Macroom

From World travel guide

Macroom is a small market town in County Cork, Republic of Ireland.

Contents 1 Understand 2 Get in 2.1 By Bus 3 Get around 4 See 5 Do 6 Buy 7 Eat 8 Drink 9 Sleep 10 Get out 11 External links

Understand

Macroom is situated halfway between Cork and Killarney at a point where the fertile Lee valley around Cork City gives way to poorer (and more picturesque) uplands. The main road west leads over the mountains to Killarney, it's mountains and lakes. Another road west leads to Bantry, Glengarriff, Gougane Barra and Beara. Both roads pass through the Irish-speaking area of Muskerry.

Visitors can't fail to notice the handsome castle entrance dominating the town square. Unfortunately the castle has been largely destroyed and what is left is unsafe. By way of consolation there is a pleasant walk along the river.

Get in

By Bus

• Take the Cork-Killarney-Tralee bus route, about halfway between Cork and Killarney.

Get around

See

• The Gearagh. This is the name given to an ancient oak forest wrapped around the River Lee that was flooded when the Lee was dammed in the 1950's. The area now offers pleasant walks which vary according to the reservoir level. Thousands of stumps of oak trees and field boundaries illustrate the past. The area is also of interest to botanists and bird watchers. It is 3km from Macroom on the Bantry road.

• Carrigaphooka Castle. This is a small and quite well-preserved tower house 4km west on the Killarney road. It is on private land and access is not too easy. The name means Rock of the Fairy.

Do

Buy

Eat

Drink

• Goldens (better known as Gerards) is on the main street next to the Briery Gap Theater, and is one of west cork's best known pubs, and for good reason - it's reputed to serve the best pint of Guinness in Ireland! Along with enjoying your pint you can purchase anything from a milking bucket,Wellington boots, holy picture, teapot, kids toys and many more everyday things.You are also guaranteed meeting some interesting characters including Gerard himself.

Sleep

• Castle Hotel, Main Street, 026 41074 (fax 02641505, castlehotel@eircom.net), [1], is a fine place to stay, or drop in for some food and a pint. The hotel also boasts a lesiure center with facilities such as a gym and Macroom's only swimming pool. Expect to pay around e75pp including breakfast, or take advantage of one of the many package deals on offer.

• 'Victoria Hotel, The Square, 026 41082 (fax 026 42148, hotelvictoria@eircom.net), is a small, friendly family run hotel. Situated in the heart of Macroom and boasting a fine bar restaurant, as well as a nightclub at the weekends, The Vic is an ideal base from which to explore west Cork.

Get out

External links

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