LOVERS of the outdoors busy making plans for the upcoming June Bank Holiday could stumble upon an undiscovered gem this weekend at Millstreet Country Park.
Boasting 500 acres of sprawling country gardens, lakes, mountain walks, trails and treks, the park welcomes pets, children and eco-enthusiasts in equal measure.
Celebrating the arrival of summer with temperatures set to soar, the MCP crew are laying on a series of performances and special events to squeeze every last drop of enjoyment from the weekend break.
Live musical entertainment will be provided by the Diamond Sisters on Sunday June 5th, at the Outdoor Band Stand in the specially developed Music Garden from 2pm. As the adults kick back, they can relax in the knowledge that a whole series of events are planned to keep the little ones busy learning, exploring and active.
Park promoters will unveil a brand new ‘Experience the Wilderness’ program to be rolled out this weekend, incorporating duck racing, face painting, tug of war and a series of specially themed fun faces to keep kids constantly on the go.
Billed as the Mid Summer Bank Holiday weekend at MCP, visitors can looked forward to three days of exceptional entertainment in the most beautiful scenic countryside to make for amost rejuvenating short break.
Bring the strawberries and lemonade for a picnic, or sample the culinary delights on offer in the Cafe and Restaurant in the grounds.
An outdoor BBQ taking place on Sunday evening will see some of the finest local meat produce flame grilled to your specific taste in what promises to be a feast for all the family.
Situated at the foot of the Musheramore Mountains in picturesque northwest Cork, MCP houses one of Munster’s leading Educational, Cultural, and Eco – Tourism Destinations.
First opened to the public in July 1995 offering an abundance of unspoilt native wonders and spectacular views, the estate has attracted visitors from 62 countries worldwide to date.
Former Minister for Education Batt O’Keefe summed up the park’s natural draw as a ‘lifestyle experience’ when he visited, as he said: “Millstreet County Park encapsulates everything you would want in terms of people visiting and having a lifestyle experience, appreciating the flora and fauna.
School children in particular experience hands on science at the best possible practical level. It complements every thing they do in their classroom.”
Local teachers are tuned into the park’s perks as a perfect location for educating children on geological treasures, plant life and history.
As a unique attraction, MCP offers visitors the opportunity to see many rare, endangered and
native species of wildlife in their natural habitat, including plants and trees in secluded wooded
areas set against a backdrop of deer — the park hosts one of the largest red deer farms in the
south. Winding cultural links into the attractions on offer, Ireland’s turbulent history can be explored
from the Easter Rising and the subsequent War of Independence through to a who’s who of Irish
history — it’s all on offer in the grounds.
Another first this year at the park is the brand new 5 day kids summer camps. Participants are
exposed to a number of wildlife based fun activities while promoting science and ecology. Each
day has a different theme and this unique summer camp also organises musical and artistic activities,
integrated language training ‘as gaeilge’ as well as adrenalin based experiences they are unlikely
to forget.
Camps run from July 18th to 22nd and August 8th to the 12th and children from ages 5 to 12 are
welcome. Visit www.millstreetcountrypark.com for more information.
The above appeared in the Evening Echo on Tuesday, May 31, 2011.
