Cecilstown, Mallow, Co. Cork, Ireland
Tel:+353 (0)22 27773 Fax:+353 (0)22 27990 Email: info@ballyhasslakes.ie W 8.79858 N 52.17395
Latest News
Easter Activities at Ballyhass lakes
This is a special offer for people to experience some of the great activities at Ballyhass.
If you are a resident in one of our Holiday Homes at Easter then these introductory sessions are all free for you your family and guests!
To support the Racing Home for Easter Mallow Festival 2010l and the Ballyhoura / North Cork adventure hub Easter campaign, Ballyhass lakes are providing family sessions at the lakes for a special introductory price of only €10 per participant. Each session will include two activities from the extensive range available at Ballyhass. These include Low ropes, Archery, rock climbing, high ropes, Abseiling, Aeroball, Kayaking, raft building, bouldering on an indoor climbing wall. Each session will last approx three hours. All Equipment supplied. Minimum age 8 years - no maximum
Over the Easter period these introductory session will be held on:
Wednesday March 31st 2.00pm
Easter Saturday April 3rd 10.00am and 2.00pm
Easter Sunday April 4th 10.00am and 2.00pm
Easter Monday April 5th 10.00 am and 2.00pm
Wednesday April 7th 2.00pm
Groups can be accommodated by arrangement outside of these times. Places can be reserved by calling 022 27773 or e mail:
info@ballyhasslakes.ie.
Intro Club for Activities from April 2010
A new opportunity to participate in activities without needing a large group. Ballyhass lakes is welcoming Individuals, couples and families to sample one of the activities for Only 10 euro per person!!!
The Intro Club will be available
Every Wednesday 6:30 - 8:00pm
Every Saturday 10:00 - 11:30
(pre booking required)
Next dates for one day fly fishing course
Glenda Powell has given us the next dates for the one day course :
Saturday January 23rd 2010
Saturday February 20th 2010
The course is over one day 09.30 - 16.30, all aspects of fly fishing are covered, rod and line selection, leaders set up, fly selection etc. Much of the day is spent casting on the lawn and then fishing on the lakes. All equipment and lunch is provided. Cost Euro 125.00 per person
Give some one the gift of a voucher for this course - it will enrich their lives for ever.
Book now - 022 27773 or email: info@ballyhasslakes.ie
First winner of our Turkey voucher Dec 09
In the free draw last weekend Pat Enright from Newmarket won the Turkey voucher. We have another free draw this weekend Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th Dec. All anglers who fish at the lakes this week end will be entered into a draw. There is even a nice weather forecast!
Fly tying clinics with Tony O Sullivan and Willie Kavanagh
Well known Fly tiers Tony O Sullivan and Willie Kavanagh from Cork came together to give a demonstration of fly tying at Ballyhass lakes in their new indoor arena. Both were extremely generous with their time and experience sharing their vast knowledge to those interested to improve their techniques. Tony started from the basic spider up to a lough style bumble, dabbler and sedge. He showed different techniques in applying wings, and tying parachutes flies. The group watched him tie a wing to a Green Peter and had to admire his style, speed and accuracy. Willie Kavanagh tied a range of streamers and some salt water patterns. For the most part both used a range of standard fly tying materials showing what can be achieved by experience and knowledge.
Basil Shields Clinic at the Lakes
Basil Shields clinic at Ballyhass Lakes.
Basil shields, proprietor of Flies of Ireland range, gave a practical clinic at Ballyhass lakes as part of their autumn series. On a dry autumn day Basil demonstrated different techniques on a variety of lines. He showed retrival methods from fast pull to a slow figure of eight that work well with all types of streamers using Di3, Di5 and Di7 lines. Fishing from the pontoons he then changed to buzzer fishing with a floating line, using a bung with a team of buzzers. This method is particuarly good for still water fishing even in Winter on a calm day. The washing line technique, where the point fly is a booby or any high floatant fly would also support a team of buzzers or nymphs effectively. Normally the very slow figure of eight is the preferred retrival method, making sure to keep in contact with your line. Many of the patterns in the flies of Ireland Range are made to Basils own design drawn from his years of experience angling in Irish lakes. Working very well at Ballyhass are minkie boobies, pearl and roach minkie particularly when used with Di 3 - 7 sinking lines.
