Kilmallock Heritage Town - Your Daily Adventure

The town of Kilmallock has scarcely altered since medieval times. This wonderful heritage town of stone is described as “the Baalbek of Ireland"

The town of Kilmallock has scarcely altered since medieval times. It still lies within the narrow oblong area once enclosed by the town walls; and its medieval streets are also the streets of today. All this wonderful heritage of stone being sufficient to prompt one traveller to describe the town as “the Baalbek of Ireland”.

There are a number of places to visit in Kilmallock Town. John’s Castle was built in the 15th Century. This is located near the Town Wall, and the best stretch of this extends for about 400 metres, from the rear of Catholic Church to Blossom Gate.

Kilmallock is a walled town of ecclesiastical origin, a monastery having been founded here by St. Maloch in the 6th century, of which the original round tower still remains. Other tourist attractions of note include the Church of Saint Peter and Paul, Dominican Friary, Fenian Monument, Market Cross, Collegiate Church, and the Famine Memorial Park.

Located in the town is Friars’ Gate, this former cinema is now one of the most intimate theatres in Ireland. It stages a variety of theatrical, musical and dramatic events.

An important attraction is the Cottage Museum and Information Centre housing a collection of local artefacts, mostly from the 19th and 20th century.

Highlights

A guided tour of the heritage town of Kilmallock is available.
The town has a wonderful array of medieval heritage buildings to visit and 13 points of interest are marked by information plaques. Kilmallock is partnered with 3 heritage attractions of Lough Gur, the
Thomas Fitzgerald Centre & the de Valera Museum all within 15 minutes drive. Kilmallock is located near the renowned Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails.
Family friendly with a playground located in the town.
Great spot for nightlife with a wide variety of pubs, as well as Friars Gate which is an intimate theatre which hosts musical and dramatic events regularly.
Kilmallock hosts a wide variety of festivals regularly and the town is a hive of activity.
Centre Point of Ireland’s Ancient East in East Limerick.
Kilmallock is situated in the heart of the Golden Vale.

Useful Information

Check out their range of facilities, services, accessibility, and other useful information.

LANGUAGES: Free printed guides are available in English.

DINING / REFRESHMENTS: Kilmallock has numerous cafés and restaurants with a range of dining options, including Deebert House Hotel which serves lunch and dinner 7 days a week (seats 80). Fitzgeralds serves bar food 7 days a week (seats 45). Nats Cafe opens Monday to Saturday (seats 35). Poachers Restaurant serves food daily (seats 45).

PICNIC: There are picnic facilities avilable in the town.

PARKING: Free car and coach parking available beside John’s Castle.

GROUPS: Kilmallock welcomes groups and group tours in English can be organised at special rates. Prebooking required. Tel +353 (0)63 913 00.

CHILDREN: There is a playground in the town and Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail Park, one of the best in Ireland, is located outside Ardpatrick (see below).

WALKING: Kilmallock has a walking guided tour. The town is also located near several walking trails which are part of Ballyhoura Way.

CYCLING: Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail Park which is located outside Ardpatrick. This is largest cycle trail network of its kind in Ireland. 98km of trails including forest road climbs, tight twisty singletrack with loads of ups and downs, board walk, tight turns and technical rocky bits. The trails range from the moderate 6km Greenwood loop to the demanding Castlepook loop, over 50km in length! Facilities at the trail head include map boards, car parking, toilets, showers and bike wash facilities.

DRIVING ROUTES: Kilmallock is part of the Golden Vale drive which commences in Kilmallock itself and finishes at Ballylanders. This sweeping drive will introduce you to the natural features that gave The Golden Vale its evocative name. From the level pasturelands to the north, to the foot of the highest inland mountain, Galtymore (3015ft) by Griston Bog, you’ll pass from picturesque countryside through the medieval town of Kilmallock and around Lough Gur, famous for its many archaeological sites. The signposted driving route weaves through the villages and towns of Kilmallock, Bruree, Bruff, Croom, Lough Gur, Ballyneety, Pallas Grean, Emly, Galbally, Kilfinane and Ballylanders.

TOUR: The Living land audio CD, available from the Ballyhoura Office in Kilfinane, is your personal guide unravelling the mysteries and tales of these ancient lands.

WI-FI: Free Wi-Fi is widely available in accommodations and dining establishments.

Getting There

Kilmallock is situated in the heart of the Golden Vale.

From Dublin: take the M7 to Limerick leave the motorway at exit 30 and join M20 southbound. Exit at junction 5 onto the N20. Drive for 15 minutes and then take a left at the R518 and drive through Bruree and then on to Kilmallock. The hotel is located on the R515 Tipperary Road.

From Shannon: take the N18 south bound to Limerick and exit at junction 1 and join the M20 southbound. Exit at junction 5 onto the N20. Drive for 15 minutes and then take a left at the R518 and drive through Bruree and then on to Kilmallock. The hotel is located on the R515 Tipperary Road.

From Cork: take the N20 north bound to Charleville, then the R515 from Charleville to Kilmallock.

Map Location: 52.399821, -8.575387

Contact Kilmallock Heritage Town

Ballyhoura Failte, Main Street, Kilfinane, Co. Limerick, Ireland

T: +353 (0)63 91300
E: reception@ballyhoura.org
W: www.visitballyhoura.com

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