An activity centre for groups, schools and corporate team building , Zip lines, kayaking rock climbing abseiling, all on one 40 acre site, Trout fishing fly and bait, 11 four star holiday homes.

Welcome to Ballyhass Lakes – a superb location in the heart of Munster for first class outdoor activities. This 36-acre site has two spring water lakes with 14 acres of crystal clear waters to a depth of 30ft. There are natural limestone rock faces perfect for rock climbing and abseiling. There are landscaped open spaces for team challenges, archery, ropes courses and a whole range of team building activities. All activities take place on this one site - no need for further travel. 

The range of activities at Ballyhass lakes continues to be expanded. It is established for 10 years and is now one of Ireland's leading Trout fisheries. It continues to be a favourite with many international anglers and is open all year. There are 11 four star holiday homes on the site, and to further compliment the resort, new activities are being added. 

Ballyhass has built its reputation on a quality of product and a personal service. The Activity centre takes the same approach providing a range of activities tailored to suit the needs of any group. Instructors are fully qualified, and operate a ratio to participants in accordance with industry standards. Groups can be just a collection of friends, a work social group, a corporate team building, a sports club, a school group or transition year programme- all are very welcome. 

At Ballyhass we believe that challenging both the mind and the body - particularly in a group environment - is creative and character building. We believe that a day of planned activities will enrich any group, form lasting bonds and build trust for the future. 

Activities include: Kayaking, Raft Building, Archery, Gladiator course, Jacobs Ladder, Leap Of Faith, Rock Climbing, Abseiling, Mini Olympics, Indoor climbing, Pitch games, 5 aside soccer, Tag rugby, Aeroball, New for 2012 Zip-line - 160m, over the lakes

Fishing

The main lake is Fly only and can be fished from the banks but is best fished by boat. The water is 8 - 11m deep in most places with very clear visibility. Experienced anglers will be challenged to seek the larger fish from these depths. The absence of over hanging tress and the still water also makes this an ideal location to introduce angers to fly fishing. 

Boats suitable for up to two or three anglers can be reserved and hired (for use the main lake only) with life jackets. The wearing of life jackets is compulsory while in a boat. 

The fish stock is both rainbow and brown trout varying in size from 2lbs to 15 lbs. The fish are breeding in the lake including the rainbows which is unusual and is a result of the very pure spring water, its condition and its depth. All fish feed naturally after being introduced to the waters. They are never artificially fed, but grow well from the abundance of natural feed from the insect and fly life in the limestone environs. 

The fly selection at Ballyhass follows the normal seasonal fly life cycles with some added lures that work well in the still water. In spring dry fly fishing begins with emergers and the likes of small Klinkhammers and progresses to olives dabblers in early summer and the reliable Daddy long legs in August and September. In the late autumn and winter fishing is best with fast sinking lines such as the Di 7 with boobys and lures being very effective. All methods have their place at Ballyhass, but the clear water favours long leaders of fluorocarbon. All the usual gold heads, nymphs, and buzzers will work well at Ballyhass at all times of the year. 

The tackle shop at Ballyhass has and wide selection of flies and specialist lines and fly tie materials. Advice is always on hand to assist you in your fly selection. 

The upper lake can be fished from the bank with worm, spinners and bubble and fly. Worm bait is available from the Tackle shop. This lake has extensive fishing platforms and rain shelters and is a very safe environment for all groups. The lake is stocked regularly with fish up to 2 - 3 lbs. Fishing methods are confined to those permitted, and no ground baiting, no artificial baits such as power bait are allowed.

In general, we strongly support a catch and release policy. On a Day-Ticket an angler can keep two fish up to 3lbs weight. All adult fish and all brown Trout are on a catch and release basis only. Once the bag limit has been taken the angler can continue to fish on a catch and release basis for the remainder of the period. 

Holiday homes

The 3 & 4-bed houses ooze distinction & character. They are larger than most holiday homes and have been created in a location that is peaceful and serene, a safe environment allowing for long summer evenings on the deck having a BBQ or in the green areas and away from the distractions of daily life.

Each house has its own patio/BBQ area - perfect for a summer evening of alfresco dining and cooking. The kitchen leads onto an open plan dining area over-looking the lakes. The living room is spacious with an open fire and wooden floor detail.Each room is furnished to a high luxury standard with lots of touches that will make you feel at home

The design of the houses has ensured natural light throughout the house giving that true outdoors living feel. In addition to the ensuite master bedroom there is a large family bathroom and a downstairs WC. There is a choice of 3 and 4 bedroom houses, sleeping 5-7 people.

This is an ideal location for anglers to come on holiday, as Ballyhass boasts all-year-round angling, or indeed for quiet family holidays. The surrounding area of North Cork offers easy access to angling (both lake & river), horse riding, heritage trail walks, hunting & shooting and golf. The main tourist attractions of Cork & Kerry are all within driving distance too.

Accommodation Facilities: 

• Fully furnished to 4 Star Hotel standards 
• Modern fully fitted kitchens, with dishwasher, washing machine and dryer, oven, hob and micro-wave 
• Contemporary design with wooden flooring 
• TV with DVD player * Master bedroom en-suite 
• Main bathroom and downstairs WC
• All houses have a deck and BBQ area 
• Babysitting can be arranged locally 
• Ample Parking 
• Boats available for rent
• Fishing gear available for rent 
• Separate lake perfect for learning the art of fishing 
• Fishing lessons also available 
• Bed linen and welcome pack provided, please bring own towels 
• On site angling facilities (spring water lakes with plentiful salmon trout), tackle shop, picnic & BBQ areas & full Ghillie. 
• Private stretch of the River Blackwater (exclusive to Ballyhass guests) 

Experience optional extras that make a stay at Ballyhass Lakes unique: 

• A guided nature walk - we have abundant nature on our own 40 acres.
• During June July and August - meet the staff cocktail every Monday 6.00pm - free
• Take a fly casting lesson
• Take part in special activities session - Wednesday evenings and other times.
• Take a guided mountain walks on Mount Hillary - trailhead only 20 minutes away
• Use our new 5 acre sportsfield - five a side for anyone?
• Reduced entry prices to the corporate boxes at Cork Race Course Mallow ( 10 mins away)