Local Attractions and Activities

No matter what type of break you are looking for Harkaway Cottages is ideally placed to meet your needs. If you are after an action packed activity holiday, Or you just want to kick back and enjoy nature at its beautiful best you will find whatever you are looking for near by. Listed on this page are just some of the attractions in our vicinity but check out our links page for some more information.

Nature lovers are spoiled for choice in our region set as we are in the heart of the Beautiful Blackwater valley and nestled near the foot of the Ballyhoura mountains. Doneraile park is only 5 miles away. It consists of 160 hectares of parklands with mature groves of deciduous trees and a number of deer herds. Doneraile Court, a fine Georgian mansion overlooks the park. It has a rich variety of walks including the 5.5 km walk around the mature perimeter planting, the riverside walks, the woodland walks and walks through the deer parks. There are three species of deer – Red, Fallow and Sika, together with a herd of Irish red deer.

Only two miles from Harkaway are Annes Grove Gardens. These famous privately owned gardens are open to the public during the summertime. Here on sheltered slopes overlooking the River Awbeg, magnolias, hoherias and eucryphias grow to unusual size. Behind the 18th Century house secretive paths wind down past limestone cliffs and offer glimpses of the river, lily ponds and wild meadow below. Riverside walks are bordered by giant foliage plants and naturalised day lilies, astilbes and primulas.

The Ballyhoura Mountain Bike centre is located only nine miles from Harkaway Cottages, Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails are the largest trail network of their 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. Those who want to stay on two feet can enjoy the many walking trails on the Ballyhoura way.

Being in the Blackwater valley its no surprise to find that our area is a haven for angling with the Blackwater and Awbeg rivers near by. Guests at Harkaway have permission to use a stretch of the river to fish. Other water based pursuits like river kayaking are also very well catered for with local company Blackwater Outdoor Activities running various programme's right throughout the year.

Our area is steeped in history Bridgetown Priory or Abbey, near the confluence of the Awbeg and Blackwater rivers, was founded for Augustinian monks in the 13th century is only a short journey. As is the Nano Nagle Centre. This is a living heritage centre set in the surroundings of the Blackwater Valley. It is the birthplace of Nano Nagle who was the founder of the Presentation Sisters. It is also the home of Killavullen farmers market which takes place every second Saturday. Ballymacmoy house in Killavullen is owned by the Hennessy family famous for Hennessy Brandy.

Golfers wont be disappointed when staying at Harkaway as there are no less than six top class golf courses all nearby. Doneraile, Mallow, Charleville, Mitchelstown, Fermoy and Kanturk are all within a 20 mile radius. If you like a flutter Mallow Racecourse hold meetings right throughout the year. Those who like a little pampering will find Grove House Health Spa, just four miles away an oasis of pleasure.

These are just some of the attractions right on our door here at Harkaway Cottages where your hosts Richard and Margaret Quirke will be only too glad to advise you on how to get the best from your well deserved break away.