Located just nine miles from the thriving city ofCork, Ovens has a population of about 1,700 and ison the doorstep of the area’s most popular tourist destinations. Just six milesaway lies Ballincollig, after Cork, the county’s most populous town, known forits gunpowdermills.
A little further afield you’ll find the thrivingtown of KinsaleOpens in a new window,one of the most popular in the Republic of Ireland. Kinsale’s picturesqueappearance, lovely harbour and diverse range of bars and restaurants ensure itis always one of the busiest towns in the county, particularly in the summer.
Corking Opportunities
County Cork epitomises everything that is goodabout the Republic of Ireland. Its atmosphere is warm and welcoming, its townsbuzzing and its villages full of charm. There are countless places to enjoy Ireland’svery best food and drink and miles and miles of coast and countryside in whichto lose yourself.
The Republic’s largest county by some distance,Cork has a vast hinterland of dairy farms, low mountains and plantations butinevitably tourists are drawn to its enchanting and diverse coastline full ofinlets, hidden coves and sandy beaches.
The north of the county, notably the Blackwater, isrevered for its fishing while agricultural produce takes pride of place in theeast, home to the pretty seaside village of BallycottonOpens in a new window.West Cork pulls in most of the crowds, thanks to its coastline, villages andislands, which are among the prettiest in Ireland. And even when the weather isbad, Cork still looks spectacular.
A Sensational City
The city of Cork is cheerfully described as “thereal capital of Ireland” by its inhabitants. Beautifully located alongside theRiver Lee, it is full of heart and soul, with restaurants setting Ireland’sculinary standards and countless pubs and bars full of energy and happycustomers.
Shops of all shapes and sizes are located aroundPatrick Street and Grand Parade, with big name stores standing comfortablyalongside smaller independents. If you want somewhere to stay for a romanticbreak, Cork’s tranquil waterways and beautiful Georgian architecture are hardto beat.
A Top Town
Made up of winding streets full of artsy littleshops, great restaurants and lively pubs and bars, Kinsale is about 20 milesfrom Ovens. The area around the attractive harbour,full of fishing boats and pleasure yachts, is where most of the action takesplace.
Its attractions include CharlesFort, whose well-preserved ruins date from the 18th and 19thcenturies. Engrossing displays chronicle the tough lives of the soldiers whoserved there.
The town’s links to the wine trade are revealed atDesmond House and Kinsale Regional Museum, based in a 17th century courthouse, iswell known for its curious range of exhibits. St Multose Church, one of thecountry’s oldest Church of Ireland churches, is worth visiting for its exquisitelypreserved exterior.
