Ballincollig

Last updated

Ballincollig
Baile an Chollaigh
Town
Ballincollig Main St.jpg
Ballincollig's main street
Ireland adm location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Ballincollig
Location in Ireland
Coordinates: 51°53′16.54″N8°35′21.44″W / 51.8879278°N 8.5892889°W / 51.8879278; -8.5892889
Country Ireland
Province Munster
County Cork
Government
 • Type Cork City Council
 •  Dáil Éireann Cork North-Central
 •  European Parliament South
Elevation
70 ft (20 m)
Population
 (2016) [1] [2]
18,621
Time zone UTC±0 (WET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+1 (IST)
Eircode routing key
P31
Telephone area code +353(0)21
Irish Grid Reference W595708
Website ballincollig.ie

Ballincollig (Irish : Baile an Chollaigh) [8] is a suburban town within the administrative area of Cork city in Ireland. It is located on the western side of Cork city, beside the River Lee on the R608 road. In 2016 it was the largest town in County Cork, at which time the Ballincollig Electoral Division had a population of 18,621 people. [1] It is located beyond the green belt from the suburbs of Bishopstown and Wilton. Historically home to the Ballincollig Royal Gunpowder Mills which is now a Regional Park, the town has seen much growth in recent years as a satellite of Cork city. In 2024, Ballincollig was named the tidiest town in Ireland. [9]

Contents

History

Ballincollig Castle lies to the south of the town 06 07 Ballincollig Castle.JPG
Ballincollig Castle lies to the south of the town
Main Street in the late 19th century, and the view of the same houses in 2024 Ballincollig in late 18th century and in 2024.png
Main Street in the late 19th century, and the view of the same houses in 2024

Originally known as Maghmakeer as early as the 14th century, the town eventually came to be known after the Coll (or Cole) family who built Ballincollig Castle during the reign of Edward III, before selling it to the Barrett family in either 1468 or 1469. [10] [11] The castle was taken from Andrew Barrett by rebels in 1641, but they were expelled by English Parliamentary forces under Murrough O'Brien, Earl Inchiquinn, in 1645. It was garrisoned for James II in 1689, during the Williamite war in Ireland, then remained unoccupied after his defeat, and fell into decay.

The Ballincollig Royal Gunpowder Mills were opened in 1794 by Charles Henry Leslie, a prominent Cork businessman. Eleven years later, the mills were bought by the British, who were preparing for war with Napoleon, and the barracks were built to protect the supply of gunpowder. It was one of the largest gunpowder mills in the British Isles. In 1837, the mill employed several hundred workers, and by 1880, Ballincollig was one of the largest industrial establishments in Cork, with the mill employing many men and boys from the area.

With the closure of the Gunpowder Mills in the early 1900s, Ballincollig became little more than a small village on the road from Cork city to the larger market town of Macroom. The 3rd Royal Munster Fusiliers (Reserve) Battalion were stationed there during the Great War. Other Regiments stationed in the Barracks before it was decommissioned were 1st Field Artillery Regiment and 8th Field Artillery Regiment (FCÁ). The recently decommissioned Murphy Barracks was a major source of employment. In the 1970s, Ballincollig developed as much more of a satellite town, with many housing developments constructed around the old village, and housing people who worked in Cork city or its suburbs. This expansion continued through the late 80s and 90s. Consequently, the town's population has risen dramatically, particularly with the westward expansion of the town and Ballincollig grew to be largest town in the county.

