Things To Do
The Oriel House Hotel & Leisure Club is located in Ballincollig, County Cork, a mere 10 minutes’ drive from Cork City Centre and is within close proximity to all transport terminals.
The hotel is located within walking distance of the Ballincollig Shopping Centre, extensive amenities of retail stores, bars, restaurants and a multiplex cinema.
Ballincollig is the ideal location for the Business person to access Cork City’s western Business districts and is also an excellent base to explore the beautiful scenic region of West Cork, Blarney, Killarney and the scenic Ring of Kerry.
Check out Things to Do - Cork City Council for an extensive list of all things happening in Cork!
Local Attractions
Browse around the local shopping areas, visit areas of interest or enjoy an activity based holiday. Whatever your reason for visiting Cork, Oriel House Hotel is the perfect choice for your accommodation. See below some of the fantastic attractions close to Oriel House.
Ballincollig Regional Park
Includes a former Gunpowder Mill and measures approximately 130 acres in size containing 52 structures in varying stages of decay surviving from the gunpowder manufacturing process. The site is approximately 2.4 kilometres in length and the River Lee runs the entire northern length of the site. The park contains soccer pitches, a rugby pitch, walkways, a skateboard facility, and free-to-use outdoor fitness equipment.
MIDLETON DISTILLERY EXPERIENCE
Discover the heart of Irish whiskey at the Midleton Distillery Experience in County Cork, home to iconic brands like Jameson and Redbreast. Explore the rich heritage and craftsmanship through guided tours of the distillery, including the world’s largest pot still and a live maturation warehouse. The newly renovated visitor center features tasting rooms, a whiskey vault, bars, a café, and a gift shop. Enhance your visit with a cocktail-making masterclass. Pre-booking is recommended for this one-of-a-kind whiskey experience. Visit https://www.jamesonwhiskey.com/en-ie/visit-our-distilleries/midleton-distillery-cork/ for details.
Hysterical Histories Cork - Comedic Dinner Theatre Experience (2hrs Approx).
This must-do, inimitable comedy theatre experience is a high-octane, laugh-out-loud adventure that is unlike anything else in Ireland, or around the world! Written and delivered by established professional Irish actors, this jam-packed performance celebrates all things Cork, upstairs at Amicus Restaurant in Cork’s historic Huguenot Quarter. Over two hours, discover the highlights of Cork’s 1500-year history and become acquainted with a county full of quirky characters, their habits, humor, and language. Enjoy local Cork food and drinks, served up with live music and plenty of personality as you engage with the actors. Leave with a belly full of food, a warm feeling in your heart and a new skill, having learned how to “speak Cork.”
Cork Greyhound Track
Looking for something fun that all the family can enjoy? Check out the thrills, the experience and the excitement that is a Night at the Dogs. With stadia throughout Ireland boasting excellent facilities combined with fun & food, as well as top-class racing... we are sure you will want to come back again and again (and again)!
Blarney Castle & Grounds
By kissing the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, it is claimed that one can receive the "Gift of the Gab" (eloquence, or skill at flattery or persuasion). The Castle grounds are as breathtaking as the castle itself – with beautiful flower lined walkways and picnic areas.
Blarney Woollen Mills
Built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was originally known as Mahony's Mills. It was a water powered mill, producing mainly tweeds and woollens. After closing in the early 1970s, the mills was re-invented by local entrepreneur Christy Kelleher as a gift store servicing tourists visiting the village. It is to this day a favourite with visitors to the small tourist village.
Farran Woods (Childrens play area, wildlife)
Farran Forest Park has ample car parking and a playground. Other notable features include a wildlife enclosure and a large duck pond. The wildlife enclosure holds a small herd of red and fallow deer which can easily be viewed from the way-marked Enclosure Trail that skirts the boundary fence. The duck pond is home to duck species such as mallard, teal, widgeon, shoveler and greylag, white fronted, barnacle, snow and Egyptian geese.
