Return to Nature

History

Balllyhooly Lodge is steeped in history, and is now in private use as residence and family home since approx. the year 2000.  Prior to this it was open to the public as a popular public house, fishing lodge and B&B, providing accommodation for holiday makers in the mountains of North County Cork.  In earlier times it was known as The Castle Tavern, where the small dance hall was home to many live music concerts and a focal point of the community.

Sometime in the early 1920’s, The Castle Tavern was demolished when it was blown up by the Black & Tans in a revenge attack, after a nearby manor house was blown up by the rebel Irish army.  The Castle Tavern was re-built during 1930-1940 by the British Government as part of their treaty agreement, where a number of significant buildings of Ireland were required to be rebuilt including Cork City hall, such was the significance of the Castle Tavern in Irish colonial history.

New Owners

After a year of preparations during 2022 and 2023, Ballyhooly Lodge is now under new ownership.   New owners – Sharon, Yoga & Meditation teacher, Marriage & Funeral Celebrant, Sound & Energy Therapist and Musician, and her husband Gerry – a Musician and Guitar Teacher, have now relocated from Cork City, and Ballyhooly Lodge is now their family home.

Nature Retreats

Nearby Castleblagh woods and forest walks along the Blackwater River make the Ballyhooly area a haven for a variety of peaceful Nature Retreats.

For three months of the year, new owners will welcome guests for a range of Holistic well-being day and weekend retreats with a variety of themes.  Activities include pilgrimages to local spiritual places of interest, Sound & Music Therapy, Meditation &  Mindfulness, Gong Meditation, Yoga classes, Laughter Yoga, and connecting with nature and the trees through Forest Bathing in the nearby Castleblagh Woods. 

Spiritual Pilgrimage

The area surrounding Ballyhooly is enriched with spiritual places of interest, including mass rock, famine walk, and a glorious ruined monastic site and former priory.

Musical Space

Music has returned to Ballyhooly Lodge.  The space will be in use from time to time as a private rehearsal and musical events space for the enjoyment of the owners, family and friends. 

Once some minor internal renovations are completed, new owners will also host private music events once a month, as Ballyhooly Lodge becomes the new home  of Mountain Rock & Blues Club.

Yoga Studio

The former dance hall at Ballyhooly Lodge is now converted to a  tranquil Yoga Studio for a range of private Yoga & Meditation classes for the owners, family and friends. 

Once some minor internal renovations are completed, the new Yoga Studio at Ballyhooly Lodge will commence private classes.