Top 13 Things To Do In Mallow

1. Go on a thrilling adventure at Ballyhass Wake Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you love thrilling watersports, then Ballyhass Wake Park has you covered. This adventure sports center offers a plethora of water-based attractions and activities in Mallow, from the aqua park to the kayaking expedition. The wake park also offers lessons in wakeboarding as well as recommends proper locations for beginners to play in.

Ballyhass Wake Park also offers other activities like archery, ax throwing, a high nets course, high ropes, and a zipline. There are also events and competitions that you can join at the wake park.

Ballyhass Wake Park

Address: 1, Co. Cork, Ireland

Website: Ballyhass Wake Park

2. Have a pint at The Olde Fiddle

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Olde Fiddle is a small yet fantastic pub that boasts a friendly atmosphere for visitors to enjoy while drinking. This quaint pub offers a variety of drinks and snacks complemented by music played from the jukebox or by a live performance at night. Customers have praised the amazing atmosphere and some have even noted that the place is famous for its music. The pub is a traditional bar where you can simply sit back and enjoy a pint.

The Olde Fiddle

Address: 2 Spa Square, Castlelands, Mallow, Co. Cork, P51 C449, Ireland

Website: The Olde Fiddle

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5:30pm - 11:30pm; Fri: 5:30pm - 12:30am; Sat: 2:30pm - 12:30am; Sun: 2:30am - 11:00pm

3. See Anne's Grove House & Gardens' beautiful landscaping

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

What used to be an 18th-century orchard has now been converted into a beautiful garden. Anne’s Grove House & Gardens boasts a woodland garden, river garden, walled garden, wildflower meadow, and lily pond. With River Awbeg running through the garden, visitors are promised a serene time as they walk through the beautiful path and take in the wonderful sight of the landscaping. English Agriculturist Arthur Young described this garden in his book, Tour in Ireland, as a “wild romantic glen.”

Anne's Grove House & Gardens

Address: Annesgrove, Castletownroche, Co. Cork, Ireland

4. Enjoy thrilling races at Cork Racecourse

Horseracing in Ireland is strongly rooted and is one of many things to do around Mallow. It is one of those sports with passionate fans who will not let anything, including the harsh weather, to come in their way of enjoying the sport. If you love horseracing, either as a fan or if you actively take part in it, then you must plan a visit to Cork Racecourse Mallow. The location is in the middle of a deep woodland right on the banks of the Blackwater River. As such, in addition to the epic races on the tracks, you will also love the great natural sceneries around, with the fresh countryside air and the beautiful views and sounds of the Blackwater River.

Cork Racecourse

Address: Killarney Road, Mallow, Co. Cork, Ireland

Website: Cork Racecourse

Price: 17 USD

5. Go angling at the Blackwater River

If you love angling and are wondering what to do in Mallow, why not drop by Blackwater River? It is reputed as one of the leading angling locations in the world. This simply means that if you are an angler and you will be visiting Mallow in Ireland, then you have every reason to include angling at the Blackwater River in your itinerary. Expect to enjoy some nice catches of salmons and brown trout, not forgetting about the peace, serenity, and the soothing sounds of the river.

6. Soak in the beauty of Blackwater Valley

The beautiful Blackwater Valley is full of attractions and activities that will be enjoyed by all. It is rich in culture and heritage, featuring plenty of stately homes, gorgeous castles, breathtaking gardens, and historic buildings. Still, on history, the valley is home to a 3,500-year-old megalithic tomb which is an absolute must-see for every history buff. Once you are done exploring the historic aspects of the valley, you can go for a hiking or a thrilling mountain biking experience on the Ballyhouras or enjoy kayaking, archery, or rock climbing at the Ballyhass Lakes in the valley.