Zipit Farran Woods
Zipit is located in Farran woods in Cork, it is a treetop high rope Adventure park. It covers 1.2km of treetop activities with a 5 circuit course for different age, height and ability. You can climb high into the treetops, swing into the cargo nets, even ride a bmx across a bridge, before zipping down one of their many ziplines. Go as a family, go on your own or bring along a group. Children from age 7 to adults can enjoy up to 4 hours of excitement and adventure.
Lifetime Lab (Old Cork City Waterworks)
Lifetime Lab, on the banks of the River Lee, is a unique attraction for visitors of all ages with its modern interactive exhibition, themed playground, beautifully restored buildings and equipment and scenic views over the River Lee.
Fitzgeralds Park & Public Museum
Cork Public Museum is housed in a two storey Georgian house commanding a central position in Fitzgerald Park, Cork. The collections of Cork Public Museum are as rich and diverse as the history of the city itself. They have an original archaeological collection that features some of the most important archaeological finds from the Cork region. Classical archaeology is also represented in Cork Public Museum with a small but impressive collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt and Greece.
Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
There is no better way to see Cork City than the “Hop On, Hop Off” Tour. See all of Cork’s famous sights such as the Cork City Gaol, St. Finbarr’s Cathedral, the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, City Hall, the English Market, City Library, the Triskel Art Centre, Cork Opera House, St. Anne’s Church, the Shandon Butter Museum, the Custom House, City Library, the Courthouse, Museum & Fitzgerald Park, & Elizabeth Fort. With a ticket that is valid all day, you can get on and off as often as you wish. A complimentary map and discounts off certain admissions is included.
Kart World
Kart World, a purpose-built Kart circuit, 800m long and 8m wide, has the largest floodlit hire facility in Watergrasshill, Cork. With up to 20 karts on the track at any one time, Kart World can cater for any size group. Computerised race meetings and lap times on an Arrive and Drive basis. The track is flood-lit for your night-time enjoyment. The track is licensed by R.I.A.C. for all classes of Racing karts.
Lee Valley Golf
Located only 10 minutes from Ballincollig, the 18 hole Championship golf course was designed by Irish Ryder Cup star Christy O’Connor Jnr and has been included in the top 100 Irish Golf Courses by Golf Digest on three separate occasions. A test for all golfers, the parklands course has modern clubhouse and catering facilities, and is the ideal destination for a golfing break in Ireland.
Blackrock Castle & Observatory
A trip to CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory is filled with fun and educational things to do for kids, families, school groups and science enthusiasts. Tours of the historic dungeon and turret take place on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays at 1.30 pm & 3.30pm Play The Comet Chaser at Ireland’s first interactive theatre and virtually save the Earth as part of the Cosmos at the Castle interactive exhibit. The professional astronomical observatory, integrated with our public exhibition, makes BCO a unique national astronomy centre.
Carrig Waterski & Wakeboard (Macroom)
All levels of ability are catered for at Carrigwaterski and Wakeboard Centre, Macroom, with wet suits, life jackets, skis, boards and coaching included in the fee. The site is located on a beautiful secluded lake with two ski nautique boats, full changing and shower facilities and use of the club house kitchen. Picnic tables are available for those who wish to spend the afternoon on site.
Cork City Gaol
Cork is a city with a very rich historical and archaeological heritage - much of it still in evidence today. The magnificent castle-like building is now a major and unique visitor attraction, this Gaol once housed 19th century prisoners! Visitors get a fascinating insight into day-to-day prison life at a time when the high walls ensured no escape and denied law-abiding citizens the opportunity to see one of the finest examples of Ireland’s architectural heritage.
Cork Butter Museum
The Cork Butter Museum is a unique institution, celebrating one of the great success stories of Ireland, the butter trade. Located in the historic Shandon area of Cork city, the story begins with the central role of dairy culture in the Island of Saints and Scholars. The Museum goes on to describe the internationally important Butter Exchange in nineteenth century Cork, the traditional craft of home butter making and the modern success of the Kerrygold brand.
