Experiences
Experiences on-site and nearby
You might just want to kick back, relax and read a book while you’re at Ballyvolane and who could blame you – it’s the perfect place to do just that. But if you’re looking for something a little different either on site or nearby, there are lots of options to keep you entertained …
Onsite
Onsite, we have glorious gardens to stroll around and woods to explore. Bring your pooch. We have maps of the estate showing all the paths. Justin sometimes takes guests leaf and flower foraging in the spring and mushroom and fruit foraging in the autumn. We can also bring in an expert forager for groups. In the summer, guests are welcome to try wild swimming in our lakes.
There is plenty to keep you occupied without ever leaving the estate. We have croquet on the top lawn — cheating is practically compulsory — badminton beside the glamping area, an all-weather tennis court, a soccer pitch in the walled garden and table tennis in the barn.
There are also lovely walking and jogging trails around the estate, including mown paths around the lakes, which are particularly magical and a wonderful way to observe the wildlife and biodiversity of the estate at close quarters. Yoga can also be arranged with prior notice.
If doing very little is more your style, curl up by the fire in the drawing room with a good book, find a sunny spot in the garden or simply have a snooze. Guests are also very welcome to help feed the pigs and say hello to the donkeys.
Nearby
There is plenty to explore beyond the gates of Ballyvolane. East Cork and West Waterford have wonderful sandy beaches, excellent walking and hiking in the Galtees, Knockmealdowns, Comeraghs and Ballyhouras, and plenty of historic houses and gardens to visit.
The River Blackwater is a highlight in its own right, whether for canoeing, fishing with a specialist guide, or simply exploring the valley. Day trips to Kinsale, Cobh, Cork City, Lismore and Dungarvan are all well worth doing, as are the local Greenways, farmers’ markets and artisan food producers in Midleton and Cork.
Golfers are well catered for too, with courses including Old Head Kinsale and Fota Island within easy reach.
We know the area well and are always happy to help guests plan day trips, restaurant bookings, excursions and activities according to the season, the weather and how energetic everyone is feeling.
Click here to explore more things to do during your stay.
Walking & Hiking
There are some wonderful mountain and woodland walks within easy reach of Ballyvolane. Our favourites include Mahon Falls, the Galtee Mountains, the Knockmealdowns and Glenbower Wood in Killeagh, along with the many marked trails through Coillte forests and lands.
For route ideas, we recommend the AllTrails App, which is a useful way to explore nearby walks by distance, difficulty and location.
Coillte, Ireland’s state forestry company, manages a vast network of forests and outdoor recreation areas, many with well-marked walking trails. Whether you are after a gentle woodland stroll or a proper mountain hike, there is no shortage of options nearby.
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Clay pigeon shooting is a hugely popular activity at Ballyvolane, particularly with private groups and corporate gatherings.
We can arrange group shooting sessions on the estate, as well as private one-to-one lessons with Justin, an experienced shot who offers friendly tuition for complete beginners and can help more experienced shooters refine their technique.
All necessary equipment is provided, including shotguns, cartridges, clays and ear defenders, so guests can simply turn up and enjoy the experience. Sessions are arranged in advance and are subject to availability and suitable conditions.
Canoeing on the river Blackwater
Canoeing on the River Blackwater makes for a fantastic day out and is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness.
Drift gently downstream in a Canadian-style open canoe and take in some of the Blackwater Valley’s most beautiful scenery, with ruined castles, grand houses, wooded riverbanks and plenty of birdlife along the way - including, if you’re lucky, the elusive kingfisher.
Trips usually last around two and a half hours, with departure times depending on the tides.
Fly-Fishing for Salmon on the River Blackwater
The Cork Blackwater was once regarded as one of Ireland’s finest salmon rivers and among the most celebrated in Europe. Flowing for over 150 kilometres from its source in Kerry to the sea at Youghal, this magnificent river has supported generations of anglers and played an important part in the sporting and cultural heritage of the Blackwater Valley.
Sadly, like so many rivers across Ireland and beyond, the Blackwater has experienced a significant decline in its wild Atlantic salmon population. The great days of salmon fishing are now largely a memory, but the traditions, skills and stories associated with this remarkable river remain very much alive.
Salmon fishing has a long and cherished history at Ballyvolane House. Justin’s late mother, Merrie, was a passionate salmon angler, and for many years the house welcomed visiting fishermen who came to experience the wonderful sport and camaraderie of fishing the Blackwater.
Today, we are committed to helping preserve this important part of our local heritage while supporting efforts to restore healthy wild salmon populations for future generations.
Guests interested in experiencing the river can arrange guided fly fishing with award-winning instructor and guide Glenda Powell, who offers expert tuition and access to private beats, subject to availability and prevailing fishing regulations. Whether casting a line or simply discovering the river’s rich angling history, it is a wonderful way to connect with the landscape and traditions of the Blackwater Valley.
For further information, visit Glenda Powell Guiding. Glenda Powell