Midelton in County Cork is a satellite town approximately 16km East of Cork city, situated on the Owenacurra River.
The name Midleton comes from ‘Mainistir na Corann’ meaning ‘The Abbey of the Coir’. This meaning has connotations of the former monastery that stood in the town and was founded by the Cistercian monks in the early 12th century. Unfortunately in the 19th century the monastery was left in ruins.
Midelton is famous for its rich gastronomical scene, with lots of amazing Irish food and drink producers. During your visit, don’t miss out on the award winning restaurants, fabulous cafes, traditional Irish pubs and of course more modern hostelries. There’s something to suit every taste in Midelton!
A trip to the Jameson Whiskey distillery is a must on your trip to Midelton. Check out the largest pot still on the Discovery Experience tour and of course enjoy a whiskey tasting of one of Ireland’s most famous whiskies. The tour is ideal for groups and is the perfect activity for when it’s raining!
Not far from Midleton, lies Fota Wildlife Park, House and Gardens. The wildlife park is the ideal day out for families and loved ones. With numerous types of animals, birds and plants to see throughout the park, there’s plenty to see and do for all. Fota House is also well worth a visit. Open 7 days a week from March to September from 10am to 5pm, this historic house is also home to a wonderful arboretum and gardens, which you can explore at your leisure.
The ‘Kindred Spirits’ Sculpture is a tribute to the amazing generosity the Choctaw Nation showed the Irish people during the Great Famine. The Choctaw Native Americans raised money for the starving Irish during one of the worst periods of Irish history. The memorial features nine giant stainless steel features, shaped into an empty bowl and stands in Midleton’s Bailick Park.
Trabolgan Holiday Village is another ideal location for families to visit. Just over 20 mins from Midelton, the self-catering holiday village is located on over 140 acres of scenic woodland, beside the sea in East Cork. There’s lots of activities including adventure sports, Combat Laser and even a sub-tropical pool with special climate control and consistent pleasant temperatures. The village also offers some free entertainment for guests, so the kids will never be bored.
Just 10 mins drive from Midelton is the village of Castlemartyr. This historic village is home to Castlemartyr Resort and Spa Hotel, on the site of the old Carmelite Monastery. The grounds of this hotel are simply stunning, with gorgeous woodlands, lakes and manicured gardens. There is also a ruin of a Geraldine castle to be seen, while you enjoy a pleasant walk.
So there you have it, just a selection of the things to do on your visit to Midleton, Co. Cork. We hope you will enjoy your trip!
