Glanmire: Greenway, Heritage and Monkey Maze

When planning a trip to Glanmire, you can explore several distinct themes: the Greenway, with bridges for pedestrians and cyclists; local architectural heritage around Riverstown House and the stone bridge; and Monkey Maze, an indoor play centre for children up to 12 years old. Glanmire lies in a valley near the Glashaboy River. This gives the area specific points of interest for cycling and walking, architectural history and activities for children, rather than focusing on just one type of visit.

Greenway and cycling

The Glanmire Greenway has opened to the public. Its infrastructure includes two new bridges for pedestrians and cyclists. The Greenway is also connected to an existing shared cycling facility at Glanmire Bridge. Check current operating conditions before your visit if you plan to include the Greenway in your itinerary.

Architectural history in Glanmire

Riverstown House is a classical Irish country house in Glanmire, originally built in 1602. Italian stuccoists Paolo and Filippo Lafrancini decorated the dining room ceiling with allegorical figures; the walls feature classical figures and lavish Rococo ornamentation with flowers and leaves. The contrast between the ceiling and the walls illustrates the house’s decorative design: allegorical motifs above, and figures and leafy floral ornaments on the sides. The construction date and room design offer two distinct perspectives on Riverstown House.

Riverstown’s stone bridge is part of Glanmire’s significant architectural heritage, as are former mill buildings. The Church of Ireland built St. Mary and All Saints in the village of Glanmire in 1784. The area’s architectural history therefore encompasses several different forms.

Monkey Maze and activities for children

Monkey Maze offers something different: the large, four-storey indoor play centre is for children up to 12 years old. Several indoor football areas, rope bridges, basketball courts, ball pits and slides offer different ways to play and stay active. There is also a café serving hot and cold snacks, freshly ground coffee, tea and soft drinks. For families with children, Monkey Maze is therefore a stop distinct from the Greenway and architectural history; the age range helps you understand what’s on offer.

More history in the wider Cork destination

The wider Cork destination offers further examples of architectural history in their own right. Barryscourt Castle in Carrigtwohill is an Irish tower house built between 1392 and 1420. Charles Fort in Kinsale is a military fortification built between 1677 and 1682 to protect the town and harbour of Kinsale. The fort’s walls and ramparts offer views over the harbour. Together, they show two distinct building types and functions in the wider Cork destination: a tower house and a fort overlooking the harbour.

Discover more destinations: Ahakista, Kinsale, Goleen, Minane Bridge, Ballygarvan, Garrettstown, Cloyne, Coachford.

View the wider travel guide: Cork.