Cork Vision Centre
Located in the heart of Cork's historic centre, and within walking distance of the city's artistic, commercial and diverse tourist attractions, the Cork Vision Centre at St. Peter's offers visitors an opportunity to appreciate a fine example of conservation in action, and to explore Cork's evolution from past, through present, and onwards to future development.
Jameson Centre & Midleton Distillery
A visit to the Old Jameson Distillery is so much more than just a tour, it is an exciting and engaging experience, guaranteed to enlighten and entertain any visitor.
Re-live the story of John Jameson & Son through the history, the atmosphere and above all the taste. You will discover the time honoured secret of how three simple ingredients - water, barley and yeast - are transformed into smooth golden spirit that has always been and continues to be Jameson Irish Whiskey.
Shandon Bells
Ring the world famous Shandon Bells from the first floor. View the internal workings of the clocks, the ‘Four Faced Liar’ and see the original 18th Century bells. Enjoy the spectacular 360° views of Cork City and beyond from the balcony of the Shandon Bells Tower.
Heritage centre Cobh/Titanic Trail
The story of Cobh's unique origins, its history and legacy are dramatically recalled at The Queenstown Story, a multimedia exhibition at Cobh's restored Victorian Railway station. Explore the conditions on board the early emigrant vessels, including the dreaded Coffin Ships.
Learn about an Irish Wake - the special farewell for emigrating sons and daughters many of whom never returned to Ireland. Experience life on board a convict ship leaving Cove for Australia in 1801. You can also discover ‘’Queenstowns’’ special connections with the double tragedy of the ill-fated Titanic and Lusitania.
The English Market
Situated in the heart of Cork City, the English Market is a roofed food market and has been trading since 1788. Developed and still owned by Cork City Council, the Market is one of the oldest municipal markets of it’s kind in the world.
Spike Island
Spike Island occupies a key location in lower Cork Harbour, which is the second largest natural harbour in the world. The multi-cultural island has hosted a monastery, a fortress and a prison within its 104 acres, all of which have left their mark.
Rumleys Open Farm
Cork's newest open farm - enjoy almost 2km of walk ways to explore and meet the animals and the large collection of birds. Visit the ponds and the Lemur climbing enclosure. Other activities to enjoy here are crazy golf, go-kart track, Zip wire, Soccer pitch, play house, covered sand play area, indoor soft play area, tractor carriage tour and adventure area. A must see for all families
University College Cork
University College Cork was originally established in 1845. The orginal site chosen for the University is believed to have a connection with Saint Finbarr, the patron saint of Cork, whose monastery and school learning were in the area.
The UCC campus is noted for its mature well-wooded grounds containing Califorian Redwood trees. These form a splendid setting for the Gothic style Main Quadrangle buildings, modelled on a typical Oxford college by renowned Cork architect of the mid 19th century - Sir Thomas Deane. The overall area of the main campus is forty-four acres, and is supplement further facilities nearby http://www.ucc.ie/
St Finbarr's Catheral
St Finbarr's Catheral is the premier public building in Cork, designed by the Victorian genius William Burges http://corkcathedral.webs.com/
Corks New Drive In Movie Theatre
Fota Wildlife Park
Fun is never far away and Fota is the ideal day out for all families. Walk amongst animals from all over the world at Ireland's wildest attraction. http://www.fotawildlife.ie/
City Centre
Just a 10 minute drive from Ballincollig and you will find yourself in the heart of shopping district of Cork City, including Patrick Street, Oliver Plunkett Street. Also on the bus route, regular bus service from outside the hotel.
Ballincollig Shopping Centre
Just a 2 minute walk from the Oriel House Hotel. Ballincollig Shopping Centre boosts 35 retail stores, relaxing and easy to find your way round. http://www.ballincolligsc.ie/
Mahon Point Shopping Centre
Located 15minutes from Oriel House Hotel Cork, the fabalous Mahon Shopping Centre with all the top high street shops. http://www.mahonpointsc.ie/
