Fermoy

Fermoy town is situated in the heart of Munsters Blackwater Valley. Fermoy is famous for its fishing and hospitality. Xplore Fermoy here.

Fermoy, Co. Cork, Ireland - Welcome to the Blackwater Valley

What is Fermoy Forum?

Fermoy Forum is a voluntary organisation made up of local people that works in partnership with your local businesses, community groups and the municipal authority to develop and communicate opportunities and implement plans for the economic, social and environmental development of Fermoy town.

Why has it been established?

In order to facilitate those within the community to work together through partnership to enrich our town as a great place to work, live and do business.

What are our objectives?

Working in partnership with Fermoy Municipal Authority, the forum’s activities include strategic business planning, pro-active sectoral development, feasibility assessment and management of projects, area branding, promotion, marketing and networking, communications, and monitoring/evaluation of projects and activities.

Membership Benefits

Establishing a representative body for Fermoy’s many businesses and non-profit organisations has never been more important than at this moment. Fermoy Forum is stepping into this role and has already established a working relationship with the Cork County Council as well as our Municipal Town Council and local Councillors.

As a subscribed member of the Fermoy Forum, we will work hard to represent your views, issues, needs and aspirations as we work closely with these state agencies. By encouraging a strong, unified business community, we help to create a stable local economy that provides a high quality of life for those who live and work in Fermoy.

Recent reports indicate that Cork County Council will have a reduced budget in the coming years. What budget is left will have to be used effectively. Fermoy Forum as a collective will be in a better position to advocate for better services than individual businesses and non-profits. 

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Michael Lyons

Chairman

David Horan

Vice Chairman

Maevita deBarros

Administrator

Declan Clancy

Digital Marketing Lead

We are thrilled that Fermoy and Tralee took home €5,000 each at the 2021 .IE Digital Town Awards Thursday evening! 🥳

Huge congratulations to both. We know that how much hard work went into the winning projects and are very grateful to have been a part of that journey. We'd also like to extend our congratulations to all of the other Irish towns who were shortlisted and to those who took home prizes on the day. 

The Digital Town Awards is run by .IE, the national registry for .ie domain names. The awards aim to 'promote awareness, knowledge, use and understanding of digital in Ireland by its citizens, businesses and communities.'

Fermoy and Tralee were runners-up in the Large Town categories (5,000-10,000 and 10,000+, respectively). They both walked away with the second prize of €5k each — a modest sum that will no doubt make a big difference to the hardworking volunteer groups we've worked with.

We worked with both towns to create a new digital infrastructure for their town, otherwise known as Xplore Fermoy and Xplore Tralee. Over the past few months, they became part of the Xplore platform, which includes a website, an app, and a merchant app. 

Our suite of digital tools, including the Xplore digital vouchers, offered a new and improved way for people to interact with their locality. They also could now connect with other towns and cities across the country, using Xplore's 'Select another town' feature. 

Speaking on their win, Michael Lyons of Fermoy Forum said: 

'"We were delighted to be shortlisted for the dot.ie awards. The chance to present Fermoy Forum's digital presence on a national level was a great opportunity to showcase all the hard work done by the forum in Fermoy. We have used our digital resources, Fermoy.ie, social media platforms and our Xplore app to make living or visiting Fermoy a better experience.”

“Having looked at the other towns that were shortlisted in our category, I was confident looking at the judging criteria that we had a chance, and I am delighted to accept the €5000 award for finishing second. Those funds will go towards our aim in increasing the number of users of our platforms which I feel was the difference to us taking the top award”.

“Fermoy Forum is going from strength to strength, and this was a great team effort for the executive. A special thanks to those who headed up the marketing sub-committee, Declan Clancy and Dave Horan, and the hard work done by our administrative assistant Maevita De Barros. We have a great relationship with Xplore, headed up by Fermoy man Colin Hanley, and we are enormously grateful to have such great expertise locally.”

“Finally, I am always appreciative to our members who back us, our sponsors McCarthy’s Insurance Group and Cork County Council for their continued support and helping us get up and running from the start.”

"It's a privilege to announce that Tralee has placed 2nd in the National Digital Town Awards (Large Town category) for our work on the Digital Tralee App & Website. Huge thank you to the teams in .IE Digital Town, Xplore Local, our members, Kerry County Council and the greater community for embracing these new digital platforms for our town."

Chairperson of Tralee Chamber, Ken Tobin, added:

"The Xplore team are integral partners to the future development of our digital eco-system in Tralee and we are excited to see where the platform develops in the years ahead."

