Local Attractions in the Cork and Kerry area
Whether you are planning to climb the steps of Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone, go horse-riding on the beach at Glenbeigh, browse in the craft shops in Kenmare or delve into the history of the Rock of Cashel, Millstreet is centrally located for all of the wonderful attractions in the South West region of Ireland.
But don’t forget to look at what is right on your doorstep if you are staying in Millstreet .........it’s a wonderful destination in its own right.
Millstreet
Millstreet, on the Cork Kerry border between Mallow and Killarney is surrounded almost on all sides by mountains and hills. Its stunning natural scenery and local history and heritage dating back to the 18th Century is well worth a visit.
Millstreet Country Park
One of the main attractions for visitors in the immediate vicinity of Millstreet is the Country Park which is located 6 kilometres south of Millstreet town itself. Developed on the side of the Mushera mountain in the early 1990s, this environmental nature park allows visitors the opportunity to discover 500 acres of extensive gardens where they are free to wander at their leisure. Starting at the visitor centre which incorporates a shop and restaurant/bar and then taking in along the way a huge variety of walking trails, waterfalls and lakes, picnic areas, lakeside walks and numerous archaeological features.
Superb landscapin
Ongoing development includes a spectacular new cascading water feature recently opened to add to the already superb landscaping. There’s plenty here to keep visitors busy for the whole day and possibly more.
Park transporters are available to take the more sedentary visitors on a one hour tour of the off the beaten tracks parts around the Park. Friendly drivers provide a running commentary along the way.
Green Glens Equestrian Centre
Green Glens Equestrian Centre hosts the annual Millstreet All-Ireland Championship Horse and Pony Show. Green Glens is one of the largest Equestrian centres in Ireland and the arena is also regularly used for music concerts and other events including boxing matches, with a capacity for approximately 8,000 people. In 1993 when Ireland hosted the Eurovision Song Contest, Green Glens was chosen as the venue.
Holy Wells
Visitors to Millstreet may be interested in the Holy Wells at Tubrid (located 2 kilometres west of the town and reputed to be the second largest in Britain and Ireland) and St John’s Well at Mushera (located 5 kilometres east of the town at the base of Mushera Mountain).
Carnegie Hall
Central to Millstreet is Carnegie Hall, home to the Tourist Information Centre in the town as well as the Library and Courtrooms. The Town Park provides locals and visitors with playing fields, children’s playgrounds and a pitch and putt course. Knocknakilla Stone Circle provides some local archaeological interest as well as an elevated viewing point of the surrounding area. The construction of Drishane Castle, Medieval Tower House, is located to the northeast of Millstreet and dates back to the mid 1400s. Although in good repair, it is not currently occupied but is open to the public.
Hill walking, golf and fishing
Hill walking, golf and fishing are also available in the local area.
Also within easy reach of Millstreet are the towns of Kanturk and Newmarket. Kanturk can be found at the meeting point of the rivers Allow and Dalua with its country park running alongside. A short distance from the town stands the unfinished Kanturk Castle, currently owned by the National Trust of Ireland. The typical market town of Newmarket, close to the Blackwater River, is both scenic and historic. Located on a glen surrounded by the foothills of the Mulmuaghreirk Mountains, the town dates back to the 17th century.
Millstreet is your gateway to all the South West region attractions.