The Blackwater Valley

The River Blackwater rises on the Cork Kerry border. It flows in County Cork through the towns of Mallow and Fermoy, then onto County Waterford through the towns of Lismore and Cappoquin, then finally enters the sea at Youghal.

When one thinks about tourism in Ireland, names like Killarney, Connemara, West Cork and Donegal instantly spring to mind, but when you ask someone in the know where is the best place for fishing in Ireland, where are the best places for horses riding, golf, walking, cycling and eating out - somewhere along the Blackwater Valley will be mentioned.

The landscape along the valley is as varied as the industries and people who live there. Strong traditions for theatre, music, dance, sport, fishing, etc. have sprung up all along the valley. While tour busses criss-cross the Valley on their way to the 'tourist destinations', those who know better settle in for a wonderful 'tourist-free' holiday in the Valley.

This site will guide you to planning a quality holiday in the Blackwater Valley. It is fair to say that activity holidays are well catered for, however, lazy holidays are well catered for as well. A wise man once said, when looking back over his life, "I regret not doing an awful lot more of absolutely nothing at all"

When planning a holiday it is important to find out what you can do when you get there. You might consider at least one visit to a music session in an Irish Pub essential, but if you decide to go to a pub on Thursday and are told "Yeah shudda been here last night, Jes' the craic was mighty - we had dancers from Ballyduff" you'll kick yourself for not checking things out beforehand.

With each activity, we have made great attempts to inform you about the accommodation in the area. Where possible, e-mail addresses are given or the e-mail address of an accommodation agency. The telephone numbers given are those of the landlord or lady, except where specified. Direct communication is encouraged at all times.