We are thrilled that Fermoy and Tralee took home €5,000 each at the 2021 .IE Digital Town Awards Thursday evening! 🥳
Huge congratulations to both. We know that how much hard work went into the winning projects and are very grateful to have been a part of that journey. We'd also like to extend our congratulations to all of the other Irish towns who were shortlisted and to those who took home prizes on the day.&nbsp;
The Digital Town Awards is run by .IE, the national registry for .ie domain names. The awards aim to 'promote awareness, knowledge, use and understanding of digital in Ireland by its citizens, businesses and communities.'
Fermoy and Tralee were runners-up in the Large Town categories (5,000-10,000 and 10,000+, respectively). They both walked away with the second prize of €5k each — a modest sum that will no doubt make a big difference to the hardworking volunteer groups we've worked with.
We worked with both towns to create a new digital infrastructure for their town, otherwise known as Xplore Fermoy and Xplore Tralee. Over the past few months, they became part of the Xplore platform, which includes a website, an app, and a merchant app.&nbsp;

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/48493585-2e36-4ad0-8f7d-87a17ccebbc3.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Our suite of digital tools, including the Xplore digital vouchers, offered a new and improved way for people to interact with their locality. They also could now connect with other towns and cities across the country, using Xplore's 'Select another town' feature.&nbsp;
Speaking on their win, Michael Lyons of Fermoy Forum said:&nbsp;
'"We were delighted to be shortlisted for the dot.ie awards. The chance to present Fermoy Forum's digital presence on a national level was a great opportunity to showcase all the hard work done by the forum in Fermoy. We have used our digital resources, Fermoy.ie, social media platforms and our Xplore app to make living or visiting Fermoy a better experience.”
“Having looked at the other towns that were shortlisted in our category, I was confident looking at the judging criteria that we had a chance, and I am delighted to accept the €5000 award for finishing second. Those funds will go towards our aim in increasing the number of users of our platforms which I feel was the difference to us taking the top award”.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/451c40e5-2d36-4736-b33a-8f670c79c899.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h5 style="text-align:center;">The Fermoy Forum team</h5>
“Fermoy Forum is going from strength to strength, and this was a great team effort for the executive. A special thanks to those who headed up the marketing sub-committee, Declan Clancy and Dave Horan, and the hard work done by our administrative assistant Maevita De Barros. We have a great relationship with Xplore, headed up by Fermoy man Colin Hanley, and we are enormously grateful to have such great expertise locally.”
“Finally, I am always appreciative to our members who back us, our sponsors McCarthy’s Insurance Group and Cork County Council for their continued support and helping us get up and running from the start.”
Meanwhile, Tralee Chamber Alliance said:
"It's a privilege to announce that Tralee has placed 2nd in the National Digital Town Awards (Large Town category) for our work on the Digital Tralee App &amp; Website. Huge thank you to the teams in .IE Digital Town, Xplore Local, our members, Kerry County Council and the greater community for embracing these new digital platforms for our town."

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/c3432cb3-7aec-4da9-8ab9-7c4644eb3c58.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h5 style="text-align:center;">The recent launch of Xplore Tralee</h5>
Chairperson of Tralee Chamber, Ken Tobin, added:
"The Xplore team are integral partners to the future development of our digital eco-system in Tralee and we are excited to see where the platform develops in the years ahead."

Digital Town Awards 2021: Congrats Fermoy and Tralee! 

Fermoy is a finalist in the Large Town category for the .IE #DigitalTownAwards for our Digital App and Website town project - winners will be announced today at a virtual awards ceremony.  

Join us at the awards at 4pm by registering here:

https://www.weare.ie/ie-digital-town-awards-registration.../  

TODAY'S THE DAY 🥳��🥳
Fermoy is a finalist in the Large Town category for the .IE #DigitalTownAwards for our Digital App and Website town project - winners will be announced today at a virtual awards ceremony.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Join us at the awards at 4pm by registering here:
<a href="https://www.weare.ie/ie-digital-town-awards-registration.../ " target="_self">https://www.weare.ie/ie-digital-town-awards-registration.../ </a>&nbsp;
Best of luck of all the finalists!&nbsp;

TODAY'S THE DAY 🥳🥳🥳

Dunguaire Castle - Kinvara, Co. Galway (near Gort)

Perched on the water's edge just outside the village of Kinvara, this impressive castle dates from the year 1520. 

It was restored in the 20th century by wealthy surgeon Oliver St. John Gogarty, who entertained guests such as W.B. Yeats, Lady Gregory, George Bernard Shaw, Edward Martin and J.M. Synge. It is now managed by Shannon Heritage.

