Explore Ballinhassig through its architectural and transport history: Ballinhassig Bridge spans the Owenboy River, while the Gogginshill Tunnel is part of the local railway history. Nearby stands a church ruin on elevated ground. The railway history also includes a stone viaduct. Barryscourt Castle is a landmark in the wider County Cork area: this Irish tower house was built between 1392 and 1420.
Bridges and Church Architecture
Ballinhassig Bridge was built around 1760. The Taylor and Skinner maps of 1783 show it as part of the historic route between Kinsale and Cork. The bridge was therefore built before it was marked on the 1783 map. Its position over the Owenboy River and its documented place on the historic route make it a tangible landmark in Ballinhassig’s transport history.
Nearby is the now-ruined Ballinaboy Church of Ireland Church. This church in the surrounding area was rebuilt in 1876 and incorporates parts of its predecessor, which was built around 1700. The church stands on elevated ground overlooking the village of Ballinhassig. The churchyard contains gravestones considered to be of artistic interest.
Railway Remains
The Cork, Bandon and South Coast Railway reached Ballinhassig in 1849. The station on this line opened on 1 August 1849 and closed on 1 April 1961. The Gogginshill Tunnel in Ballinhassig opened in 1851.
A large stone viaduct from the former railway spans a valley; it dates from around 1850. This approximate date places the viaduct in the railway era. In Ballinhassig itself, the station and the Gogginshill Tunnel, which opened in 1851, are part of this history.
Landscape, Club Life and History
Ballinhassig lies between the Owenabue and a hill known as “the Mountain”. The village’s clubs include a camogie club and a ladies’ Gaelic football club.
On the opposite side of the river from Ballinhassig village, a battle took place in 1600 between English invaders and the national forces under Florence McCarthy. Distinct from this event in time is Lord Mountjoy’s encampment: the Lord Deputy of Ireland camped in Ballinhassig with 4,000 soldiers in 1601, on the night before the Battle of Kinsale. A nearby memorial plaque marks the site of the Toureen ambush.
Local tradition also shapes the stories from the area: unusual lights are said to appear in a ravine near Ballinhassig. A stream there is called “Stream of Lights” in Irish.
Road Access and Choosing Accommodation
The N71 Cork-Bandon Road runs immediately west of Ballinhassig. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can take this road location into account alongside the village’s historical attractions and decide whether Ballinhassig suits your travel priorities.
Discover more destinations: Cork, Ballyvourney, Glanworth, Cobh, Ovens, Ballylickey, Castletown-Bearhaven, Páirc Na Fána.
Go to the overview of the wider area: Cork.
