Approach Ballyhooly from Fermoy on the road north of the Blackwater River. Turn left and cross the bridge to the Castle Tavern where, you may park. Looking back across the river from the Tavern, one has a fine view of Ballyhooly Castle.

Starting at the Castle Tavern, walk towards Fermoy, turning left at the Avondhu Way waymarker over a stream into a lovely wood which parallels the Blackwater River, heading east towards Fermoy.

The walk winds its way through the woods until eventually it exits at the main road, turn right and return along the road back to the Tavern.

History of Ballyhooly

A History of Ballyhooly entitled 'The Ford of the Apples', edited by Christy Roche provides an interesting perspective on Ballyhooly. In former times the principal roadway was the Cork-Kilmallock Road which ran North/South and crossed the Blackwater at the ford in the orchard valley just south of the village. This crossing was the origin of the name Baile-Atha-hUala 'the settlement of the ford of the apples' from which the name Ballyhooly is derived.

The population was 533 in 1837, 149 in 1893 and 186 in 1905 and there were 4 public houses. The village as it stands was built by the Earl of Listowel in the year 1830. Visit the village of Ballyhooly by crossing the bridge and turning left at the 'T' junction. On entering the village, at the left, is a picnic area and a uniquely designed Ballyhooly area map.

Ballyhooly Castle is situated in a picturesque setting overlooking the bridge on the Blackwater.

The tower house is in a good condition, having been renovated by the Countess of Listowel in 1864, but all that remains of the surrounding enclosure is a turret and section of wall.

This castle is of the Tudor period and saw action in the Confederate Wars of 1641.

This was a castle of the Roches, and it passed, on their forfeiture, to Richard Aldworth. Erected for the purpose of guarding the ford, it was mentioned very much in the 16th century as a stronghold of importance.

On the south, facing the river is a sunken Court, the walls of which are loop-holed, and on the north side are ruins of outworks.

Commerce in Ballyhooly benefitted from providing shelter and sustenance for the traveller. On the south side of the river, the Castle Tavern and O'Connell's (now Richard Lombard's) plied their trade, while the Royal Oak welcomed travellers on the north side.

Agriculture was the main source of employment in the 19th century but there were a few small industries in existence. There were two mills in the parish and one just on the boundary with Fermoy. The largest of these mills was at Millvale (Gortroche townland). This mill, which was owned by the Aldworths, was a flour and carding mill and had one of the largest mill wheels in Ireland.

The wheel continued in operation until the early 1940's when it was replaced by a diesel engine in its later years. Its power was used for milling corn and operating a circular saw.

Another mill in Gortroche townland was situated just across the road from St. Brendan's Well and was powered by the same stream which powered Millvale.

Ballyhooly House (The Mansion) was built in 1871 by the dowager Countess of Listowel. At one time a Pig market was held every Monday and a Butter market every Tuesday in the village.

The Protestant Church was erected in 1888 at a cost of £1,400, of which £800 was given by the Right Hon. Earl of Listowel. It occupies the site and comprises part of the walls of the old church built in 1774. It was designed by Mr. W. H. Hill of Cork. Much of the material of Bridgetown Church was used in the New Building.

The present Catholic Church was built in 1870. The Architect was Mr. C. Ashlin.