When Covid restrictions permit, medieval banquets showcase local food and traditions. For now though, you can book your tickets for a castle tour using the weblink on their Gort listing. 

Borris House - Borris, Co. Carlow (near Bagenalstown)

Borris House is a privately-owned country house and retired its 'castle' title long ago. Regardless, the building's sheer architectural beauty continues to lend this Carlow estate a sense of grandeur and majesty.

It's also one of a few Irish estates that can definitively trace its roots back to the ruling families of Ireland; in this case, to the kings of Leinster, or the MacMorrough Kavanagh family. The current house is almost 300 years old.

While the house itself isn't always open for guided tours, the estate's gardens are open to visitors Thursday-Sunday. The gardens offer magnificent views of the house, the Blackstairs Mountains and the Barrow Valley. You can also enjoy a walk through their woodlands and kids will love the charming Fairy Trail.

To find out more about their opening hours and rates, browse their listing in Xplore Bagenalstown.

This stunning castle was built between 1610 and 1617 by Richard Burke of the De Burgo family, who was then also Lord President of Connaught. In the 1820s it was devastated by fire, but the State has been working to restore it since the 1960s. 

Luckily, it's an OPW-managed attraction, which means admission is free for the rest of the year!

With views of Lough Derg, a walled garden, and a tea shop (currently takeaway), this Galway heritage site has loads to offer. The gardens are open from 10 am to 6 pm and the ground floor of the castle is open for visiting too.

Lismore Castle Gardens - Lismore, Co. Waterford (near Youghal)

The oldest castle on this list, Lismore is close to 850 years old and was once the home of English adventurer Sir Walter Raleigh. Its gardens are also believed to be the oldest continually cultivated grounds in the country.

Like Borris House, Lismore castle is under private ownership, so there's no access to the castle itself. Nonetheless, seven acres of carefully kept gardens are open 7 days a week to the public. The Yew Tree walk and views of the Blackwater Valley are highlights; you can even book a picnic basket prepared by the castle chef using ingredients from the garden. Fresh scones and cakes are available too!

To find out more about their rates and how to book, go to their listing in Xplore Youghal. 

Situated on the bank of the River Corrib, the ivy-covered Menlo Castle is a 16th-century former stronghold of the Blake Family. It was destroyed by fire in 1910. Although the castle is a ruin, its picturesque setting is perfect for a relaxing walk by the river or for a picnic on a dry day. 

There's an old graveyard nearby and it's situated close enough to Galway city centre that you can enjoy all the comforts of the city within walking/bus ride distance. 

You can find all of these castles and more under the Attractions section of the Xplore Local app and website. Get direct links to their websites and more information on their history and location. Click 'Select another town' in the app side menu to view attractions in other towns. 

<h2>Dunguaire Castle - Kinvara, Co. Galway (near Gort)</h2>

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/d601f478-358e-4217-820d-86badfb582af.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Perched on the water's edge just outside the village of Kinvara, this impressive castle dates from the year 1520.&nbsp;
It was restored in the 20th century by wealthy surgeon Oliver St. John Gogarty, who entertained guests such as W.B. Yeats, Lady Gregory, George Bernard Shaw, Edward Martin and J.M. Synge. It is now managed by Shannon Heritage.
When Covid restrictions permit, medieval banquets showcase local food and traditions. For now though, you can book your tickets for a castle tour using the weblink on their Gort listing.&nbsp;

<h2>Borris House - Borris, Co. Carlow (near Bagenalstown)</h2>
Borris House is a privately-owned country house and retired its 'castle' title long ago. Regardless, the building's sheer architectural beauty continues to lend this Carlow estate a sense of grandeur and majesty.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/a7844686-9ad1-4bbc-9926-991dd609a187.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

It's also one of a few Irish estates that can definitively trace its roots back to the ruling families of Ireland; in this case, to the kings of Leinster, or the MacMorrough Kavanagh family. The current house is almost 300 years old.
While the house itself isn't always open for guided tours, the estate's gardens are open to visitors Thursday-Sunday. The gardens offer magnificent views of the house, the Blackstairs Mountains and the Barrow Valley. You can also enjoy a walk through their woodlands and kids will love the charming Fairy Trail.
To find out more about their opening hours and rates, browse their listing in Xplore Bagenalstown.

