Not only are you guaranteed beautiful scenery on this rural drive, but you’ll pass through a collection of handsome towns that showcase the rich history and culture of Ballyhoura Country
En route you’ll find archaeological and historical monuments, not to mention several castles, and many interpretative panels and town trails to lead you on a journey through thousands of years of history right up to present day traditions.
The signposted driving route takes you through Labbamolagga, Ballinvreena, Mitchelstown, Kilbehenny, Anglesboro, Kildorrery, Shanballymore, Castletownroche, Doneraile, Churchtown, Liscarroll, Dromina, Milford, Charleville, Kilmallock and Kilfinane.
The wonderfully named Labbamolagga is a small townland on the Kilfinane to Mitchelstown road, and is home to what is recognised as one of the most exquisite Early Christian graveyards in Ireland. Its enclosure of earth and stone is of considerable importance,marking the boundary between the spiritual world and the earthly world outside.
The smaller of the two ruins (on the right as you enter) is thought to have been an oratory rather than a church while the second structure, probably late medieval in origin, was a parish church until the time of the Reformation in the 16th century. Inside the smaller of the two churches is an incised slab bearing an unusual Celtic motif, beneath which Molagga is said to have been buried. Outside the eastern stile is Molagga’s holy well, once famous for its cures.
Distance 123km
To download the heritage brochure click here.
Starting in Kilfinane, finishing in Kilmallock