These clinics are free of charge at Ballyhass lakes, and further dates will be arranged throughout 2010. Watch their web site for details:
www.ballyhasslakes.ieAngling and the floods December 2009
The rain certainly came down in November. The level of the lakes is now the highest we have seen for over four years. From a fishing point of view the new additional fresh water is welcomed by the trout who are in great condition with many larger fish coming to the lure. However right now all our fishing stands on the upper lakes are under water and the upper lake is flowing into the main lake. The roadway leading to the pontoons and is under five foot of water so access is confined to the fenced in walkway by the top path. Effectively it is now very difficult to fish the upper lake but angling by boat on the main lake is no problem. The quality of the water is not effected - in fact it is now crystal clear.
Christopher Slattery has just done a blog on the lakes check it out on www.christopherslattery.com
New Video of angling and activities
Check out the following links for great angling sequences and activity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2lCn3VIH_Q
Many thanks to Paul Hanley who made the sequence and managed to star in it himself.
Well done Paul!
Basil Shields clinic- Ballyhass Saturday Nov 14th 09
Reminder:
One of Ireland's best known anglers, fly tyer and journalist, will be at home in Ballyhass Lakes from 2 - 5.30 pm on Saturday next November 14th 2009. He will be on hand to give advice on casting, angling methods, fly selection, fly tying and will give one to one tuition. There is no charge for this clinic and all are welcome to attend. Do not miss it.
Pre booking is not required.
Angling programme to December 2009
Angling programme to December 2009
Weekend events;
Saturday 3rd October - An introductory fly fishing course with Glenda Powell (2 places available)
Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th October - Free fly box with a full day fly fishing permit or a free tub of worms with a full day bait permit
Saturday the 17th and Sunday 18th October - Fly tying demonstrations with
Tony O’ Sullivan between the hours of 2pm to 6pm
Saturday 31st October - Father and son day. 25% off full day permit
Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th November - Free Juvenile casting clinic between the hours of 10am to 12noon (Subject to availability. Limited number of places, so please ring to confirm)
Saturday 14th November - Fishing techniques with Basil Shields from 1pm to 5pm
Saturday 21st and Sunday 22ndNovember - father and son day 25% off full day permit
Saturday 28th November - best caught fish on camera (on Bait Lake only) receive a prize
Sunday 29th November - best caught fish on camera (on Fly Lake only) receive a prize
Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th December - Every angler enters a free draw for a turkey
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th December - Every angler enters a free draw for a ham
Christmas to New Year - This period is a busy time, so if you wish to take out a boat, please book in advance.
Closed on Christmas day.
Remember:Vouchers are available - An ideal gift for Christmas
New Fitness Assessment Module introduced at Ballyhass
In response to requests from visiting schools and sporting teams we have now introduced a fitness assessment module. Participants will will be assessed by body composition ( age, height, weight, body mass), and set a series of tests to assess their aerobic capacity, Muscular strength, endurance and flexibility. Each is a carefully controlled test and by use of the Fitnessgram computer a personalised report is generated for each participant that calculates their results and fitness levels related to their own age group norms. The report highlights areas where they can work on to improve their fitness level. A full report on each member of the groups is issued to the PE teacher or coach. This module is an ideal component of a team building day when the squad could partake in Kayking, ropes courses and other activities. Ballyhass can also conduct follow up assessements at future intervals or carry out assessments on a stand alone basis.
Corporate team building day goes well - July 09
We were very happy to receive the following E mail from McAfee Ireland . 55 of their team had a team building day at Ballyhass during July:
Alex,
Just dropping you a note to say thanks to you and your staff on behalf of all who attended.
The events organized were perfectly matched to our requirements; the 4 events (Archery; Low Ropes; Rock Climbing and Kayaking) were all excellent.
The instructors struck a great balance between fun and succeeding without alienating those who had misgivings about heights and water! they were aware of their responsibilities at all times and instructions were clear for all activities.
Your facility is a beauty spot in it's own right and the catering supplied was the best alfresco experience many of the team ever had. We have done a number of these events over the years - this was by far the best.
Some of the comments afterwards:
"...I'd go there every weekend if I could"
"...I had previously aborted rock climbing on 3 occasions; now I can't get enough!!
"...let's swap the Annual Christmas Party for this!"
Thanks again - apologies for not getting back to you sooner.
BTW - I had mentioned that one of your suppliers had referred you - Willie O'Leary (MFS) who I believe did some t-shirts for you.
Jerry O'Leary
Director Program Management
McAfee Ireland Ltd.
|Appreciation from schools
We were very grateful to receive the following email from Whitechurch NS following their recent visit. Thank you also to the parents of other students who telephoned to express their satisfaction with their children's participation in the school tour programme.