<h2>Portumna Castle - Portumna, Co. Galway</h2>

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/79fefc91-0f7a-4736-886f-a244c119ce58.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

This stunning castle was built between 1610 and 1617 by Richard Burke of the De Burgo family, who was then also Lord President of Connaught. In the 1820s it was devastated by fire, but the State has been working to restore it since the 1960s.&nbsp;
Luckily, it's an OPW-managed attraction, which means admission is free for the rest of the year!
With views of Lough Derg, a walled garden, and a tea shop (currently takeaway), this Galway heritage site has loads to offer. The gardens are open from 10 am to 6 pm and the ground floor of the castle is open for visiting too.

<h2>Lismore Castle Gardens - Lismore, Co. Waterford (near Youghal)</h2>
The oldest castle on this list, Lismore is close to 850 years old and was once the home of English adventurer Sir Walter Raleigh. Its gardens are also believed to be the oldest continually cultivated grounds in the country.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/996aaec9-201c-428c-bd57-dc9c5bd9e097.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Like Borris House, Lismore castle is under private ownership, so there's no access to the castle itself. Nonetheless, seven acres of carefully kept gardens are open 7 days a week to the public. The Yew Tree walk and views of the Blackwater Valley are highlights; you can even book a picnic basket prepared by the castle chef using ingredients from the garden. Fresh scones and cakes are available too!
To find out more about their rates and how to book, go to their listing in Xplore Youghal.&nbsp;

<h2>Menlo Castle - Menlo, Co. Galway</h2>

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/13252d26-7ded-4cb2-8fdc-4ecda4c80a93.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

Situated on the bank of the River Corrib, the ivy-covered Menlo Castle is a 16th-century former stronghold of the Blake Family. It was destroyed by fire in 1910. Although the castle is a ruin, its picturesque setting is perfect for a relaxing walk by the river or for a picnic on a dry day.&nbsp;
There's an old graveyard nearby and it's situated close enough to Galway city centre that you can enjoy all the comforts of the city within walking/bus ride distance.&nbsp;

You can find all of these castles and more under the Attractions section of the Xplore Local app and website. Get direct links to their websites and more information on their history and location. Click 'Select another town' in the app side menu to view attractions in other towns.

5 Majestic Irish Castles To Visit This Summer

Today is International Trails Day, a day that celebrates the many physical and psychological benefits of walking. It also aims to raise awareness of the range of hikes and trails that can be found near you, and why you should be taking full advantage of them if you can 🏞

Providing the rain holds off, walking trails are a great way to do two things: take in the natural beauty of your surroundings and learn more about the history of your locality. 

It's also interesting to note that walking has been proven to foster creativity, as well as keep you fit and healthy. Better yet, the majority of walking trails are totally free!

From the Kerry Camino to The Barrow Way, the Xplore Local app has dozens of mapped trails with turn-by-turn directions. We use world-leading navigation technologies like MapBox to help you find the best way to get from the boreen to the mountaintop. 

Among the towns on our platform, there many different varieties of trails; some hilly but easily accessible, others steep and difficult. With our walking guides (which can be found by clicking on a trail), you'll be able to find out if a particular walk is for you. They also let you know what terrain to prepare for, or if an area is prone to flooding. 

If you've no definitive plans for the long weekend, why not take the opportunity to head outdoors, pick a trail from our growing list, and give it a go?

Today is International Trails Day, a day that celebrates the many physical and psychological benefits of walking. It also aims to raise awareness of the range of hikes and trails that can be found near you, and why you should be taking full advantage of them if you can 🏞
Providing the rain holds off, walking trails are a great way to do two things: take in the natural beauty of your surroundings and learn more about the history of your locality.&nbsp;
It's also interesting to note that <a href="https://xploreapp.io/xplore/news/finding-your-spark-how-exercising-kickstarts-creativity-rglmi" target="_self">walking has been proven to foster creativity</a>, as well as keep you fit and healthy. Better yet, the majority of walking trails are totally free!

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/5c69a690-1a75-48d5-bc41-1c3752064f94.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

From the Kerry Camino to The Barrow Way, the Xplore Local app has dozens of mapped trails with turn-by-turn directions. We use world-leading navigation technologies like MapBox to help you find the best way to get from the boreen to the mountaintop.&nbsp;
Among the towns on our platform, there many different varieties of trails; some hilly but easily accessible, others steep and difficult. With our walking guides (which can be found by clicking on a trail), you'll be able to find out if a particular walk is for you. They also let you know what terrain to prepare for, or if an area is prone to flooding.&nbsp;
If you've no definitive plans for the long weekend, why not take the opportunity to head outdoors, pick a trail from our growing list, and give it a go?

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