Activities

Equestrian

Hillcrest Equestrian Centre, is a school of equestrian activities, catering for all grades of rider from novice to advanced. Established in 1975 the stables are nestled at the foot of the scenic Galtee Mountains in the picturesque Glen of Aherlow. Hillcrest offers a range of activities such as Show Jumping and Dressage in two purpose built arenas, trail riding and cross country through 150 acres of unspoilt rural landscape. They offer trekking and post to post trail riding through Ballyhoura and the Glen of Aherlow, one of Irelands most spectacular and scenic areas. You will enjoy some of the worlds most beautiful and breath taking scenery, mountains, rivers, lakes, farmlands and forestry. “We pride ourselves on the standard of our horses and invite you to come and experience horse-riding in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.” Approved by A.I.R.E. and are a member of Equestrian Holidays Ireland.

Angling

The Cork Blackwater is Ireland’s finest Salmon River and one of the most important salmon rivers in Europe, stretching for over 150 kilometres from its source in Kerry to the sea at Youghal. The season for salmon opens on 1st February and continues until 30th September. Due to the size of its catchment area the Blackwater maintains a good flow so that fishing is possible in a wide range of weather conditions. As well as offering quality salmon and trout fishing, the Blackwater, also, boasts some of the most picturesque fishing spots in Ireland. The Blackwater is almost entirely privately owned. For a licence and access Tel: +353 25 36349

Hiking

For the more energetic, why not pack a wholesome lunch while you tackle one of the area’s many trails. Then, as dusk falls, return home to Flemingstown House for a relaxing bath, a delicious supper and an evening in our drawing room, sipping brandy in front of a roaring log fire.For the more active, there are many designated longer-distance walking trails within 25 minutes, including The Ballyhoura Way, the Duhallow Way, The Blackwater Way, the Nagle Mountains and the Boggeraghs. Bike, walk or climb − the choice is yours.

Mountain Biking

Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trail Network is the largest trail network of its kind in Ireland and provides many options for off-road cycling in the mountains. Located on the Cork/Limerick borders, it is only a ten minute drive from FlemingstownHouse. Forest road climbs lead you into tight twisty single-track with loads of ups and downs, tight turns and technical rocky bits. The trails range from a moderate 6 kilometre Greenwood loop to the demanding Castlepook loop, over 50 kilometres in length! Read the detailed trail information signs at the trail head to pick the one most suitable for you. Tough forest road climbs are rewarded with swoopy, fast descents guaranteed to leave you smiling! The trails are laid out in as ‘stacked loops’ - this means that each loop leads onto the next and rejoins it on the way back. The loops are way marked in one direction – just pick the colour of the loop. Each of the loops here presents riders with a combination of narrow single-track and boardwalk sections and also has sections of forest road climbing over short or quite long distances – this means that the outward and inward legs of one loop forms the access and return to the next loop. The grading system used here indicates the minimum level of fitness and competence required for each loop.The trail can be quite exposed on the upper slopes and can be very windy in poor weather – dress accordingly. The trail system, designed by one of the world leaders in the sport, is a challenging, one-way system constructed to give a challenging and rewarding ride. Please ensure you are equipped fully to undertake this adventure sport and respect other trail users at all times.

Golfing

Its no surprise that Ireland famously known as the land of the forty shades of green is a haven for golfers! Flemingstown House is located quite centrally in Ireland making some of the best golf courses in the country both links and parkland easily accessible. Full information on golfing in Ireland is available on the Golf Union of Ireland website, but we have picked a couple of favorites below for you:
The Old Head of Kinsale
Home to a World-Class Golf Course, the The Old Head of Kinsale has developed into one of the most recognised and sought after golf experiences anywhere on earth. It is a sanctuary for those seeking the finest in Golf as it commands stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and the Old Head Lighthouse. It blends in superbly with the rugged nature of the headland.
Ballybunion Golf ClubLocated by the Atlantic Ocean, Ballybunion Golf Club, Co. Kerry, Ireland, is a Private Members Golf Club founded in 1893. It is largely regarded as one of the best in the world, and it doesn’t take long to see why. A favorite of President Bill Clinton, Ballybunion consists of two courses which provide spectacular views through the rolling hills. With the sounds of the sea crashing just beside the Old Course, it is a wonder to see and a delightful challenge to play. Home to two wonderfully unique and challenging links courses – The Old Course and The Cashen Course, visitors from around the world have been visiting the Club for many decades.