In 2019, as part of the boundary expansion of Cork City, Ballincollig was brought within the administrative area of Cork City Council. [12]

Religion

Two Catholic churches are located in the town. The modern 'Church of Christ Our Light' (designed by a local architectural firm) is located on the west side of the town, while the old 'Church of St Mary and St John' is located near the centre of the town, on Station Road. [13]

The Bible Baptist Church meets in the Westgate Foundation on the west end of town. The church is associated with the Cork Bible Institute and other Gospel ministries. [14]

Other religious groups including Hindus, Sikhs, and Greek Orthodox also have services at various locations in Ballincollig.[ citation needed ]

Demographics

As of the 2011 census, Ballincollig was 87% Catholic, 7% other religions, 5% no religion, with 1% not stated. Ethnically, the town is 83% white Irish, 10% other white, 3% black, 2% Asian, 1% other, and 1% not stated. [15]

Amenities

The amenities located in Ballincollig include a library, a multiplex cinema, playgrounds and shopping centres. [16] Ballincollig Regional Park, a large park which includes the former gunpowder mill site, contains a number structures and canals associated with its former industrial use. [17] The 135-acre (55-hectare) park contains several sports pitches, a playground and a series of marked trails. [18]

Ballincollig is home to several crèches, five primary schools, and two secondary schools. The two secondary schools in Ballincollig are Coláiste Choilm and Ballincollig Community School. Ballincollig Community School is located in West Ballincollig and is next to the 'Church of Christ Our Light'. Coláiste Choilm is located in East Ballincollig and is near a doctor's practice and the town centre of Ballincollig. Two of the primary schools, Scoil Eoin and Scoil Mhuire, are located in the town centre near St Mary's and St John's church. [19] Three of the primary schools, Scoil Barra, Gaelscoil Uí Ríordáin and Gaelscoil an Chaisleáin are located outside the centre. Several of the area's schools are Gaelscoileanna (Irish-speaking schools), providing for a large number of pupils who learn through the Irish language in the area. [20]

In 2018, 2023 and 2024, the town won the "Large Urban Centre" category at the annual Tidy Towns awards. [21] In 2024, it was named the tidiest town in Ireland. [22]

Places of interest

Outdoor fitness equipment in Ballincollig Regional Park Ballincollig Fitness Zone.jpg
Outdoor fitness equipment in Ballincollig Regional Park

Ballincollig Regional Park, incorporating parts of the former Ballincollig Royal Gunpowder Mills, [23] is on the north side of the town, along the River Lee. The 20-acre park contains a number of walking and cycling routes. [24]

The grave of Rory Gallagher is located at St Oliver's Cemetery just outside Ballincollig. His headstone is a replica of an award he received in 1972 for International Guitarist of The Year.

The Coolroe Lime Kiln is an example of the historic quarrying in the Coolroe area of the town. [25]

Transport & communications

Map of Ballincollig Map of Ballincollig.png
Map of Ballincollig

Rail

The Cork to Macroom rail line served Station House (at the south end of Station Road). Ballincollig railway station was opened on 12 May 1866, closed to passenger traffic on 1 July 1935, closed to goods traffic on 10 March 1947 and finally closed altogether on 1 December 1953. [26]

A number of proposals, such as the 'Project Ireland 2040' transport plan, include a potential feasibility study into a possible suburban light rail project in the area connecting Ballincollig to Mahon point via UCC and Cork city centre. [27] [28]

Bus

Ballincollig is served by a number of Bus Éireann bus routes. These include route 220 (to Carrigaline, via UCC, Cork city centre, and Douglas), route 220X, (similar route via the Lee Fields rather than Bishopstown), and route 233 (Cork city centre to Macroom via Ballincollig).

Roads

Ballincollig was situated on the N22 from Cork to Tralee. A bypass around the town was opened in September 2004, which resulted in reduced journey times from Cork to Killarney on the N22 and reduced traffic volumes through the town centre. The N40 starts on the eastern side of the town that continues as the Cork southern bypass. The N40 and N22 both share exit 1.

The former alignment of the N22 is now the R608 road which goes through the town centre.

Air

The nearest airport is Cork Airport which is about 14 km away.

