]: +353 87 206 0510

EquestrianEquestrian 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-to-point, with many tracks within easy driving distance.


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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 fi nd 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 fi ne products can be found in O’Callaghans Delicatessen in Mitchelstown, who stock an excellent range of Healthy Foods from the area and further afi eld.

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, fi sh, 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.

Good Food Guide to

Ballyhoura Country:Ballyhoura Country lies in the heart of the Golden Vale, home to Ireland’s fi nest dairy land.



Business Name Address Telephone No Email Website

The Farm Cottages Castletownroche, Co.Cork

00 353 (0) 22 26103 [email protected] www.thefarmcottages.com

Throughstone Self Catering Coach House

Castletownroche, Co.Cork

00 353 (0) 22 26750 [email protected]

Marengo Ballyhea, Charleville, Co.Cork

00 353 (0) 63 89658 [email protected]

www.marengo-accommodation.com

Glenroe Cottage Glenroe, Co.Limerick 00 353 (0) 63 86029 [email protected] www.glenroecottage.com

Bruff Accommodation Bruff, Co.Limerick 00 353 (0) 87 0685444 [email protected]

CastleView Cottage Bruff, Co.Limerick 00 353 (0) 87 0685444 [email protected] www.castleviewcottages.ie

The Old Bank Bruff, Co.Limerick 00 353 (0) 61 382832 [email protected] www.theoldbank.ie

Desmond Lodge Lough Gur, Co.Limerick 00 353 (0) 61 382963 [email protected] www.desmondlodge.ie

Annies Place Grange, Co.Limerick 00 353 (0) 61 382625087 9397714

[email protected]

Glengrove Ballyneety, Co.Limerick 00 353 (0) 61 351399 [email protected]

Harkaway Skenakilla, Castletownroche, Co.Cork

00 353 (0) 22 26337 [email protected] www.harkawaycottages.com

Ash Hill Kilmallock, Co.Limerick 00 353 (0) 63 98035 [email protected] www.ashhill.com

Dairy Guesthouse and Activity Centre

Dromkeen, Cappamore, Co.Limerick

00 353 (0) 61 3888070876669186

[email protected] www.dairyguesthouse.com

Castleoliverfarm Castleoliver, Ardpatrick, Co.Limerick

00 353 (0) 63 91667087-9844430

[email protected] www.castleoliverfarm.com

Ballyhoura Forest Homes Ballyorgan, Co.Limerick 00 353 (0) 1 6683534 [email protected]

www.thh.ie

Ballyhorua Country Holidays

Bruree, Co.Limerick 00 353 (0) 63 904180872873916

[email protected] www.ballyhouraholidays.com

Woodview B&B Kilfi nane, Co. Limerick 00 353 (0) 63 911060876406173

josiekilfi [email protected]

Tig Roy, Ionad Chultuir Gaelach

An Gallbhaile, Co. Thiobraid Arann

00 353 (0) 62 37032 087 2572281

[email protected] www.tigroy.com

Ballyhass Lakes Cecilstown, Mallow,Co.Cork

00 353 (0) 22 27773 [email protected] web: www.ballyhasslakes.ie

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Accommodation

Check out www.ballyhouracountry.com for a full list of accommodation listings


Kilfi nane Outdoor Education Centre

Kilfi nane, Co. Limerick.Tel: 063-91161 Fax: 063-91201Email: [email protected] naneoec.com

Located in the heart of Ballyhoura Country, Kilfi nane 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 Kilfi nane OEC has a course for you. Kilfi nane OEC provides courses from Introductory to Instructor Level in Kayaking, Canoeing, Rock climbing, Hill walking & Orienteering.

Kilfi nane 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 non-residential basis. Kilfi nane OEC is approved by the Department of Education and Science and holds full Public Liability Insurance.

Teen Adventure Holidays - Kilfi nane OEC

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.

Course Dates - 2007 Price €

Teen Adventure Holiday Jul 30th – Aug 3rd €220.00

Weekend Adventure Holidays - Kilfi nane 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

Sample Programme

Fri eve: Indoor Rock climbing

Sat: Option A: Canoe Trip on R Shann

Option B: Kayaking & Abseiling

Sun: Option A: Full Day Rock climbing

Option B: Hill walk & Orienteering

Kilfi nane OEC Hill walking

Located at the edge of the Ballyhoura Mountains & within a short drive of the Galty’s, Kilfi nane 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 fi rst aid & night navigation.

