Macroom and the Beautiful Lee Valley
County Cork • Ireland
This recently restored corn mill, located a short distance outside Macroom on the Coachford road, marks the site of an area and a building of deep historical significance. In 978 Brian Boru defeated the Danes, for the first time, here at Bealach Leachta, (Stony Way). In 1899 Bealick Mill began to provide power to Macroom, perhaps the first Irish town to have electric street lighting. Its unique water wheel provides an effective visual educational tool - clearly[?] showing the conversion of hydro to mechanical energy. This impressive building has been rescued from dereliction to become a focus of attention once again in the Lee Valley - this time, as a major tourism and heritage attraction.
The Briery Gap Cultural Centre grew out of the dreams and aspirations of the local community who sought a venue for excellence in the performing arts and cinema. The Gap takes its name from the play by local playwright T.C. Murray and today offers a state-of-the-art theatre, cinema and conference venue in the very heart of Macroom
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The great plantations of the 17th century have given many towns ready-made parks and walks. Few have amenities of the quality and convenience of Macroom[']s Castle Demesne. A few yards off the Main Square, one enters the Demesne, which now comprises a secondary school and recreation area. Further down towards the river one can appreciate the mixture of old and new tree plantations, modernised pathways extending for a mile along the river bank and reaching safely to the old and new golf courses.
On the northern side of the Sullane river the old pathway has been neatly restored and comprises a two-mile circular riverside walk alongside the pitch and putt course and four playing areas. This carefully maintained path allows the casual stroller to be enchanted by the serenity of the river Sullane and also be invigorated by a diverse and enthralling selection of flora and fauna.
The Lee Valley describes the part of Cork County stretching from Gougane Barra in the west where the River Lee begins to Cork City. It is an area dominated by its waterways and since people congregated around rivers from earlier
The rich glacial valleys and lakes of the River Lee and its tributaries yield bountiful harvests. Though predominantly agricultural, the Lee has a proud tradition of technological innovation. One of the oldest horizontal mills in Ireland was discovered in Mashanaglass just beside the River Lee, as it turns towards Carrigadrohid. The water of Bealick Mill was used to power the electric street lighting in 1899, the first in Ireland to have such a facility.
The hydro-electric scheme on the Lee, built by the ESB in the 1950's, not only gave electricity but also created wonderful leisure amenities for the community such as boating and water-skiing at Farran Wood.
The Gearagh (which, in the Irish language is "An Gaoire" meaning the "Wooded River") is the remains of the only ancient post-glacial alluvial forest in western Europe and is a paradise for natural historians. Located about a mile from Macroon on the Inchigeelagh road, it consists of a vast area
of submerged islands that once supported a rich wooland flora. The islands, for the most part, are covered by the waters of the Lee hydro-electrical scheme. However, during dry periods (when water levels are low, one can walk right across its central causeway) numerous rare species of plants can be encountered e.g. mudwort, which is only found in one other location outside the Gearagh. This area is also of interest to bird-watchers with both Summer and Winter migrants - from October onwards migratory birds arrive in large flocks. The Gearagh is a haven of peace and tranquility and provides ideal opportunities for off-road walking.
[Other portions of the marker are strictly tourist informational and not historical]
Erected by West Cork LEADER Co-Operative Society, CORK/KERRY TOURISM.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.
Location. 51° 54.286′ N, 8° 57.617′ W. Marker is in Macroom, Munster, in County Cork. Marker is on West Square just north of South Square, on the left when traveling north. Marker is adjacent to the Macroom Castle Gatehouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Macroom, Munster P12 AE38, Ireland. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 19 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Macroom Castle Demesne (a few steps from this marker); War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); ~ The Family ~ (within shouting distance of this marker); 300th Anniversary of the Granting of Market Rights to Macroom Town (within shouting distance of this marker); United Irishmen 1798 - 1803 (within shouting distance of this marker); Béal na mBláth Ambush Site (approx. 12.4 kilometers away); First Meeting of Ból Chumann na hÉireann (approx. 18.6 kilometers away).
Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 274 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 16, 2019, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