Hillwalking

Flemingstown House is surrounded by mountains and hills and offers a range of hiking and walking options for the walking enthausiast such as:
Ballyhoura Hill Walk
Visible from many of the windows of Flemingstown House, Ballyhoura’s hillwalks offers the walker anything from a stroll to a strenuous effort through sandy lane-ways, forestry tracks and hillside paths to enjoy amazing views across the Mountains. You will also visit some historic sites along the way.

The Glen of Aherlowis a quiet country valley, secluded but not isolated. It stretches through sixteen miles of unspoilt countryside affording some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable.  The Glen sits between the Galtee Mountains on the South and the SlievenamuckRidge on the North. The Galtees, Ireland’s highest inland mountain range, boast five spectacular corrie lakes, dominated by a variety of magnificent peaks Galteemore at 3,018 ft. The many streams cascading down the face of the mountain further enhance this expansive vista.  The foothills are forested, as is the entire 12 miles of the Slievenamuck ridge, providing the walker with a variety of delightful woodland trails. The mountain climber and serious hill walker will enjoy ample challenge on the upper slopes of the Galtee Range.

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Clay Pigeon Shooting is a sport which can be enjoyed by everyone. The sport involves using a shotgun to shoot at and break a circular flying target made form a fragile material. Clay Shooting still retains many phrases from its historical Live Bird Shooting past when real birds such as pigeons where released from a trap positioned in front of a shooter (records date back to 1831). This practice developed into shooting glass balls filled with powder or feathers in an attempt to equalise the standard of targets and make the competition uniform. The glass balls were eventually replaced by disks made from clay that allowed a truer flying target and longer flatter trajectories closer to an actual bird flying. Clay Pigeon Shooting has evolved into a sport enjoyed by a wide range of ages (often from ten years and upwards) at all levels from novice to Olympic competition and now hugely popular with groups. All levels are welcome and catered for, from the beginner to the more experienced. Visit our local Clay bird shooting ground and enjoy the real outdoor experience of clay bird shooting with all its natural challenges.

Horse Racing

Limerick Racecourse
Ireland’s South East is well known for its equestrian industry with world renowned stud farms such as Coolmore Stud and trainers such as Aidan O’Brien creating a name on the global stage for Irish horses and horse racing.There are some fantastic racecourses on offer in the greater Limerick area at which you can enjoy the thrills and adrenaline rushes that is Irish Horse Racing. For more information on where and when to go racing please visit Horse Racing Ireland.
Gowran ParkIf somebody asked you to put a racecourse anywhere in Ireland the chances are you would set it down in Gowran Park. Located in the center of wooded parkland, Gowran Park is the only grade 1 racecourse in the South East. 16 top quality national hunt and flat meetings are held here each year, all year round. Gowran Park provides modern facilities in the heart of racing country offer a great location from which to enjoy the excitement and spectacle of a day at the races.

Water Sports

Killaloe River CruisesStep on board the Spirit of Killaloe to enjoy a tour of the River Shannon and Lough Derg. The purpose built passenger riverboat will take you on the River Shannon’s Premier Cruise by the twin towns of Killaloe County Clare andBallina County Tipperary. The relaxing tour, which is accompanied by a captain and crew, cruises north along the River Shannon and Lough Derg. Learn how canal boats and steamboats once used these same calm waters in times gone by. The sightseeing top deck of the boat is ideal for getting the best view of the spectacular scenery and beautiful natural landscape of East Clare and County Tipperary. The Spirit of Killaloe departs from the town center of Killaloe/Ballina. The boat is modern, clean and safe and is licensed by the Department of Transport. The lower deck is warm and comfortable with bar facilities on board. The upper deck gives you a spectacular view of this beautiful green part of Ireland.

WindsurfingThe sport of windsurfing has taken Ireland by storm in recent years. The heavy swells and unhindered Atlantic winds bounded by Ireland’s beautiful countryside and long wide beaches spell perfect wind surfing country. Whether you are beginner or a rider looking for fresh waters and new challenges, Ireland’s south west will not disappoint as it is widely considered to offer the best windsurfing in Europe. Along County Corks coast, there are a number of very popular sites as follows; - Oysterhaven, Coolmaine, Courtmacsherry and Garretstown