Course Dates - 2007 Price €Non Res

Res

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

Kilfi nane OEC

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BALLYHOURA COUNTRY ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURE



Kilfi nane OEC Rockclimbing

Kilfi nane OEC provides a range of Rockclimbing Courses suitable for all levels. Our qualifi ed 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.

Course Dates - 2007 Price €Non Res

Open Climb – Indoors-

public sessions

Feb 2/9/16/23, Mar

2/9/23/30,

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

€10.00

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

Canoeing - Kilfi nane OEC

Kilfi nane 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 fl at 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 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 €185.00

Level 3 Canoe

Skills Training

Oct 13/14 €120.00

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URE GUIDE

First Aid - Kilfi nane OEC

The Rescue and Emergency Care (REC) Scheme offers an interesting & practical approach to fi rst aid. REC is suited to those involved in sport and the outdoors and provides practical solutions to administering fi rst aid in more remote locations

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 - Kilfi nane OEC

Kilfi nane 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 fl at water, Introduction to White Water for those with some experience & Advanced White Water Skills for the more accomplished paddler. Our courses are approved & certifi ed by the Irish Canoe Union.

Course Dates - 2007 Price € Non

Res

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 €185.00


Assessment

May 19,

Jul 21,

Sep 22

€65.00

Kayak River Trips Oct 6/20/27 €45.00


Training

Oct 13/14,

Nov 17/18

€120.00 €185.00


Assessment

Nov 3, Dec 8 €70.00


Training

Dec 1/2 €150.00 €215.00


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Ballyhoura two-day Orienteering EventThe 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 / Kilfi nane road.

Day 1 of Ballyhoura 2-Day (R695208) 11-1 pm

Sun 18 GARRYARTHUR WOOD, off Mitchelstown / Kilfi nane 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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

Trim TrailThe 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 fi tness stops along a 2.5 km trail.

Orienteering

and Trim Trail


With the support of


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Midland Paragliding,

6 Cashel Road Tipperary Town,Phone 062 -52429Fax 062 -52429 Mobile: 086-2232955 Email: [email protected]

Paragliding training at Midland Paragliding School is in the very experienced hands of Chief Flying Instructor Jerry Parles making sure fl ying 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, infl ated 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 fi rst 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 fl ights. As you gain experience you’ll learn to soar - to stay up in favorable winds and make longer fl ights. Eventually top landing and no more climbing slopes and onward to fl ying for many miles across the Irish countryside........Heaven

Why not Join

Falcon Paragliding and Hand Gliding clubEmail Now: [email protected]

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 €105.00Motorised Tandem Flight €135.00Elementary Pilot Course €600.00Club Pilot Course cost per day €150.00Paramotor Course Beginner €1250

Clay Bird Shooting

Lazy dog Ltd.,Ray SampsonBobernore,KnocklongCo.LimerickTel: 062 53563Mob: 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 Kilfi nane, 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 affi liated 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 [email protected] Web: www.gaelichelicopters.com

Paragliding


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University of Limerick Sports

Centre

University ArenaUniversity of LimerickLimerick, IrelandContact Details:Tel: +353 (0) 61 213555Fax: +353 (0) 61 213598Email: [email protected]

Arena Indoor Facilities include:

+ National 50m Swimming Pool

+ National Strength and Conditioning Centre

+ Cardio-Fitness Centre

+ 4 Court Sports Hall Arena Outdoor Facilities

Arena Outdoor Facilities include:

+ 400m International Athletic Track

+ Outdoor Pitches

+ Floodlight Astroturf

University of Limerick Activity Centre

ULAC UL Activity Centre,Two Mile Gate,Killaloe, Co. ClarePhone: +353 61 376622Fax: +353 61 375137E-mail: [email protected] - March 9am-5pmApril - 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.

> Kitchen where hot drinks and refreshments can be prepared and a small indoor dining area.

> Barbeque/picnic area on site.

> Lecture room complete with up to date audiovisual lecturing facilities.

> Wheelchair friendly.

Dinghy Sailing Courses

Powerboating

Wind surfi ng

Kayaking & Canoeing

Dragon Boat racing

High Ropes Course

Team Challenge

Orienteering

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.

