Information Bandon Ireland
Bandon is named after the river on which it sits, but its longer Irish name actually means Bridge on the Bandon, denoting its significance as a point at which the river could be crossed. It recently celebrated 400 years as a town. It was originally a plantation for English settlers, and its oldest church dates back to the 1600s. There was a stipulation for residents that no Roman Catholics were permitted to live there. The industrial revolution had ill effects on local industries, which still used traditional methods of production and found it impossible to compete with the goods that were made more cheaply elsewhere in the world. There was still a significant Protestant population at the time of the War of Independence in the early 1920s. The Protestant people were primarily unionist and so were regarded as legitimate targets for attack by the IRA. Census data indicates that between 1911 and 1926, the non-Catholic presence in Bandon was almost halved. The Protestant social hall was burned during the period, and at least five Protestants lost their lives to the IRA. In keeping with its ecumenical and now harmonious community, the town has a war memorial dedicated to those from Bandon who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars. The town has a population of 5,000 with a strong sporting tradition. The town has GAA, rugby and soccer clubs and teams. Its rugby team won the inaugural Munster Senior Cup at the end of the nineteenth century. Recent development has meant that improvements have been made along the banks of the river, including work carried out on MacSwiney Quay.
Attractions Bandon Ireland
Argideen Heritage - Clonakilty
Located on a 135 acre Dairy Farm, which is located just off of the R600 between Clonakilty and Timoleague in South West Cork. The Arigideen River Valley is unique as well as being beautiful in that it has a very high concentration of Historical sites and is a great source of folklore. The Valley has connections with Michael Collins, Henry Ford, John F Kennedy, Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa, Donal Cam O' Sullivan Bere and William Penn to mention just a few
Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills - Ballincollig
Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills Heritage Centre is a unique industrial complex which meanders along the bank of the River Lee. The Mills were established in 1794 by Charles Henry Leslie. Eleven years later when Napoleon's control of France posed a grave threat to the British, the British Board of Ordnance bought the Mills from Leslie. Along with this the Army Barracks was built in the town to protect the supply of gunpowder. By the mid 1800s the Mills were one of the largest industrial establishments in the Cork area.
Barryscourt Castle - Carrigtwohill
Barryscourt Castle was the seat of the Barry family from the 12th to the 17th centuries. The present castle is a fine example of a 15th century tower house with 16th century additions and alterations. The bawn wall with three corner towers is largely intact. The ground floor of the keep houses an exhibition on the history of the Barrys and Barryscourt Castle.
Blarney Castle - Home of the Blarney Stone - Blarney
Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles. It was built around 1446. An ancient stronghold of the MacCarthys, Lords of Muskerry and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster, its walls are eighteen feet thick in places. Located on the parapet of the castle is the famous "Blarney Stone". According to local legend, after kissing this stone, you will have the gift of eternal eloquence, or "the gift of the gab". To kiss the stone, you must first lie on your back, then leaning your head backwards and downwards, you kiss the underside of the stone. The last admission to the castle and grounds is 30 minutes before closing.
Blarney Woolen Mills - Blarney
The presence of the Woolen Mills during the Famine shielded Blarney from the worst effects of the famine, due to its employment of local workers. The success story at the mills continued until a disastrous fire in 1869. By August 1871, the mill was once again operational with a labour force of 222. In 1976 Chris Kelleher, himself a mill worker, bought the old mill property. Within a short period of time Chris and his family transformed the mill into what is perhaps the largest quality craft shop in Ireland.
