Ballincollig 5.59

Ballincollig is a satellite town and largest town in County Cork, Ireland, approximately 9 km west of Cork city. It is located beside the River Lee on the R608 regional road. In 2011 the population of Ballincollig DED was 17,368. The nearest towns include: Ballinora, Carrigohane, Kilnaglory, Ovens, Killumney, Inniscarra, Blarney (home of the Blarney Stone), and Tower. It is located beyond the Green Belt from the Cork city suburbs of Bishopstown and Wilton. Many of the people from Ballincollig commute to the city for work. It is a mainly residential town.HistoryThe Barrett family built Ballincollig Castle during the reign of Edward III. The castle was taken from Andrew Barrett by rebels in 1641, but they were expelled by English Parliamentary forces under Murrough O'Brien, Earl Inchiquinn, in 1645. It was garrisoned for James II in 1689, during the Williamite war in Ireland, then remained unoccupied after his defeat, and fell into decay.