Owenabue Valley Tourism Cork Ireland

SOUTH CORK
THE OWENABUE VALLEY
CORK - IRELAND

The Owenabue River gently flows from its western source near Ballinhassig and into Cork harbour at Crosshaven. The river is mentioned in song as it wends its way through rolling drumlins, green fields, towns and quaint villages. The valley is both scenic and rich in history.

The Owenabue Valley offers excellent Bórd Fáilte (Irish Tourist Board) registered guest houses, B & B, hotel, hostel and self-catering accommodation. The area is proud of its award-winning restaurants whose chefs source only the freshest local ingredients to suit the most demanding palate. Fresh seafood, prime beef and locally produced cheese have helped the Owenabue Valley earn Ireland international culinary status. A visit to some of the charming traditional pubs is highly recommended. Musical entertainment featuring local artists playing both traditional and folk music is an experience not to be missed.

THE OWENABUE VALLEY possesses a rich history summed up briefly herein by an eminent local historian:

"If bridges could speak, the one over the infant Owenabue in Crossbarry (Ballinhassig) to the west, might tell of a battle commemorated by a monument to Tom Barry's flying column.

Ballinhassig Bridge heard the tramp of Mountjoy's army marching to Kinsale in 1601,

While Fivemilebridge (Ballygarvan) watched James II pass in triumph in 1689 and repass in despair in 1690.

Ballea Bridge, with its storied castle and white horse, brings memories of Denny Lane and "Carrigdoun".

Carrigaline commands the final crossingplace before the river broadens into the yacht filled estuary overlooked by an old harbour fort at Crosshaven "where calm Avon Bwee seeks the kisses of ocean"