What To Do

Mountain biking

There is a purpose built mountain bike park approx. 2 km away from the lodges. Here you can rent out bikes or bring your own if you wish. Trailriders, based at the trail head are very helpful and friendly and are always delighted to see a new face. From time to time the Mountain Bike Park host National and International events so it is well regarded in the mountain bike fraternity. Upcoming events will be posted on this site.

Road cycle trails (marked and signposted)

We are located on loop 4 of the Killmallock cycle hub routes. These comprise of 8 routes varying in distance from 16 to 70 kilometres through the quaint villages and secluded country lanes of the locality.

Walking trails

We have an abundance of walking trails to choose from locally. All levels and type of walkers come to the area each year never need to do the same route twice! From strolling  through Doneraile park, meandering down boreens, to hill walking and forest walks, there is a walk to suit you and the weather on the day.The trailhead at the Mountain Bike Park is also the start of a number of looped walks including a 2km nature trail which small children love, finding woodland creatures hidden in the trees. For a more energetic walk with a differance try the trim trail, an outdoor gym obstacle course! One of our favourite loop walks nearby is the Keale River walk, linking Ballyorgan to Darragh by river, really beautiful and unspoilt. 

We have the information and are always delighted to make recommendations. For local walks check out Ballyhoura Country or Coillte Outdoors. There are 2 annual walking festivals in the area; The Ballyhoura International Walking Festival held on the May Bank Holiday Weekend and the Ballyhoura Autumn Rambling Weekend. 

Culture and Archaeology

The area has a rich and varied past and we have evidence of almost every period from Neolithic in Lough Gur, to the Medieval period in Killmallock, not to mention the stone circles in Grange, Churches and Abbeys,  Castles and famine work houses. There are a number of visitor centres locally which are a great place to start your quest and discover some of the hidden treasures that are on offer. For those on a genealogy quest and uncovering family roots, please visit Historic Graves as more than a 100 historic graveyards in the area have been surveyed and digitalised online for users for free family searches.

Family activities

The Ballyhoura Region has a lot to offer family getaways. These include the Mitchelstown Caves, Horse Riding with Ballyhoura Horse Trekking , visiting the Donkey  Sanctuary in Liscarroll or fun walks in the forest at the nature and trim trail. On site you will find our own adventure playground which is enough to amuse the smaller ones for a few hours.Please check out facebook for upcoming events, actvities and festivals, that you can keep tabs on in the lead up to your trip. As always we are happy to advise and recommend. Please also check our specials page for discounts you can avail of as a guest on many of the attractions listed. 

Useful Information About Ballyhoura