The 500-acre Millstreet Country Park re-opens this Easter Weekend, adding to its many attractions with the introduction of new cycling trails, making The Park one of Ireland’s top cycling resorts.

According to Donie Howard of Millstreet Country Park:  ‘Cycle-tourism is a growing phenomenon and as a non-competitive sport that blends the ease and comfortability of bike riding with sightseeing, it’s a natural for the Park.  There is a dearth of self-contained cycling resorts in this country, and we feel we have hit the nail on the head with this new attraction.  We’re talking to a number of cycling clubs at the moment on the cycle routes and have also a stock of leisure bikes for hire for those that want a casual cycle around the Park along our designated leisure trail.   This form of leisure is fast, safe, fun, and puts people in direct contact with nature.’

Millstreet Country Park’s Cycling Resort trails (3klms and 8klms in length) range from relaxed, off-road low land trails suitable for all, to more rugged and challenging terrain, all of which experienced cyclists will enjoy.   Thrill seekers have the opportunity to tackle some of the invigorating hill climbs, with the magnificent backdrop of the Musheramore Mountains, as you cycle the old bog road with breath-taking views of the barony of Duhallow and the Kerry Mountains in the distance. The trails through the flora and fauna of the Park will encourage cyclists to stop and observe the herd of red deer grazing contentedly in paddocks, among the many archaeological sites scattered throughout the Park.

Mr. Howard expects that Millstreet Country Park will establish itself as not just a place where there are of lots of things to see but also a place where there is loads of things to do for the whole family and cycling fits perfectly with our activity programme. We also intend to work with local accommodation providers with a view to putting together a package holidays especially for cycling enthuastists as the Park is ideally located between Millstreet and Macroom. We would like to hear from anyone who is interested in becoming involved in this project.

Opening for the season at Easter, and all set for Easter Egg Hunts, duck races and other activities The Park will again feature an array of healthy food products and baking provided by our  award winning chef Eleanor Leahy of  Nibbles Food Emporium Millstreet. Eleanor who has an impressive array of award including Blas na hEireann Golf medal 2009,All Ireland Farmers Market winner 2010 and a Gold Star at the Great Taste Awards in the UK in 2012 for her Gluten free luxury fruit cake. Eleanor takes great pride in producing traditional recipes and family favourites alongside the more exotic mango fruit jam or Italian focaccia. Venison will be at the centre of her dishes in the Park and already she has won many fans for her mouth watering venison casserole.

Upcoming Events at the Park include Millstreet Walking Festival on 20/21 April, Monster Mac adventure challenge on April 28th, and the Traditional Craft & Blacksmith Fair on Sunday May 5th (the Fair drew 4,500 visitors in 2012).  The Fair will again feature a working forge where members of the Irish Artist Blacksmiths Association (IABA) will demonstrate their skills to create implements and special pieces using the anvil, the hammer and the forge fire. They will be joined for the event by other expert craftspeople making everything from the súgan chairs, willow baskets, spinning wool, pottery, stone sculptures and a host of other creations from a bygone era.
Open Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 7pm, the entrance fee is €15 (a car full!), with season membership available for €60, and special rates for OAP’s and students.  Children under 12 go free.

For a full list of attractions at Millstreet Country Park and dates for upcoming events log on to

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