Clubs and sport

Notable sports clubs in the town include: Ballincollig GAA Club and Ballincollig RFC. Mycro Sportsgear, which manufactures equipment for hurling, is based in Ballincollig. [29]

Notable people

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Macroom</span> Town in County Cork, Ireland

Macroom is a market town in County Cork, Ireland, located in the valley of the River Sullane, halfway between Cork city and Killarney. Its population has grown and receded over the centuries as it went through periods of war, famine and workhouses, forced emigration and intermittent prosperity. The 2011 census gave an urban population of 3,879 people, while the 2016 census recorded 3,765 people. The town is in a civil parish of the same name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ennis</span> County town of County Clare, Ireland

Ennis is the county town of County Clare, in the mid-west of Ireland. The town lies on the River Fergus, north of where the river widens and enters the Shannon Estuary. Ennis is the largest town in County Clare, with a population of 27,923, making it the 6th largest town, and 11th largest urban settlement, as of the 2022 census. Dating from the 12th century the town's Irish name is short for Irish: Inis Cluana Rámhfhada, meaning 'Island of the long rowing meadow', deriving from its location between two courses of the River Fergus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">N22 road (Ireland)</span> National primary road in Ireland

The N22 road is a national primary road in Ireland which goes through counties Kerry and Cork, from Tralee in the west through Killarney, Macroom and Ballincollig to Cork City Centre in the east.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ovens, County Cork</span> Village in County Cork, Ireland

Ovens, formerly also Athnowen, is a small village adjacent to the town of Ballincollig, County Cork, Ireland. The 2006 census recorded that the population of the village was 1,703 - an increase of 62.1% from the 2002 Census. Ovens is within the Cork North-West Dáil constituency.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glanmire</span> Town near Cork city, Ireland

Glanmire is a suburban town 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) from Cork city centre, in the civil parish of Rathcooney, County Cork, Ireland. Glanmire is within the administrative area of Cork City Council and the Dáil constituency of Cork North-Central.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blarney</span> Town in County Cork, Ireland

Blarney is a suburban town within the administrative area of Cork City in Ireland. It is located approximately 8 kilometres (5 mi) north-west of the city centre. It is the site of Blarney Castle, home of the legendary Blarney Stone. Blarney is part of the Dáil constituency of Cork North-Central. It is surrounded by the suburban villages of Tower, Cloghroe and Kerry Pike, all on the outskirts of Cork City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kanturk</span> Town in County Cork, Ireland

Kanturk is a town in the north west of County Cork, Ireland. It is situated at the confluence of the Allua (Allow) and Dallow (Dalua) rivers, which stream further on as tributaries to the River Blackwater. It is about 50 kilometres from Cork and Limerick, and lies just north of the main N72 road, 15 km from Mallow and about 40 km from Killarney. Kanturk is within the Cork North-West Dáil constituency.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ballyvourney</span> Village in County Cork, Ireland

Ballyvourney is a Gaeltacht village in southwest County Cork, Ireland. Ballyvourney is also a civil parish in the barony of Muskerry West, and an ecclesiastical parish in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cloyne. The village is part of the Cork North-West Dáil Constituency.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Douglas, Cork</span> Suburb in Cork city, Ireland

Douglas is a suburb, with a village core, in Cork city, Ireland. Douglas is also the name of the townland, Roman Catholic parish, Church of Ireland parish and civil parish in which it is contained.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metropolitan Cork</span> Metropolitan area in County Cork, Ireland

Metropolitan Cork includes the city of Cork, Ireland, its suburbs, the rural hinterland that surrounds it, and a number of the towns and villages in that hinterland. Some of the latter towns and villages are within the administrative area of County Cork.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Church of St Mary and St John</span>

The Church of St Mary and St John is the older of two Roman Catholic churches in the town of Ballincollig, County Cork, Ireland. The church was built in the 1860s, funded by donations from the local people of the time, and officially opened on 28 October 1866. The church is in a Gothic Revival style, combined with some features of other periods. It is built of ashlar limestone with roof slates.

