County Cork has two characters: the pastures of lush grass where dairy cattle wallow in clover and the crenellated coastline where the plant life thrives on the Gulf Stream. Inland, the relatively unknown county proceeds at a gentle pace, every bit as intriguing as any of Ireland's mysteries and as friendly and welcoming as you please. So, before you fall for the siren song of the sea, venture into these emerald valleys. The coast is another story: from Bantry Bay, past Kinsale to Youghal, you will yield to the irresistible pleasures of fine food, stunning seascapes and every imaginable kind of watersport.

Mallow lies in the Blackwater valley, an excellent starting point to discover the treasures of County Cork. It used to be a spa town but no longer, the roistering gentry who took the waters, once called 'The Rakes of Mallow', have long gone. A busy little market town with great charm.

Mallow Castle:
Now a roofless romantic ruin, you may glimpse a herd of white deer, direct descendents of a gift of two white harts from Queen Elizabeth.

Castletownroache:
This is home to the 13th century Augustinian Abbey and some delightful walled gardens ( open to the public ) with prolific azeleas and an enchanting water garden.

The Jameson Heritage Centre:
In Midleton is the place to mug up on the finer points of distilling whiskey. In 1825, the Murphy brothers founded a legend, a century later, John Jameson and John Power & Son joined forces. A visit usually ends in a drop!

Gap of Dunloe:
Rapids have cut a deep ravine between the MacGillycuddy reeks and the Purple Mountain. You can hire a pony and trap to take you through the enchanting 4-mile trip from Kate Kearney's Cottage to Lord Brandon's Cottage.

Millstreet:
In the Boggeragh Mountains, a mystical area that glows with the greenery of the arbours and hedgerows. Look for the Pass of Keamaneigh which leads to Gougane Barra where you will find St Finbarr's Well in a tiny island in a silvery lake. Sheer Magic!

Sightseeing, walking, riding, horse racing, golf

Mallow, Public parkland course, 18 holes, 6424 yards Par 71.
Founded 1947.
Doneraile, Parkland course, 9 holes, 5528 yards, Par 66.
Lee Valley, Parkland course, 18 holes, 6800 yards, Par 72.
Founded 1993. Designer Christy O' Connor Jnr.

Springfort Hall, Mallow, Co. Cork
Shandon Court Hotel, Cork City - 20 miles
Ballyroe Hotel, Tralee, Kerry - 67 miles