Deer in Doneraile Forest Park
OUTSIDE CREAGH HOUSE
Deer in Doneraile Forest Park
Doneraile is situated seven miles northeast of Mallow and approximately 30 miles north of Cork city, and is one of the many small towns pleasantly nestling in the Blackwater valley. The town stands on the northern slope of a hill rising from the River Awbeg. Its foundation can be traced back to 1130, when a clan called Deeya or Deagha built a fort on a rocky elevation then known as Rosfoyle, on the townland of Oldcourt. Over the years, Rosfoyle, "promontory on the cliff", became known as Dun Ar Aill, "fort on the cliff".
During the 18th and 19th centuries in particular, Doneraile was a thriving town serving the needs of over 20 landed estates in the hinterland. The demise of the country house way of life during the 20th century removed the business which sustained the town. Now in the early years of the 21st century, the absence of significant recent commerce in the town is seen as a blessing in disguise, as it has allowed the retention of a small town terraced Georgian streetscape. With incentives now available to refurbish the tired 18th and 19th century buildings of the main street, the town is beginning to attract residents from Limerick and Cork cities who wish the benefits of country living in the foothills of the Ballyhoura Mountains.
Doneraile Court
ATTRACTIONS
Doneraile Court
Amenities immediately adjacent to Creagh House include Doneraile Golf Club (9-hole), Doneraile Court and Park, Mallow Racecourse, Blarney Castle and Woollen Mills, and Annesgrove Gardens.
Sightseeing: Doneraile Park - Blarney Castle - Blarney Woollen Mills - Rock of Cashel - Swiss Cottage - Cahir Castle - Adare - Foynes Flying Boat Musuem - Hunt Museum, Limerick - Waterford Crystal - Lismore Castle Gardens - Ring of Kerry - Lakes of Killarney - Killarney National Park - Muckross House - Mitchelstown Caves - Croom Mills Waterwheel and Heritage Centre - de Valera Museum, Bruree - Lough Gur Heritage Centre - Fota Wildlife Park - Midleton Distillery - Cork City.
Day Tours: In addition to the high profile attractions, Michael and Laura can devise day tours to less well known (and less populated!) locations based on many years personal touring of the southwest.
Restaurants (all within a 5-15 minute drive) : Springfort Hall Restaurant, Doneraile - Longueville House President's Restaurant, Mallow - O'Callaghan's Restaurant, Mallow - The White Deer, Mallow.
Walking : Ballyhoura Way - Galtee Mountains (inland Irish Munro - 30 minutes drive).
Racing & Golf : Cork Racecourse, Mallow - Mallow Golf Club (18-hole) - Doneraile Golf Club (9-hole).
Fishing : Rivers Awbeg, Blackwater and Lee.
Doneraile Park
DONERAILE PARK
Doneraile Park
"The most outstanding feature of the Doneraile Demesne today is the completeness of its 160 hectares (400 acres) of "Capability Brown" style parkland, laid out with the classic sequence of visitor experiences from the main entrance gates to arrival at the house. Extended vistas radiate from the house and the landscape, containing the three main elements of trees, grassland and water features. These, by the judicious use of sunken fences, are uncluttered. The restored water features remain the focus of the park which now also enjoys a rich variety of walks including the 5.5 km (3.5 mile) walk around the mature perimeter planting, the riverside walks, the woodland walks and walks through the deer parks. Many trees are now over 300 years old. Some larch trees, reputed to be among the first of this species grown in Ireland, were planted around the 1730s." (Extract from Duchas The Heritage Service).
 |
 |
 |
 |