Kanturk derives its name from the Gaelic "Ceann Toirc" head of the boar. Legend has it that the last wild boar in Ireland was slain on Donovan's Hill on the outskirts of the town. Kanturk is the largest town in the ancient barony of Duhallow situated on the north western part of County Cork. Located on the banks of two rivers, the Dalua, which flows in an easterly direction, and the Allow which flows south to join it at what is known locally as the meeting of the waters. On the banks of these rivers stand three magnificent parks where tourists and locals alike can relax on the riverside seat or enjoy a walk around the perfectly manicured lawns, both rivers abound with salmon and trout. To the east along the road to Banteer stands Kanturk Castle. Built in the sixteenth century this fine building was the last fortress to be built by the native Irish Chieftain, Mac Donagh Mc Carthy, Lord of Duhallow. If golf is your hobby you can enjoy a trip around the beautiful 18 hole course at Fairyhill.

Clan Name

Kanturk is part of the ancestral home of the MacCarthy and forms a stage of the Beara-Breifne Greenway which is based on the historic march of O'Sullivan Beara in 1603.

Greenways Festival 2003

Kanturk is talking part in the Greenways Festival in summer 2003 to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the legendary 1603 march of O’Sullivan Beara from the Beara Peninsula to the Breifne area. Click here for info on the events