Oriel House is a hotel in the west end of the town of Ballincollig, County Cork, Ireland. It was built early in the 19th century to house administrating officers of the Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills site.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ballincollig Royal Gunpowder Mills</span> Ruined powder mills in Cork City, Ireland

The Ballincollig Royal Gunpowder Mills was one of three Royal gunpowder mills that manufactured gunpowder for the British Government. Located in Ballincollig, Cork city, Ireland, largely in what is now the Ballincollig Regional Park, the powder mills were originally opened in 1794 as a private enterprise, before being taken over by the British Government during the Napoleonic Wars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kilnamartyra</span> Village in County Cork, Ireland

Kilnamartyra, also Kilnamartery, is a village and civil parish in County Cork, Ireland. It is located around half-way between Killarney and Macroom. The parish is a kilometre from the L3402 local road which joins the N22 road, three kilometres away.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crookstown, County Cork</span> Village in County Cork, Ireland

Crookstown is a small village in County Cork in Ireland, about 12 km east of the town of Macroom and about 1 km off the N22 Cork–Killarney road. It had a population of 183 at the 2022 census, down from 203 in the 2016 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Farran</span> Village in County Cork, Ireland

Farran is a village in County Cork, Ireland, in the parish of Ovens. It lies on the southside of the River Lee. Farran is 12 miles (19 km) west from Cork City on the N22 road.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tidy Towns (Ireland)</span>

Tidy Towns is an annual competition, first held in 1958, organised by the Department of Rural and Community Development in order to honour the tidiest and most attractive cities, towns and villages in the Republic of Ireland. The competition is organised on a national basis, and entrants must complete modules including Overall Developmental Approach, The Built Environment, Landscaping, Wildlife & Natural Amenities, Litter Control, Tidiness, Waste Minimisation, Residential Areas, Roads and Streets & Back Areas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Killumney</span> Village in County Cork, Ireland

Killumney is a village in Ovens in County Cork, Ireland. The village is part of the Ovens/Farran Parish. Killumney is part of the Dáil constituency of Cork North-West.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">R608 road (Ireland)</span> Road in Ireland

The R608 road is a regional road in Ireland, located in County Cork and Cork City. It intersects the N22 three times and goes from Cork city centre to Ballincollig via Wilton and Bishopstown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curraheen River</span> River in County Cork, Ireland

