The Region
The entrance to Mt. Hillary is a 2 minute walk from the site so residents can easily access the designated treks/walks on foot.
Attractions
Mount Hillary Holiday Pods offer a peaceful and tranquil setting, yet are within easy reach of countless places of interest – from castles to ancient monuments, bustling towns to stunning countryside, adventure sports to a relaxed round of golf – all within an hour’s drive.
Kanturk Castle
Kanturk town is the capital of the ancient Barony of Duhallow and is the closest town just 10 minutes away. The Castle was built for McDonagh McCarthy, Lord of Duhallow around 1601 as a defence against the English. Find out more about Kanturk Castle
Ballyhass Activity Centre
Located just 10 mins away is one of Ireland’s best outdoor activity centres. Ballyhass offers lots of activities including Kayaking, Ziplining, Wakeboarding and an Aquapark. Visit the Ballyhass website for more information.
Doneraile Estate
Doneraile Court is the stunning centrepiece of one of Ireland’s most beautiful estates. Located on the banks of the Awbeg river in North Co. Cork, the house dates from the 1720s. Doneraile Estate was Ireland’s most popular free tourist attraction in 2018. Find out more about Doneraile Estate
Kanturk Golf Club
The course is set in a scenic area with splendid views of Mount Hillary and the surrounding countryside, and is a challenging 5721 metre Par 71 layout. Visit the Kanturk Golf Club website for more information
Killarney National Park
Killarney National Park is a 50 minute drive from Banteer. It’s one of the most stunning places to visit in Ireland. The mountains and lakes are incredible. Visit the Killarney National Park Website.
Cork Racecourse
Cork racecourse in Mallow runs regular race meetings as well as other events, such as a Home and Garden Show and music events. Visit the Cork Racecourse website for more information.
Longueville House
Longueville House is a stunning 300 year old listed Georgian Country House hidden in the heart of a 400 acre wooded estate, in the Blackwater Valley, North Cork. It is one of Ireland’s finest restaurants.
Lough Gur
Composed of 113 standing stones, the Grange Stone Circle is the largest and finest in Ireland. It was built c. 2,200 B.C. after the arrival of the Bronze Age People in Lough Gur. There is a fantastic visitors centre. It’s an hour’s drive from Mount Hillary.
Terra Nova Fairy Garden
Terra Nova is one of Ireland’s best known small, privately owned gardens and is a firm favourite with garden visitors of all ages. A half acre that appears so much larger due to the use of weaving pathways, imaginative features and an ingenious use of space, nothing goes to waste here in this lush oasis.
Blarney Castle & Gardens
Blarney Castle is one of Ireland’s most visited tourist attractions. It is the home of the famous Blarney Stone but it also has absolutely fabulous grounds full of magic and mystery and is great for walking and garden lovers.
Knocknakilla, Millstreet
Knocknakilla standing stones are just 20 minutes from Mount Hillary. It is set in blanket peatland on the north-west upper slopes of Musherabeg mountain and is thought to be 3500 years old.
Nano Nagle Birthplace
A living heritage centre located amongst the breath taking scenery of the Blackwater Valley, comprising a 32-acre certified organic farm. Visitors are welcome to visit and do a heritage tour, cosmic walk, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of the place.
Mount Hillary Forest Trails – Natural Beauty
There are three signed walks of varying lengths around Mount Hillary. To see a map and for more information click here
Towns to visit
If you need to do a spot of shopping or you’d like to see some local historic architecture there are plenty of towns to visit too.
Kanturk
Kanturk is a small and friendly town with a unique personality – the closest town to the holiday pods. It is the capital of the ancient barony of Duhallow and has a population of around 2000. Find out more about Kanturk
Mallow
Mallow is a thriving, prosperous town and is the largest town along the lovely Blackwater Valley. Architecture to admire in Mallow include Mallow Castle, The Spa House and the Clock House. Find out more about Mallow
Killarney
Killarney is a 50 minute drive from Mount Hillary, or can be visited by train from Banteer railway station and is well worth a visit. Find out more about Killarney
Macroom
Macroom is a 40 minute drive from Mount Hillary. The town has a turbulent history and is now a vibrant market town at the gateway to West Cork. There is plenty of spectacular scenery on the drive to Macroom.
Cork City
Ireland’s second city with a population of 210,000 is vibrant and full of character. The drive into the city takes about an hour from Mount Hillary. It is a cosmopolitan place with lots of history and contemporary style.
Killmallock
Killmallock is in Co. Limerick and is a 45 minute drive away. It lies in the valley of the River Loobagh at the foot of the Ballyhouras with the Galtee mountains to the east. It is an attractive town of great cultural and heritage value, deriving its name from a monastery founded there by St. Mocheallóg in the late 6th/early 7th century.