Please feel free to contact us at: [email protected] Contact: James Deane: 087 2639267

Karting

Kilcornan Karting,Kilcornan, Co. LimerickTel: 353 (0)61-393728(0)-61-393733email: [email protected]

Watergrass Hill Karting, Watergrasshill, Co. Cork.Tel. 021 488 9477email: [email protected]

Equestrian

Clonshire Equestrian and Polo Centre Clonshire Equestrian and Polo Centre, Adare, Limerick, IrelandTel: + 353 (0) 61 396770 e-mail: [email protected]

WaterSki

Cork Powerboat and WaterSki ClubAgherinagh, Lower Dripsey,Co. CorkTel: 021 7334605/0863069202Email: [email protected] Website: www.waterskiireland.com

Team Building

Little OrchardDoneen, Crecora, Co. Limerick, Tel. +353 61 320 292email: [email protected]

Paint Ball Combat ZoneUnit 4, Limerick Business Complex,Raheen Business Park, Limerick Tel/Fax : +353 61 302031Mobile : +353 87 9305050email : [email protected]


Nearby Activities


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 fi nd out this weeks walk and join in.

BALLYHOURA COUNTRY LOOP

WALKING TRAILS

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 fi nishing at the same point, with many places of interest to visit along the way.

Maps for these walks are available in selected shops throughout Ballyhoura Country including the Tourist Information Offi ce, Kilfi nane, Co. Limerick.

Map Boards are located throughout Ballyhoura Country at 22 different locations.

Pick up a copy of Geoff Hunts Limerick Nature Walks A comprehensive guide to nature walks in County Limerick

LOUGH GUR GUIDED WALKING

TOURS GRANGE, CO. LIMERICK

Times: Wednesdays & Fridays at 7:30pm (from Grange Stone Circle) July and August:

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.

www.ballyhouracountry.com

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 defi nitely 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

13

Walking and Hiking


14

INTRODUCTION TO THE BALLYHOURA WAY

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 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, low-level 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.

ROUTE INFRASTRUCTURE

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.

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 diffi culty 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



DAY 1 Walking Route Terrain Distance Time Estimate Standard of Marking

Surrounding Landscape

HeritageMaps and Guidebooks

John’s Bridge to near Ballyhea

All road. Mostly minor roads that can however carry fast traffi c with the last 1 km on a main road with wide margin.

20 km 6.5 hours Good OSI Discovery Series Sheets 72 and 73 Map Guide to the Ballyhoura Way – Ballyhoura Failte The Way-marked Trails of Ireland – Michael Fewer

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.




Near Ballyhea to Green Wood Car Park Glenosheen

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

20 km 7.5 hours Good OSI Discovery Series Sheet 73

Map Guide to the Ballyhoura Way – Ballyhoura Failte The Way-marked Trails of Ireland – Michael Fewer

Landscape features of note include, the Ballyhoura mountains, open moorland, forestry, Carron mountain, the Ballyhoura Mountain Park, the Slievereagh Hills and the Keale River.

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.




Green Wood Car Park Glenosheen to Kilfi nane

About 4 km road, 5 km forest road, 1 km path, About 1.5 km road is Regional, remainder on 3rd class but traffi c can travel fast on it, one section of forest very quiet and mainly used by walkers

10 km 3.5 hours Good OSI Discovery Series Sheet 73


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.

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.




Kilfi nane to Ballylanders

About 5 km road, 4 km forest road, 1 km track, remainder on path and grass; Road mainly quiet though section at start and fi nish can be busy, some of path winds through trees and can be a bit overgrown, short section of path very steep descent

11.5 km 4 hours Good OSI Discovery Series Sheet 73


This section includes the Palatine wood, Benyvoughella Hill, the summit of Slievereagh and great views out to the Galty mountains.

Heritage features include a catholic church and the church tower in Ballylanders.




Ballylanders to Lisvernane

About 6 km road, 3 km forest road/track, 3 km through fi elds without path. Roads are quiet except for last section out of Galbally, in fi eld section alongside river cross electric fencing at hose provided.

12 km 4.5 hours Good OSI Discovery Series Sheet 73, 74 and 66


This section offers glimpses of the Galty Mountains, the River Aherlow, and Golden Vale.

Heritage features include Galbally town, and the limestone monument to the IRA fl ying columns




Lisvernane to Tipperary Town

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

11 km 4 hours Good OSI Discovery Series Sheet , 74 and 66


Landscape includes Slievenamuc, the Galty Mountains, farmland and forestry.

Historic sites include the Glen of Aherlow, and a 2,000-year-old ogham stone.




Tipperary Town

All road. Most along busy main road with footpath some of way and wide verge for remainder, take care crossing railway bridge

4.5km 1.5 hours Good OSI Discovery Series Sheet , 66


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.

TRAIL OVERVIEW, BALLYHOURA WAY

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


Ballyhoura Failte, Kilfi nane Co. LimerickTel: 063 91300. email, [email protected], www.ballyhouracountry.com

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