Welcome back to the Ring of Cork travel series. In this episode, we decided to explore Ballincollig. We are started the day in the beautiful Ballincollig Regional park and enjoyed some relaxation afterwards in the luxurious Oriel House Hotel.
First up was a morning walk in the Regional Park, Ballincollig. The Regional Park in Ballincollig is located on the South bank of the River Lee and much of it lies on the river’s floodplain. Its internal watercourses mean that wet woodlands and wet habitats are a feature of the park and form an important part of its natural character. This park makes you feel like you are in the countryside without having to travel far outside the city. It is a popular spot for walkers, joggers as people are drawn to its natural landscape. It is also home to the Gunpowder Mills, Irelands largest industrial archaeological site. (the mills are now in ruins but there are over 60 visible buildings scattered within 130 acres of the park)
After a refreshing walk, it was time to warm up. We decided to go for a spot of brunch in the modern Oriel House Hotel. A hotel modern, fresh vibe, along with an artist flare throughout. The brunch menu had something for everyone. Classic dishes with a modern twist. I opted for the traditional pancakes which did not disappoint.
So, that’s it for this week’s episode, I am going to relax here for myself, join us next week as we go on a road trip to the seaside village of Youghal. We are going to explore the beaches, famous boardwalk and check out what Youghal has to offer. We are also going to be exploring another family favourite at Perks.
