Location: Macroom
Top Things to do in Macroom
The 7 Best Things to Do in Macroom, Ireland
Macroom (/məˈkruːm/; Irish: Maigh Chromtha) is a market town in County Cork, Ireland, in the valley of the River Sullane, halfway between Cork city and Killarney. Its Irish Gaelic may translate as "meeting place of followers of the god Crom" or "crooked oak", the latter a reference to a large oak tree that apparently grew in the town-square during the reign of the English King John. Its population has grown and receded over the centuries as it went trough periods of war, famine, forced emigration and intermittent prosperity. In a 2011 census, the urban area was recorded as 3,879.
Restaurants in Macroom
1. Toy Soldier Factory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Come and see the ONLY Toy Soldier Factory in Europe. Free admission to our visitor center and factory. "Make & Paint Workshops" try your hand at casting a figure and painting it. Suitable for kids 7+ and adults of all ages. Our showroom is full of a lot more than just toy soldiers i.e. the Worlds Largest Model Battle Scene which houses 15,000 hand cast and hand painted figures, 8 x 4 meters in size, of the Battle at Waterloo completed by just one customer Andre Rudolf and it took him 8 years to finish, we also have the largest range of Lord of the Rings Miniatures, connoisseur chess sets, fairies, fridge magnets, Christmas Decoration and our infamous Irish Heroes, Michael Collins, Padraig Pearse, e.t.c. Coach tours are welcome if pre-booked. Open 7 days a week.
Reviewed By Patrick O - Louisville, Kentucky
This is not your typical Ireland tourist spot but it was an interesting. If you are into toy soldiers you will like this place. It is not easy to find and depending on your route the roads can be very narrow. The staff was very friendly and helpful.
2. The Gearagh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By ShaneMcDonald - Waterford, Ireland
I found this by accident. I am a photographer also, so I was in the area and wanted to shoot some shots. I googled and found this was near by. It is a submerged forest apparently, deliberately flooded for a hydroelectric plant. Long walks available with limited parking. Worth seeing.
3. Coolavokig Pottery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 27 reviews
At Coolavokig Pottery, Robb Bradstock and Meredith Flandreau make high-quality handmade ceramics fired in the oldest wood-fired kiln in Ireland. All the pottery is individually handcrafted and thrown on a potter's wheel. Visitors are welcome to the retail shop where a wide selection of Coolavokig Pottery is available. Opening hours 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.all year.
Reviewed By nntktr - Vero Beach, Florida
Pretty little gem located in the beautiful Cork countryside near Macroom. Went with our family (30s) and we all bought cups, pitchers and vases. Worth a trip!Thank you so much for the lovely review! Hope to see you again the next time you visit Ireland. Best wishes, Meredith
4. Farran Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Sarah O O - Cork, Ireland
This is a really lovely place for a walk.It is really well maintained and clean. There is a €5 charge for the car park but entrance is free other than that.The deer are just beautiful.And the ducks of course.We didnt see any red squirrels unfortunately. We went on a day that was cold and damp but enjoyed it immensely, and would definitely go again.Maybe with a picnic next time.
5. St. Colman's Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Thom W - Lambertville, New Jersey, United States
The Cathedral Church of St Colman, usually known as Cobh Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic Cathedral in Cobh, Ireland. It overlooks Cork harbour from a prominent position up on a hill. Construction began in 1867 and was not completed until over half a century later due to increases in costs and revisions of the original plans.
6. Macroom Castle Visitor Information
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Jan D - Saint Charles, Missouri
Worth investigating is this castle in Macroom's town square, or what remains of it. In the square you will also find other intriguing markers, buildings, hotels and shops. We visited later as it began to get dark. A must see if you're in Macroom.
7. Carrigadrohid Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Inscribe - Sligo, Ireland
Carrigadrohid Castle is situated on a rock outcrop in a wonderfully picturesque setting on the River Lee, approximately 8 km east of the town of Macroom in Co. Cork.The castle is a three storey tower in a picturesque setting on the river. It is joined to the river bank by a road bridge at second storey level which joins the eastern wall of the castle. The name Carrigadrohid translates as the rock of the bridge and occurs as early as 1573, indicating that a bridge stood here at that time, likely of timber construction..
The Castle is a tower house structure, a type of fortified dwelling built extensively throughout Ireland from the fifteenth to the seventeenth century. These tower houses were the fortified residences of local lords and chieftains and later occupied by those of Anglo Irish descent. In the 15th century it was occupied by the original owners who were the MacCarthys of Muskerry. Later in about 1650, the castle was besieged by Parliamentary forces. The MacCarthys were dispossessed, and the castle was taken over by the Bowens who lived there until the mid 18th century. The castle subsequently fell into disrepair. Currently there is a locally funded project underway to restore the castle. It's a beautiful and serene place. You can stop to take in the scenery and the peacefulness.
