Gunpowder Mills

About this place

The Ballincollig Royal Gunpowder Mills was one of three Royal gunpowder mills that manufactured gunpowder for the British Government. Located in Ballincollig, Cork city, Ireland, largely in what is now the Ballincollig Regional Park, the powder mills were originally opened in 1794 as a private enterprise, before being taken over by the British Government during the Napoleonic Wars. The mills returned for a time to private ownership in the mid-19th century, before closing permanently in 1903. In the late 20th century Cork County Council bought the mill grounds, developed a public park and opened a visitor centre. Though the visitor centre closed in 2002, many of the mill buildings remain accessible in the public park.

Visitor Information

Heritage status

Protected Heritage Site

Getting There & Parking

Gunpowder Mills is located in County Cork, roughly 10 km (10 min drive) from Cork and 289 km (4h 15m) from Dublin. The nearest public car park is 157 m away. Nearby highlights within a short drive include Stone Beach (1.2 km away).