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 In the shadows of Claragh Mountain, Millstreet and its surrounds are worth exploring. Millstreet is thought to be about 250 years old, and you will discover many fascinating buildings and archaeological sites. Each March and September horse fairs are held during which the town mirrors the old fairdays of wheeling and dealing. Millstreet, already famous for its Equestrian Centre and two International Horse Shows each year was shot to fame in May 1993 when hosting the 38th European Song Contest.
DRISHANE CASTLE [An Drishean - the place of the briars].
The castle was built by the McCarthys between 1436 and 1450, and commands a beautiful view of the chain of mountains, starting with Claragh, which run in an uninterrupted line to Killarney. The Wallis family took over the castle and lands in 1719 but when in 1900 the era of the landlords came to an end the Wallis family sold the estate. In 1990 the Sisters of Infant Jesus bought it from its owner for a girls boarding school until its closure in 1992.
TUBRID WELL
is about 1 mile west of Millstreet and is probably the best known well in the area and reputed to be the second largest in Britain and Ireland. It is about 40 ft. in diameter and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
MILLSTREET MUSEUM
is situated in the Carnegie hall, near the Town Park. Established in 1978 it carried an extensive range of slides, photos, and audio and video tapes of recent events, and well worth a visit.
 KNOCKNAKILLA STONE CIRCLE
Continuing the trail south of Millstreet in the direction of Cloghboola. along the quiet country road towards Musheramore you will see Claragh Mountain on your right. In Knocknakilla on the slope of Musheramore is the 3,500 year old Knocknakilla Stone circle; only a few stones are left standing on the isolated hilltop but still retains its mystery.
 MILLSTREET COUNTRY PARK
A surprise is the ultimate treat for lovers of the outdoors as from the slopes of Knocknakilla you can see the higher slopes of Musheramore Mountain as they plummet to 183m below the valley. This is Millstreet Country Park, a microcosm of all that is precious to Heritage Lovers of all ages, this 500 acre park is yours to explore and enjoy and soak up the 'spirit' of this timeless landscape.
Moorlands, managed wetlands all complete in spectacle and beauty will vie for your attention with rich meadows, tumbling rivers, lakes, extensive young woods and peaceful ornamental grounds. The park is home to an extensive flora and fauna; you may travel miles of living trails and enjoy the mystical spectacle of 600 red deer silhouetted against ancient stone circles. With abundant fresh air, good appetites are satiated with superb meals in the restful and beautiful visitor centre.
ST. JOHN'S WELL
is at the base of the Mushera mountains - it is a pagan site now Christianised with Naomh Eoin [St.John] a local 6th century saint.The Station of the Cross here are most unique, having been crafted in stone by local craftsmen in 1982.
THE KERRYMANS TABLE
Leave the main route for a few minutes and turn right at the crossroads. On the road from Millstreet to Rylane is a large stone on the left hand side of the road which was used long ago by carters from Kerry travelling to Cork with cargoes of butter for export. They used to stop here to eat, thus getting its name 'The Kerryman's Table'. Roads like this one were made at the time of the famine. |
