Tourism For years IRD Duhallow has focused on promoting the allure of the regions natural resources as well as its unique culture and heritage. The development of our walkways, rivers for angling, watersports amenities, equestrian sector and heritage and cultural centers makes Duhallow stand out from your average Irish destination and the ideal place to visit if you want to step away from the hustle and bustle of the more popular tourist destinations. Covid 19 restrictions for travel has proven now more than ever how important it is to support the development of tourism in rural areas where ‘staycationers’ can come to visit and enjoy what’s to offer. The development of community playgrounds in rural areas also compliments such amenities locally adding to the experience for those families on a simple day trip or for a longer stay. Covid 19 has also highlighted the need for outdoor recreation on one’s door step.
Before & After: A beautifully refurbished self catering in Millstreet support by LEADER Funding.
LEADER Duhallow is ideally located between the cities and towns of Cork, Limerick and Kerry with 2 international airports and 1 regional airport all within a 1-hour drive of the region. Accommodation still proves to be the biggest challenge to tourism in Duhallow and through previous and current LEADER Progammes we have invested into the development of self-catering accommodation through refurbishing old farm houses and cottages and developing eco pods. Most recently we have the addition of a beautiful self-catering house in Millstreet. With a similar project in the pipeline elsewhere in Duhallow the development of selfcatering accommodation is an area we will continue to support locally.
with corporate team days, golden oldie competitions and charity fundraisers all being held here bringing a wide cohort of people to the region and into the town of Newmarket. Both adult and juvenile members represent the club at competitions across Munster too.
Visitors to the course teeing off on Newmarket Pitch & Putt.
Walks The development of walks in Duhallow has been a key feature of both our rural development and tourism strategies. We are fortunate to have the landscape for both a mix of mountainous, riverside and loop walks. IRD Duhallow administers the National Walks Scheme for the Duhallow Way which is a 50 mile walk through the region. Our walks have attracted significant numbers into the area over the years with Mouth Hilary being named in the Top 10 Family Friendly Walks in Cork. We are very fortunate to have the support of both the RSS &Tus schemes for the maintenance of these walks in the region. The Outdoor Rural Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) is also welcomed where existing walks can be upgraded and new walks developed. Under the 2019/2020 programme €20k was approved for upgrading the James O’Keeffe Walkway in Newmarket and the development of the Bolomore Way in Rathcoole respectively which is hoped will start soon. While in Kerry in Western Duhallow the Old Butter Road was also awarded €20k for upgrades and resurfacing works which is nearing completion. Submissions will be made by IRD Duhallow in the coming weeks for the ORIS20/21 Programme to further upgrade existing walks in Duhallow. Island Wood, Newmarket Cultural Tourism Preserving our local heritage is high on our agenda and we have invested significantly over the years in capital investments with local heritage centers developed across the region, cultural events, training programmes and marketing. These have proven very popular with a wide variety of cultural events being held there that are unique to the area which attract people in their droves to experience something authentic and real. Visitors have come from as far as Japan to Rockchapel to experience Sliabh Luachra Traditional music and dance sessions while it has proven a nice experience for other visitors to the area also for an evening’s entertainment and indeed for locals too.
Newmarket Pitch and Putt ideally located on the beautiful grounds of the James O’Keeffe Foundation.
Newmarket Pitch & Putt Keeping with the outdoors Newmarket Pitch and Putt stands out as one of the best designed courses in the country. Designed by local man Michael O’Leary of Sol Golf Ballydesmond and funded by the LEADER Programme this course attracts the avid player from all over Munster. Both individual players and teams come to visit booking their slot to experience the course. Competitions are held weekly during the summer
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Ceoiltoiri Sliabh Luachra performing at a traditional Irish music and dance concert in Bruach na Carraige Rockchapel.
