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 De Barros

Administrator

Declan Clancy

Digital Marketing Lead

We already know that regular exercise is good for our physical health, helping to keep our systems in good shape and disease at bay. We are also beginning to discover the ways in which exercise positively affects our mental wellbeing. But the question of how exercise might affect our more abstract brain functions (like our capacity for original thinking) has always been more difficult to answer.

However, a recent scientific study has indicated that exercise can make us more creative. The study found that people who are physically active are more likely to be innovative and come up with original ideas. While the scientists couldn't guarantee that your ideas would be genius or world-changing, they did conclude that daily movement gets your creative juices flowing. 

We may think of creativity as something that only artists, musicians or novelists have access to, but that's not true. You don't need to be artistic to be creative. Everyone expresses their creativity differently. We are being creative when we find solutions to problems we encounter in our everyday lives, like how to fix a piece of broken furniture or rearrange our schedules to squeeze in an unexpected errand. 

In this way, creativity is an important tool for us to have on hand, and the more we nurture it, the better off we will be. While our daily level of creativity will always ebb and flow, the new study suggests that there is something we can do to increase it: get moving. 

Whatever movement means to you - a brisk walk, morning cycle, yoga workout, weightlifting routine - being active may help you to problem-solve and generate new ideas more effectively. So, head out for a jog, hop on your bike — you might just find the spark you've been looking for.

Check out the 'Hikes and Trails' section of the Xplore app to find out more about the walking trails, cycling routes and greenways in your locality.

We already know that regular exercise is good for our physical health, helping to keep our systems in good shape and disease at bay. We are also beginning to discover the ways in which exercise positively affects our mental wellbeing. But the question of how exercise might affect our more abstract brain functions (like our capacity for original thinking) has always been more difficult to answer.
However, a <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-68632-9" target="_self">recent scientific study</a> has indicated that exercise can make us more creative. The study found that people who are physically active are more likely to be innovative and come up with original ideas. While the scientists couldn't guarantee that your ideas would be genius or world-changing, they did conclude that daily movement gets your creative juices flowing.&nbsp;

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/389925f0-baed-42d1-a187-3da15a0086ae.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

We may think of creativity as something that only artists, musicians or novelists have access to, but that's not true. You don't need to be artistic to be creative. Everyone expresses their creativity differently. We are being creative when we find solutions to problems we encounter in our everyday lives, like how to fix a piece of broken furniture or rearrange our schedules to squeeze in an unexpected errand.&nbsp;
In this way, creativity is an important tool for us to have on hand, and the more we nurture it, the better off we will be. While our daily level of creativity will always ebb and flow, the new study suggests that there is something we can do to increase it: get moving.&nbsp;
Whatever movement means to you - a brisk walk, morning cycle, yoga workout, weightlifting routine - being active may help you to problem-solve and generate new ideas more effectively. So, head out for a jog, hop on your bike — you might just find the spark you've been looking for.
<h4>Check out the 'Hikes and Trails' section of the Xplore app to find out more about the walking trails, cycling routes and greenways in your locality.</h4>

Finding Your Spark: How Exercise Kickstarts Creativity 

We are very lucky here in Ireland to have such beautiful woodlands within a short distance of our towns. With the Xplore Local app, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to discover the best trails in your town, and beyond. 

Here are six of the most scenic trails in Cork, Kerry, and Galway...

Castlefreke Woods Short-Loop Walk ~ Castlefreke, Co. Cork

This is a short and pleasant 20-minute walk, taking you around in a loop through Castlefreke woods. Castlefreke (a predominantly wooded area 10km from Clonakilty) is renowned for its gorgeous ocean views, as well as for the magnificent ruin of 19th-century Rathbarry Castle.  

The trail is clearly marked and covered with light gravel. It's a great trail for a quick walk through the woods. It also has a car park and some picnic benches. 

Ballyseedy is a woodland area located 4km from Tralee town. It is a unique and tranquil retreat that extends to nearly 80 acres. It has at least 22 varieties of native trees and they are marked with their Gaelic and English names in the woods. 

The majestic Ash, Oak and Beech trees have been growing there for centuries. There are a number of ruins and follies within the wood, dating back to the 17th century, with the River Lee (from which Tralee takes its name) forming the woodlands northern boundary. 

Rinmaher Trail, Portumna Forest Park ~ Portumna, Co. Galway

Aerial view of Lough Derg and surrounding woodland

Rinmaher trail is located within the bounds of the stunning Portumna Forest Park. This loop is mainly on singletrack narrow trails and is suitable for those looking for a longer walk. It begins along a two-way section of trail and covers much of the Park. 

There are good views along the lakeshore near Rinmaher Point south towards Terryglass and east towards Portumna Bridge. Signal signs provide information about local features of fauna and flora, including red squirrel and fallow deer.

This hidden gem has an old-world feel that has much to offer including a variety of mature trees and tracks suitable for walking. Marlogue wood is located approximately 30km from Carrigaline but is well worth a visit for a relaxing weekend stroll against the backdrop of the bay. 

