Development Plans and Easter Fun with Ballyhoura Country

Ballyhoura Country`s adventure trails and an eclectic range of activities are on offer to entertain both adults and children for a fun-filled Easter holiday.

Development Plans and Easter Fun with Ballyhoura Country

As the days get longer and the sun starts to make more of an appearance, it’s time to think about spending more time outdoors. Ballyhoura Country has exciting development plans for its adventure trails and an eclectic range of activities on offer to entertain both adults and children during the Easter holidays.

The Ballyhoura Mountain Biking Trails and Visitor Centre are to undergo development after receiving significant funding. There will be an open day on the 2^nd April for locals and users of the facility to come and review the proposed design and layout for the Mountain Bike Visitor Centre development.  The project will cost in the region of €1.3 million and is funded by Fáilte Ireland, Cork County Council, Limerick County Council, JP McManus, Ballyhoura Heritage and Environment CLG. Works are scheduled to be completed by December 2020. The Mountain bike trails received just under €500,000 for the completion of the mountain bike single track trails master plan.  Funded by Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Grant System the work will be complete by the end of 2019.   A further €600,000 has also been awarded to Coillte for trails upgrades and the additional new trials in the Ballyhoura’s.

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Join in a fun self-guided scavenger hunt at the Glenosheen Woods on Thursday the 18th of April from 5 – 6 PM as part of the Ballyhoura Easter events. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Price includes mini egg for each child. For details go to www.eventbrite.ie.

The Neolithic archaeological site of Lough Gur will host an Easter treasure hunt on April 21^st at 1 pm. Children will be given a map to locate certain tokens, once completed they return to the Heritage Centre to receive their well-deserved Easter egg. Lough Gur also has a hidden fairy trail from the heritage centre to the viewpoint overlooking the lake.

Ballyhass Waterpark is hosting a camp over Easter break. There are four remaining days free to book (April 17^th, 18^th, 24^th, 26^th).  Every participant will experience a unique mix of awesome outdoor adventure activities each day. Running from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm it is suitable for 8-16 years of age for €30 per person. Get reinvigorated for the next school term with a fantastic day out while making awesome friends along the way. For more details go to www.ballyhassaquapark.ie.

Terra Nova Gardens are one of Ireland’s best known small, privately owned gardens. Originally a wet, boggy field full of horsetail and rushes, it has been transformed beyond recognition. Set on a half-acre that appears so much larger due to the use of weaving pathways, creative features and ingenious use of space, nothing goes to waste in this lush oasis. Terra Nova Gardens are re-opening for the season on April 1 and have a new Fairy Garden, Hobbit House and Fairy shop for visitors to explore.

The 4th International HearSay International Audio Festival returns to the mountain village of Kilfinane April 4th-7th 2019. The HearSay International Audio Festival hosts award-winning international contributors from all disciplines of creative audio; radio features, film sound, sound art, theatre sound, music, audio fiction. Some highlights from the HearSay Festival include a two-part talk on the reporting and editing of the West Cork podcast. The ‘A Mile In My Shoes’ returns again this year as does the now infamous ‘Open Houses’ talks. For information and to apply for tickets go to www.eventbrite.ie

As part of the Limerick Lifelong Learning Festival, Ballyhoura Beo are running two events to get people outdoors and moving. A free Adventure Bootcamp at the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trailhead on the 11th of April, from 6:00 – 7:00 PM. The Bootcamp is designed for all levels of fitness. There will need a further 6-week package from May 2^nd to June 6^th. A free Yoga session will help you get in touch with springtime at Coote Hall, Kilmallock, on April 12th.

Ballyhoura Country is excited to reveal its Active Series. With eight events taking place between April and June it promises to support and the chance to make friends as you build up strength and endurance. The series kicks off April 26^th with Doneen AC at 7.30pm followed by Mount Hilary AC on April 28th 10 am. Further dates include Moreabbey Milers, May 10^th 7.30pm,  May 17^th Buttevant AC 8:15 pm, May 24^th 7:30 pm Kilmallock AC, June 7^th Kilfinnane 7:30, June 14^th Bilboa 8 pm, and June 21^st Shandrum at 7:30 pm.

Charleville Park Hotel has plenty to offer over the Easter Break with two excellent offers.  The Easter “Hoppy” Holidays One Night Family Stay for €129 for two adults, and two children includes breakfast, Free Easter Egg for each child, with complimentary use of leisure centre, Charlee’s Chums Kid’s Club daily featuring a supervised movie. Alternatively, for a longer visit the Easter “Hoppy” Holidays, Three Night Family Stay from €109 per night.

Situated amongst the woodlands of Ballyhoura the Ballyhoura Mountain Lodges have special Easter offers including Midweek Madness for returning guests with discounts on car hire, ticket prices for Friars Gate Theatre, bike hire at trail riders, family tickets to Mitchelstown Cave, Lough Gur Heritage Centre, and Griston Bog. Discounts are also available for guests to explore The Design & Craft Studio Charleville and Ballyhoura Apple Farm in the Ballyhoura Artisan Food Park in Kilfinane.

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