Macroom
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Macroom Maigh Chromtha |
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| Location | ||
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| Irish Grid Reference W337729 |
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| Statistics | ||
| Province: | Munster | |
| County: | County Cork | |
| Population (2002) | 2,985 | |
| Website: www.macroom.ie | ||
Macroom (Irish: Maigh Chromtha) is a small market town lying in a valley on the River Sullane, a tributary of the River Lee, between Cork and Killarney. The name in Irish Gaelic may mean 'meeting place of followers of the god Crom' or 'crooked plain'. The area is thought to once have been the meeting place for the Druids of Munster. It is said that Macroom is "the town that never reared a fool". The battle of Macroom took place near the town in 1650, during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland.
During the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921), Macroom was the base in Cork for the British Auxiliary Division. At the Kilmichael Ambush, which took place nearby, 17 Auxiliaries were killed on the road between Macroom and Dunmanway by the local Irish Republican Army under Tom Barry.
Tourist attractions include a colourful town centre, an 18-hole golf course and scenic surroundings. A few kilometres to the north of Macroom is Mushera Mountain, with the family attraction of Millstreet Country Park, a challenging 1.5 km walk to the summit of the mountain, and the ancient Saint John's Well. There are many holy wells, churches and other sites in the area associated with old visionaries and healers. Just south of the town is the Gearagh, a combination of wetland and woods which is of great natural importance due to its rich and rare diversity of wildlife. 6km west lies the historic tower house of Carrigaphooca. In the town itself, the Castle Arch, a remainder of the demolished Macroom Castle, admits walkers to the Castle demesne parklands, held in trust as a gift to, and possession of, the people of Macroom. This large park contains beautiful riverside walks among mature oak and beech trees.
