Local Area

Local Area Attractions

Careysville Fishery is within a short distance of many attractions for our non-fishing guests. These range from heritage sites to sporting activities, from spas to a whiskey distillery, from Blue Flag beaches to the world renowned cookery school at Ballymaloe. Below we have listed a small sample, all within an hour’s drive unless stated.

Lismore, Blarney and Cashel

For heritage lovers there is Lismore Castle with its beautiful gardens and art gallery, situated in the heritage town of Lismore, on the banks of the River Blackwater. The Rock of Cashel, with its interpretative centre, film show, shopping and restaurants. Blarney Castle, famed for its Blarney stone which is reputed to give the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it.

Gardens, cookery and other places of interest

Many gardens are open to visitors in the locality, notably Annesgrove, Lismore Castle and other member of the Blackwater Valley Gardens Trail. Ballymaloe features a garden and of course the cookery school which offers short courses and afternoon demos – and a hugely tempting shop. Not far from Ballymaloe is the Shanagarry pottery and the Jameson Whiskey distillery where tours and tastings are available.

Scenic surroundings

Lovely woodland and river walks, also in the Knockmealdown and Comeragh Mountains. Magnificent sandy Blue Flag beaches along the coast. Mitchelstown caves, at the foot of the Galtee Mountains.

Spas

The five star Capella Hotel and Resort Spa has pampering down to a fine art. There are also several Day Spas in Cork City

Golf, riding, racing

For golfers, counties Cork & Waterford host a wide variety of fantastic courses such as Fota Island and Castlemartyr. Horse riding and trekking can be arranged in the Nire Valley and Comeragh Mountains. Several racecourses are within easy reach, including Thurles, Tramore, Gowran Park, Limerick, Tipperary and Mallow. In addition the point to point season runs till the end of May with a number of meets in the locality.

Restaurants

It is unlikely that you will ever go hungry at Careysville but should you wish to explore the local cuisine 'O'Brien's Chop House', ‘Aherns', 'Ballymaloe House’, 'Pastis' and the Michelin starred ‘Cliff House’ restaurants are all within an hour’s drive.

Cork, Waterford and other urban attractions

Cork has the excellent Crawford Art Gallery, the opera house, the Everyman Palace theatre as well as its famous “English Market”
Further afield are the historic towns of Cahir and Kinsale with their antique shops, medieval castles, golf and restaurants. About two hours away are Kilkenny and Waterford – both boast castles, excellent shopping and numerous craft activities including the Waterford Crystal visitor centre.

Activities for children

Fota Wildlife Park, Michelstown Caves, swimming in Fermoy, beaches, go-karting, horse riding are all available not far from Careysville.