Blackwater Valley

Address: Blackwater Valley, Mallow, IR

Website: Blackwater Valley

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

7. Get fit with Sli na Slainte

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Sli na Slainte is an initiative by the Irish Heart Foundation and its main objective is to encourage the Irish to walk more as part of a healthy lifestyle. The country has more than 500 Sli na Slainte routes, often marked with yellow signposts and placed at an interval of 1 kilometer (1.6 miles). Going for a walk on these designated paths will not only be beneficial to your health but also give you a chance to further enjoy the Irish countryside and to interact with the local communities while you trek down the woods, up the valleys, and across the rivers.

Sli na Slainte

Website: Sli na Slainte

8. Step back in time at Mallow Castle

Mallow Castle sits on a 33-acre (13 hectares) site featuring a beautiful garden and the three castles – a 13th-century castle, a 16th-century fortified house, and a 19th-century mansion. The styling of the castle is early Jacobean, featuring mullioned windows, stepped battlements, and high gables. A visit to this site will take you back to thousands of years ago with a rich history and vital lessons when it came to castle building for security purposes in the olden days.

Mallow Castle

Address: Castlelands, Mallow, Co. Cork, Ireland

Website: Mallow Castle

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: 15 USD

9. Rest your tired soul at Mallow Town Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

If all you want is a place to sit, relax, and enjoy the beautiful gifts of nature in the form of ponds, greenery, and soft grass, then all you need is to spend a few hours in Mallow Town Park. It is an exceedingly beautiful public park that is worth visiting in the afternoons after a hectic day of jumping from one Mallow outdoor attraction to another. The serene environment may also help you think about other things to do near Mallow.

Mallow Town Park

Address: Mallow, Co. Cork, Ireland

Website: Mallow Town Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

10. Pose by The Clock House for nice shots

The Clock House has been a vital landmark in Mallow Town for over a century. It was constructed in 1855 and though it has been experiencing a lot of degradation, it has still managed to retain its glory, thanks to the constant renovations it has undergone through the years. With the Tudor architecture and the constant renovations, the house is one of the classiest structures you will find in town and it is a nice spot to make some memories with the lenses of your camera.

The Clock House

Address: 2 Spa Square, Castlelands, Mallow, Co. Cork, P51 C449, Ireland

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

11. Attend a service at St. James Protestant Church

This Gothic-style church has been gracing Mallow’s landscapes since the 1820s, making it one of the most historic structures in town. It can accommodate up to 800 congregants, though with the inclusion of the side galleries, the capacity is now limited to only 350. The church is a cradle for history, given that inside it lies the gravestone of James Barry - Lord of Kilmaclenine. If you are around on Sundays, feel free to join the local community for service, and for any other day, go on a visit to cherish the architecture and the history.

St. James Protestant Church

Address: 115 Main St, Mallow, Co. Cork, P51 HW24, Ireland

Price: Free

12. Stop by St. Mary’s Catholic Church

St. Mary’s Catholic Church is another historical landmark in Mallow, having been built in 1818. The church was constructed just before Catholic emancipation in 1829, and this implies there were a lot of intrigues about its construction, including the choice of location, which couldn’t have been in a prime spot. A visit will not just expose you to the history but also will give you a chance to admire the sleek architectural display of the structure.

St. Mary's Catholic Church

Address: Main St, Mallow, Co. Cork, Ireland

Website: St. Mary’s Catholic Church

Price: Free

13. Spend time with rescued donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Donkey Sanctuary is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the conditions of donkeys and mules in Ireland. Think of it as a rescue center where abandoned and mistreated donkeys and mules are given the love and care they’ve so missed. The sanctuary is located in the beautiful, rolling countryside of Cork Country, and currently, it is the home to more than 1,800 donkeys.

The Donkey Sanctuary

Address: Knockardbane, Mallow, Co. Cork, Ireland

Website: The Donkey Sanctuary

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm

Price: Free

Have fun in the beautiful Mallow countryside

A trip to Mallow should be an exciting one, especially if you love the refreshing views of the rolling countryside. It is a relatively small Irish town, but one with an abundance of history, culture, nature, and attractions. Be sure to read through the above top things to do in Mallow, Ireland for an eventful trip.