A Chara, J.P.
We would like to deeply express our gratitude to yourself and your team for the excellent experience that you granted our pupils this week!!
The children treasure such experiences and you have obviously gone to great lengths to foster and nourish this!!
I would have no hesitation sending further groups in the future!!
Sincere thanks for all your help!!!
Tom Hallahan
Principal
New blog site for Ballyhass
Have you visited Ballyhass recently? Why not leave a comment on your visit, leave a message for your instructor, make plans for a new visit to the activity centre. Check it out at
http://ballyhasslakes.blogspot.com/
Summer Camps/ multi activity weeks 2009
Details of the Summer Camp programme are now on this web site. Do not miss make your reservation now.
Follow this link: http://www.ballyhasslakes.ie/weeks.asp
Organise your accommodation and transport - we can help you with both.
Fly Fishing Course Success
Saturday February 21st was perfect day for a fly fishing course - a dry calm day. The course was well attended and all the participants enjoyed their day with Glenda Powell. ' For the first time I now really understand what this is all about" commented one of the particpants. Glenda also spent some time on double handed casting as some of the guys had brought their rods with them. Glenda's next course is on Sunday March 29th 2009. Do not miss it - call and make a reservation now!
Ballyhass Lakes reviewed on todays Irish Times.
Monday December 8th 2008
Derek Evans in his column on todays Irish Times reports on his recent visit to Ballyhass Lakes, He stayed with us to fish the lakes and to report on the launch of Emerger range of Irish designed tackle. Check the Irish Times Web site or follow this link :
New residential four day activity for school groups launched
Residential Adventure
A comfortable, safe, and memorable experience
Welcome to the Duhallow region of North Cork – a convenient location for a residential school tour. Students will participate up to certificate level in Kayaking, rock climbing abseiling, and take part in archery raft building ropes courses and team games. Accommodation is provided in a purpose built college facilities where each dormitory (4 – 8 person) is en-suite. The complex is carpeted throughout, and has a large refectory, lecture rooms, recreational areas and an outdoor playing field.
Ballyhass lakes Activity Centre and
Sunfort College and close neighbours and combine to provide an attractive package for visiting school groups. Ballyhass Lakes is an established angling and activity centre while Sunfort College has been catering for residential English language students for several years. Both facilities can cater for up to 100 students at any one time.
A typical School tour would see the students arrive at the College in the early afternoon on a Monday for a three night stay. Full board is provided – all meals have a generous hearty country Sunfort touch. During the stay activities will take place each day at Ballyhass lakes where the groups are divided into smaller working units of 10 – 12. in turn they are instructed in Kayaking, rock climbing and other disciplines leading to a qualification and certificate by the end of day four.
At the college a full evening animation programme is provided in house. This includes music sessions, quizzes, talent shows, dance lessons and other group activities. Both Ballyhass and Sunfort are fully contained and there is no requirement for students to leave either place for any reason. Both are some distance from any village or town. This leads to better group integration and more focus supervision.
Normally a four day (3 residential nights) would see the group leave on Thursday Afternoons. Students will have a certificate of proficiency in their chosen discipline, and will have taken part in many activities designed to increase their self reliance, leadership, and motivation.
Such a course would cost € 298 pp which includes:
All tuition, activities, equipment including safety jackets, harnesses wet suits etc.
All Accommodation on a full board basis, all bedding and bed linen is provided.
Evening entertainment and instruction.
Not included transport cost to Duhallow. Students should bring appropriate outdoor clothing ,footwear and towels. What is guaranteed is
A comfortable, safe, and memorable experience
New review on Ballyhass Lakes by Irish Angler's Digest
October 2008.
We are very grateful to Denis Goulding who wrote the review of Ballyhass Lakes in this month's Irish Angler digest. The review is printed in full on the review section of this website. For a hard copy buy the current edition of the Magazine - the Editor Eric Parks will be very pleased. Thank you Eric for publishing the article.
A welcome Message from the States
We had the pleasure of the company fo Greg Freeway from Detroit who stayed with us for a week in September 07. A very keen and experienced angler he sent us this note:
Many thanks for a truly world class fishing experience! It was more than I could have imagined. Healthy rainbows all day on dry flies is a dream come true. Thanks for the expereince, the hospitality and the gear. I will return to Ireland some day and when I do I'll be sure to stop by. Thanks again for your kindness, generosity and great fish.
Thank you Greg, we look forward to your return.
