Large, fast growing town, roughly 6 miles west of Cork City on the road to Macroom. It has a lot of history surrounding it, with the remains of Gunpowder Mills from the 18th century still a site to visit.  The north side of the main street was dominated by a mile long stone wall, behind which was the Army Barracks, but it now being developed into residential, commercial, and retail sites.

Ballincollig Castle is another historic site in the area of Ballincollig. This is to the south west of the town and is visible from the Ballincollig By-Pass. There is also a ringfort on the Link Road which was partially excavated by the Cork County Council in 2006, as a prelude to building the new Fire Station Headquarters on the site.

An ideal base from which to explore the Cork/Kerry region.