Mountain Biking

The Ballyhoura mountain bike trails are the biggest trail network of its kindin Europe at 96km and provides loop trials for all cycling abilities. Part of the trail tracks were designed by the worlds leading trail designer Dafydd Davis combining the forest trails with newly built single trail tracks. The trail has begin in Ardpatrick in east limerick and a full range of visitor services such as map boards, parking, showers, toilets and bike washing facilities.

Bike hire will also be available soon in a purpose built unit on site, andcancurrently be arranged with lads at www.xct1.com

The Trails
Excellent maps and info at www.xct1.com or info@ballyhoura.org

Green or Greenwood trail is 6 km long and will take about 30-60mins on your ability and extremely scenic trail.

Brown or Mount Russell trail is 17km long and will take about 1.5 -2.5 hours due to its more technical and physically demanding trail of climbing and descending.

White or Garrane trail is 35km long and will take approx 2.5-4.5 hours with some long, fast demanding climbs and decent, with some of the single tracks too.

Blue or Steamhill trail is 41km long and will take 3.5- 5.5 hours and builds on the Garrane trail with longer trails.

Red or Castlepook trail is 51km long will take approx 5- 6 hours and will take you right through everything these trails have to offer…so be prepared!

Walking Trails
Traversing a landscape rich in geology, archaeology and wildlife, Ballyhoura country offers spectacular walking in the ancient and unspoilt landscapes of north cork and east limerick.

Whether your interests lie in short looped walks or long hikes along the Ballyhoura way, whether you prefer guided walks or to organise your own walks independently, walkers of all abilities will be invigorated by the sheer beauty and tranquillity of the area.
Info@ballyhoura.org

Cycling

There is no better way to see and enjoy a area, than to cycle, this immediate are has a lot of cycle loops that will take through local heritage sites and small village.

Loop 8 55km - Ballyhoura networks

Bruff- Loughgur (- Herberstown - Emely - Knocklong, - Kilmallock, Bruree, - Athlacca - Bruff

On this loop you can experience the loughgur lake and heritage centre, with its interactive displays and visit the crannogs, megalithic tombs, stone circle and ring forts.

Bruree was home to Emanon De Larre and why not visit local museum and cycle past him home.

Equestrian

There is two equestrian Centres with in easy driving distances of the house, Athlacca Polo cross Centre and O Donnells Horse riding Centre in Galbally who offer guided cross country trails.

The region is famed for its hunting clubs.

Limerick Race Course at Patrickwell offers a combination of day and evening meetings as dose Limerick junction in Tipperary.

Golf

The house is a golfers paradise, with a number of of highly recommended golf course with in close distances.
Limerick county golf and country club at ballyneethy ( 8 miles)
Charleville golf club (10 miles)
Adare golf course - Irish open 2007/2008 (14 miles)
Ballyskiteen golf course at Limerick junction (13 miles)

Clay Bird Shooting lazydogshooting@eircom.net

Lazy dog ltd is a clay bird and indoor rifle range centre located in the ballintubber, Kilfianne Co Limerick and is a perfect way to be introduced to the sport. The centre offers a variety of shooting layouts catering for novice shooter and the very advanced. A qualified shooter is available for tuition, covering everything from safety to gun handling.

Water Activities

Limerick is ideally located for many water based activities and all centres are with in easy car distances.

For fishing Ballyhass lakes offers a catch and release fishing and tackle hire at there fresh spring fed lakes. CastleConnell has long being prestigious for salmon fishing in Ireland.

Also on the CastleConnell river is Limericks wake and ski centre that offers this water adventure sport in a private stretch of the river Shannon. Tuition is offered in sessions or small groups to suit beginners to advances levels and all equipment is supplied.
www.limerickwakeandski.com

Close by in Killaloe is UL training activity centre. Activities on offer include sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, power boating, dragon boat racing, archery, Orienteering and the impressive high ropes course.
Info@ulac.ie

Kilfianne education Centre located close to home offers a large range of water based activities and adventure sport courses such as Cannoning at loughgur, kayaking and land activities such as rock wall climbing, orienteering, hill walking, river walking and team challenges.
Info@kilfinnaneoec.com

Children Activities

Take the children to our local Donkey Sanctuary, Mallow or to Buttercup Farm Croom, Parsons Green Farm Mitchelstown and Fota Wildlife Park Cork.

Swimming pools are close at hand with an excellent one in University of Limerick (15 mins) and in Tipperary (30 mins).

Explore our near by caves in Mitchelstown or just shop until you drop in our wonderful Department Stores in Limerick.

Map of Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails