Macroom, Co. Cork

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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. There is much evidence of Macroom's pre-Christian habitation in the many standing stones, dolmens, stone circles and fulacht fiadh in the surrounding land.

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 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 ancient visionaries and healers. 6km west lies the historic Carrigaphooca Castle. 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 riverside walks among mature oak and beech trees.


It is said that Macroom is "the town that never reared a fool ".