Those who want to get to know Dunmanway through its history will find several different ways to do so: an interactive open-air museum, town walking routes with plaques, and a dedicated Sam Maguire experience. There is also the Ballabuidhe Fair, with a tradition documented since 1615. These attractions focus clearly on local history and horse culture; for exercise, there are also designated walking routes and local leisure facilities.

Town history in the open air

Stories on the Street is an open-air museum that transforms Dunmanway’s historic landmarks into an interactive cultural experience. Two walking routes start from the central Market Square; the two town walking routes feature a total of twelve unique plaques. Those who enjoy exploring Dunmanway’s history in the town itself will find a way to connect landmarks and walking here.

Choose walking routes by distance

For the Dunmanway Town Heritage Walks, Walk 1 is listed as 1.3 kilometres and Walk 2 as 7.2 kilometres. Walk 1 is therefore the shorter option; Walk 2 covers more than five times the distance. If you mainly want to weigh up the distance, this gives you a direct comparison between a short walk and a considerably longer one.

Sam Maguire and the Ballabuidhe Fair

The Sam Maguire Passport Trail has a different focus: this self-guided tour takes you to seven stops connected with Sam Maguire in his hometown of Dunmanway. Your passport is stamped at each stop; the experience is free. The trail is described as fun and interactive, and is suitable for families, children of all ages, adults, and school, local history and Scout groups. Its theme differs from that of Stories on the Street: here, the focus is on Sam Maguire, while Stories on the Street centres on historic landmarks.

The Ballabuidhe Fair has been documented in writing since 1615 and continues to preserve a traditional fairground format. This includes horse racing, horse sales and the showing of horses. The Ballabuidhe Races comprise more than 30 races, including trotting, sulky and flat races for ponies and horses. The Ballabuidhe Horse Fair takes place on the streets after three days of racing. The Fair is not limited to the races: horse sales and showing are also part of the preserved fairground format. If you are travelling to Dunmanway specifically for the Fair or the races, check the current event dates in advance.

Leisure in and around Dunmanway

Dunmanway’s local leisure facilities complement its cultural and historical attractions with a public 25-metre swimming pool and an 18-hole pitch-and-putt course. This gives you two more activity options alongside the town walks: swimming and pitch-and-putt.

Near Dunmanway, the Yew Tree Hill Loop Walk is located on Mount Gunnery, also called The Yew Tree Hill. The route reaches a summit there at 231 metres above Ordnance Datum. Those considering a route in the surrounding area in addition to the town walks will find a specific alternative here, with a stated elevation.

Discover more destinations: Lamanagh, Coachford, Ballydehob, Tracarta, Mitchelstown, Leap, Ardfield, Coomhola Bridge.

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