The area originally carried old oak stands that were felled during World War I. There are a number of forest roads and tracks running through the forest that allow for both a forest and harbour experience.

Barna Woods is located on the western outskirts of Galway City, near the village of Barna. This mature, atmospheric woodland is complemented by a small stream and ancient footbridge. It is locally cherished as a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city. 

One of its most popular trails can be accessed via Barna Rd, where there is a small car park. The loop will take you north and past the outer limits of Knockacara, over the stream and back to the Barna Rd.  

Kilbarry Wood Walk, Coolagown ~ Fermoy, Co. Cork

Carpets of bluebell sometimes bloom during springtime at Kilbarry Wood

Kilbarry wood is set on a wooded plateau situated between the river valleys of the Bride and Blackwater. It consists of 30 hectares mixed broadleaved woodland with stands of mature Oak and Beech and occasional Ash, Birch and Rowan trees along with Scots Pine and Larch. 

There are two looped walking trails in Kilbarry, both guide the visitor around this community woodland that the locals are so proud of.

Download the Xplore app to get turn-by-turn directions, a walking guide, and more information on these trails.

We are very lucky here in Ireland to have such beautiful woodlands within a short distance of our towns. With the Xplore Local app, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to discover the best trails in your town, and beyond.&nbsp;
Here are six of the most scenic trails in Cork, Kerry, and Galway...
<h2>Castlefreke Woods Short-Loop Walk ~ Castlefreke, Co. Cork</h2>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/4cc760c2-5da0-449a-a998-f1fa0d71c8ff.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h5 style="text-align:center;">The nearby ruins of Rathbarry Castle</h5>
This is a short and pleasant 20-minute walk, taking you around in a loop through Castlefreke woods. Castlefreke (a predominantly wooded area 10km from Clonakilty) is renowned for its gorgeous ocean views, as well as for the magnificent ruin of 19th-century Rathbarry Castle.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The trail is clearly marked and covered with light gravel. It's a great trail for a quick walk through the woods. It also has a car park and some picnic benches.&nbsp;
Distance: 1.5km
Difficulty: Easy

<h2>Ballyseedy Wood Walk ~ Tralee, Co. Kerry</h2>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/bc6a7fda-7429-4437-afb4-6285f1881133.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h5 style="text-align:center;">Wild garlic at Ballyseedy Wood</h5>
Ballyseedy is a woodland area located 4km from Tralee town. It is a unique and tranquil retreat that extends to nearly 80 acres. It has at least 22 varieties of native trees and they are marked with their Gaelic and English names in the woods.&nbsp;
The majestic Ash, Oak and Beech trees have been growing there for centuries. There are a number of ruins and follies within the wood, dating back to the 17th century, with the River Lee (from which Tralee takes its name) forming the woodlands northern boundary.&nbsp;
Distance: 1.5km
Difficulty: Easy

<h2>Rinmaher Trail, Portumna Forest Park ~ Portumna, Co. Galway</h2>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/bbc3bbb1-0b3e-42a3-a1a3-8dbaea9b3bf9.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h5 style="text-align:center;">Aerial view of Lough Derg and surrounding woodland</h5>
Rinmaher trail is located within the bounds of the stunning Portumna Forest Park. This loop is mainly on singletrack narrow trails and is suitable for those looking for a longer walk. It begins along a two-way section of trail and covers much of the Park.&nbsp;
There are good views along the lakeshore near Rinmaher Point south towards Terryglass and east towards Portumna Bridge. Signal signs provide information about local features of fauna and flora, including red squirrel and fallow deer.
Distance: 10km
Difficulty: Moderate

<h2>Marlogue Wood ~ Carrigaline, Co. Cork</h2>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/6848588a-101f-4d82-9c59-d0b930ced069.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h5 style="text-align:center;">Woodland scene in West Cork</h5>
This hidden gem has an old-world feel that has much to offer including a variety of mature trees and tracks suitable for walking. Marlogue wood is located approximately 30km from Carrigaline but is well worth a visit for a relaxing weekend stroll against the backdrop of the bay.&nbsp;
The area originally carried old oak stands that were felled during World War I. There are a number of forest roads and tracks running through the forest that allow for both a forest and harbour experience.
Distance: 4km
Difficulty: Easy

<h2>Barna Wood Walk ~ Barna, Co. Galway</h2>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/d184b70c-bce2-465c-91ee-4874ecadaffb.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h5 style="text-align:center;">Ancient, winding trees at Barna Wood</h5>
Barna Woods is located on the western outskirts of Galway City, near the village of Barna. This mature, atmospheric woodland is complemented by a small stream and ancient footbridge. It is locally cherished as a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city.&nbsp;
One of its most popular trails can be accessed via Barna Rd, where there is a small car park. The loop will take you north and past the outer limits of Knockacara, over the stream and back to the Barna Rd.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Distance: 2km
Difficulty: Easy

