|
Description
The name in Irish means “meeting place of the followers of
the god Crom” or “crooked plain.” The
Macroom area was perhaps once a meeting place for the Druids of Munster. Today, is still a crossroads. Situated on the north side of the
Carrigadrohid Reservoir along the N22, Macroom ties together all the major
towns of the area. There is much to keep
you here as well.
What to See and Do
The Gearagh, an ancient, post-glacial alluvial forest, is
located one mile southwest of Macroom.
The trees are on a strip of inland delta that is sliced by river
channels. This area is believed to have
been wooded since the end of the last Ice Age, and is the only spot of its type
left in Western Europe. A gorgeous place
that I highly recommend.
Take a guided walk with Lee Valley Walking, www.leevalleywalking.com. Our pick up your own guide a the tourist
office, and explore nearby Castle Demesne or Masseytown Park on your own.
In town, catch the early bird’s country market on Tuesdays
beginning at 7:30AM at the entrance to the castle and lasting for one and a
half hours. Or go to the Thursday
farmer’s market, which starts at 10:30AM.
For shopping, check out The Webb Fashion women’s boutique for loveable
classics in natural fabrics such as hemp, cotton, and wool.
For rainy weather, visit the cinema and library at The
Briery Gap Cultural Centre. Also browse
the Macroom Bookshop. See 17th
century Macroom Castle, at the town centre.
Or visit Bealick Mill Heritage Centre, restored in 1993.
Macroom has an 18-hole golf course.
Where to Eat and
Drink
Veggie Thoughts is the organic/gourmet shop in town and a
delight. It stocks fresh baked goods,
deli items, coffees, chocolates and cheeses galore, and a full range of organic
dry goods to concoct your own trail mix for a trek through the alluvial
woods. Buns and Stuff is a newly opened
bakery, creating homemade sandwiches to order and croissants and cakes baked on
the premises. Cornucopia is the
plentiful health food store. Vaughan’s
Café is a place for tea and scones. And
A Golden Pub has an amazing decor, like walking inside the trunk of a tree.
Where to Sleep
The Castle Hotel has been run by the Buckley family of over
50 years. Enjoy a spa package here. The Next Door Café serves cakes, tea, and
coffees. The Dan Buckley’s Bar is right
next-door.
How to get there
By car:
From Cork, take N22 west to Macroom. Or the more scenic R618.
From Killarney, take N22 east to Macroom.
From Bantry, take N71 north to Ballylickey. Take R584 to Macroom.
By bus:
See www.buseireann.ie
website for all current travel details and restrictions.
When to go
From April to October, when the days are longer and the sun
comes out. Street musical festival in
June. A Drawing Exhibition at the Town
Hall in June. Early June Arts and Craft
Shows. Summer Arts Exhibitions in July
and August. Ceol Agus Craic, a live
summer music festival at The Castle Hotel in The Dan Buckley’s Bar, July –
September.
Written by Liz O'Malley - Summer of Travel 2007
|
