Towns in County Cork.

(Small Field)

The village was laid out in the late 18th century as a linen and woolen manufacturing centre, extensive use was made of water power. Today the village relies almost entirely on tourism with the woolen mill built around 1750 converted into a hotel

Eloquence and Blarney.
This originates from the time of Elizabeth I. The Lord of Blarney at the time was Cormac MacDermot MacCarthy was asked by George Carew the Queen's Deputy in Ireland to give up the Irish tradition of electing the clan chiefs, and transfer his allegiance to the English crown, MacCarthy side stepped with promises until finally in exasperation the Queen exploded 'Blarney! Blarney! What he says he never means. It's the usual Blarney!'

See Blarney Castle.

(O'Caoilte's Meadow ?)

Located in west Cork Clonakilty, sometime referred to as "The beach centre of West Cork" the area is renowned for traditional Irish entertainment, good food, regattas and festivals of all kind, the towns most famous son Michael Collins was born there on 16th October 1890

Beautifully situated on the shores of Inchydoney Bay close to Clonakilty is the West Cork Model Railway Village, it is a miniturised version of the former West Cork Railway. There is much to see and do in the village, many aspects of country life are covered, if you happen to be in West Cork its well worth a visit.

Michael Collins was killed in an ambush by extremist republicans near Bandon, on August 22, 1922, at the age of 31.

(Sloping field)

Macroom stand on the banks of the river Sullane near the point where it joins the Lee. In the market square is the entrance to Macroom Castle the 15th centre stronghold of the MacCarthy's of Muskerry. Little remains of the actual castle.

Oliver Cromwell granted the town and castle to Admiral Sir William Penn whose son William Penn (1644-1718) Founded Pennsylvania. There is a small museum near the castle Macroom means 'sloping field'.

Beanntrai
(Descendants of Beann)

The town of Bantry is located at the head of Bantry Bay which is 40 km (25 mi) long and less than 16 km (10 mi) wide; it forms a fine sheltered harbour which is surrounded by low mountains. In the bay are Bear and Whiddy islands, on the latter is a large petroleum terminal. Points of interest include Bantry House, which is noted for its tapestries from the 18th and 19th centuries.

In 1689 and again in 1796 Bantry Bay was entered by French fleets in unsuccessful attempts to aid Irish insurrection.