The Curraheen River is a river in County Cork and Cork City, Ireland, a tributary of the River Lee.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Census 2016 Sapmap Area: Electoral Division Ballincollig". Census 2016. Central Statistics Office. Archived from the original on 7 October 2017. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  2. ↑ "Census 2016 results show Cork county population rose by 4.2%". The Corkman. Independent News & Media. 15 April 2017. Archived from the original on 6 October 2017. Retrieved 6 October 2017.
  3. ↑ Census for post 1821 figures. Archived 20 September 2010 at the Wayback Machine
  4. ↑ "Histpop - The Online Historical Population Reports Website". www.histpop.org. Archived from the original on 7 May 2016.
  5. ↑ "Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency - Census Home Page". Archived from the original on 17 February 2012. Retrieved 28 April 2014.
  6. ↑ Lee, J. J. (1981). "On the accuracy of the Pre-famine Irish censuses". In Goldstrom, J. M.; Clarkson, L. A. (eds.). Irish Population, Economy, and Society: Essays in Honour of the Late K. H. Connell. Oxford, England: Clarendon Press.
  7. ↑ Mokyr, Joel; Ó Gráda, Cormac (November 1984). "New Developments in Irish Population History, 1700-1850". The Economic History Review. 37 (4): 473–488. doi:10.1111/j.1468-0289.1984.tb00344.x. hdl: 10197/1406 .[ dead link ]
  8. ↑ "Baile an Chollaigh/Ballincollig". Placenames Database of Ireland (logainm.ie). Retrieved 25 October 2021.
  9. ↑ "TidyTowns 2024: Full list of winners as Ballincollig in Co Cork claims top prize". The Irish Times. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  10. ↑ MacCotter, Paul (2015). "Ballincollig's Medieval Origins" (PDF). Times Past 2014 - 2015, Journal of Muskerry Local History Society. 11: 3.
  11. ↑ McCarthy, Philip (1985). "The Barretts and Ballincollig Castle" (PDF). Journal of the Ballincollig Community School Local History Society: 2. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 December 2018. Retrieved 21 March 2021. Ballincollig is entailed and was purchased in the 8th year of Edward IV from Robert Coll, a knight
  12. ↑ "Cork City's footprint set to quadruple with boundary change". rte.ie. RTÉ. 24 January 2019. Archived from the original on 22 September 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
  13. ↑ "Ballincollig Roman Catholic Parish". Archived from the original on 28 March 2009. Retrieved 10 April 2009.
  14. ↑ "Bible Baptist Church Ballincollig". Archived from the original on 16 April 2021. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  15. ↑ "Cork County | All-Island Research Observatory". Archived from the original on 25 August 2017. Retrieved 24 July 2017.
  16. ↑ "Ballincollig County Cork Ireland Tourism Guide". Archived from the original on 30 December 2007. Retrieved 2 January 2008.
  17. ↑ "Ballincollig Regional Park Development Plan" (PDF). Cork County Council. June 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 February 2014.
  18. ↑ "Trails Map" (PDF). Cork County Council. June 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 January 2015.
  19. ↑ "Find a School - Result - Primary schools in County Cork". education.ie. Department of Education. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  20. ↑ "Enrolment at Gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí". Archived from the original on 30 January 2012. Retrieved 14 February 2012.
  21. ↑ Kiely, Marguerite (18 October 2023). "Ballincollig celebrates SuperValu Tidy Towns success". Cork Independent. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  22. ↑ Connor, Dyane (1 November 2024). "Ballincollig in Co Cork named Ireland's tidiest town". RTÉ News. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  23. ↑ "Visit Regional Park Ballincollig with Discover Ireland". Discover Ireland.
  24. ↑ "There's a new path to jog or cycle at Ballincollig's Regional Park". Yay Cork. 8 August 2019.
  25. ↑ "COOLROE, Ballincollig, CORK". Buildings of Ireland - National Inventory of Architectural Heritage.
  26. ↑ "Ballincollig station" (PDF). Railscot - Irish Railways. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 10 September 2007.
  27. ↑ "Plans for Northern Ring Road and LUAS for Cork announced". Evening Echo. 16 February 2018. Archived from the original on 14 April 2018. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
  28. ↑ "Minutes of Proceedings at Meeting of Cork County Council 26 February 2007". Cork County Council. 26 February 2007. Archived from the original (DOC) on 18 December 2007.
  29. ↑ "Hurling helmet supplier Mycro posts €244k hike in profits". www.irishexaminer.com. 4 May 2016. Archived from the original on 2 September 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  30. ↑ "The fearless Samantha Barry: From Ballincollig in Cork to editor of Glamour". irishexaminer.com. Irish Examiner. 1 June 2020. Archived from the original on 4 September 2020. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  31. ↑ "Review: The Sultan of Zanzibar by Martyn Downer". independent.ie. Independent News & Media. 19 February 2011. Archived from the original on 9 July 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  32. ↑ "The big interview: Ballincollig's James Cronin can soar for Munster in 2020". echolive.ie. The Echo. 26 December 2019. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  33. ↑ "Colin Healy's Celtic career: Old Firm mayhem, Super Caley and helping the Hoops to a treble in 2001". echolive.ie. The Echo. 6 June 2020. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 7 March 2021.
  34. ↑ "Irish RAF pilot Major Edward 'Mick' Mannock remembered in Glasnevin". Irish Times. 27 July 2018. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  35. ↑ Bunbury, Turtle (2014). The Glorious Madness – Tales of the Irish and the Great War. Gill & Macmillan. ISBN   9780717166145. Mick Mannock [..] was born at Ballincollig Barracks in County Cork on 24 May 1887
  36. ↑ "Puspure seals place at Games". Irish Times. 24 May 2012. Archived from the original on 29 May 2012. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.