<h2>Kilbarry Wood Walk, Coolagown ~ Fermoy, Co. Cork</h2>
<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/cdc2b6ee-b05c-4588-9534-fc3721a852ab.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>
<h5 style="text-align:center;">Carpets of bluebell sometimes bloom during springtime at Kilbarry Wood</h5>
Kilbarry wood is set on a wooded plateau situated between the river valleys of the Bride and Blackwater. It consists of 30 hectares mixed broadleaved woodland with stands of mature Oak and Beech and occasional Ash, Birch and Rowan trees along with Scots Pine and Larch.&nbsp;
There are two looped walking trails in Kilbarry, both guide the visitor around this community woodland that the locals are so proud of.
Distance: 3.4km
Difficulty: Easy

<a href="http://onelink.to/933ka" target="_self">Download the Xplore app</a> to get turn-by-turn directions, a walking guide, and more information on these trails.

6 Woodland Trails To Visit in Cork, Kerry and Galway

Fermoy Community Youth Centre have a fantastic line up for Halloween and great value too - only €4.  

This midterm we will show three family friendly films - for full details, visit their Kids Cinema Club HERE 

Fermoy Community Youth Centre have a fantastic line up for Halloween and great value too - only €4.&nbsp;&nbsp;
This midterm we will show three family friendly films - for full details, visit their Kids Cinema Club <a href="https://www.fermoyyouthcentre.ie/kids-cinema-club-for-midterm-2" target="_self">HERE</a>&nbsp;

Kids Cinema Club for Midterm in Fermoy!

Forest Bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, is a wellness practice that originated in Japan. It involves walking around or sitting in the forest — without electronics or a sense of direction — and taking in your surroundings using every one of your five senses. 

The idea is to completely immerse yourself in nature by putting away your devices, disconnecting from work, and leaving the comfort of your home. The practice is versatile in that you can either sit down amongst the leaves or wander through the trees, following any scents or sounds you might encounter. You can also explore alone or with family/friends —  it's recommended, however, that you maintain total silence in order to get the most out of the activity.

You should remember that forest bathing isn't a form of exercise; it's not a hike, jog or expedition. Because it's more of a meditative activity, in fact, you should focus on moving around the forest at your own pace, resting where and when you please. 

Japanese scientist Qing Li has spent years investigating the health benefits of forest bathing. Some of his studies found that our 'natural killer' cell activity (white blood cells that help our immune systems fight viral infections and developing cancers) increased by up to 50% after engaging in the practice. 

The stimulation of cancer-fighting cells is just one of the many ways in which forest bathing may positively affect your health. It may lower your cortisol (stress hormone) levels as well as decrease your blood pressure. Having the chance to reconnect with nature and distance yourself from modern-life stressors can do wonders for your mental health; meanwhile, the fresh woodland air will be a treat for your lungs. 

Forest bathing is a fantastic, free way of practising self-care. It combines mindfulness with time spent in nature. Most of all, it allows you to connect with your surroundings in a deeper way, relax in the quiet company of family or friends, and explore a space that's free from 21st-century distractions. 

increased by up to 50%

Forest Bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku, is a wellness practice that originated in Japan. It involves walking around or sitting in the forest — without electronics or a sense of direction — and taking in your surroundings using every one of your five senses. 
The idea is to completely immerse yourself in nature by putting away your devices, disconnecting from work, and leaving the comfort of your home. The practice is versatile in that you can either sit down amongst the leaves or wander through the trees, following any scents or sounds you might encounter. You can also explore alone or with family/friends — it's recommended, however, that you maintain total silence in order to get the most out of the activity.

<img src="https://d2hz75cbudexsj.cloudfront.net/insideAppNews/images/4e6cc071-1927-42b6-aeda-1ac8ee499ff5.jpg" alt="undefined" style="float:none;height: auto;width: auto"/>

You should remember that forest bathing isn't a form of exercise; it's not a hike, jog or expedition. Because it's more of a meditative activity, in fact, you should focus on moving around the forest at your own pace, resting where and when you please. 
Japanese scientist Qing Li has spent years investigating the health benefits of forest bathing. Some of his studies found that our 'natural killer' cell activity (white blood cells that help our immune systems fight viral infections and developing cancers) <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17903349/" target="_self">increased by up to 50%</a> after engaging in the practice. 
The stimulation of cancer-fighting cells is just one of the many ways in which forest bathing may positively affect your health. It may lower your cortisol (stress hormone) levels as well as decrease your blood pressure. Having the chance to reconnect with nature and distance yourself from modern-life stressors can do wonders for your mental health; meanwhile, the fresh woodland air will be a treat for your lungs. 
Forest bathing is a fantastic, free way of practising self-care. It combines mindfulness with time spent in nature. Most of all, it allows you to connect with your surroundings in a deeper way, relax in the quiet company of family or friends, and explore a space that's free from 21st-century distractions.&nbsp;

Welcome to Fermoy

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

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