The FarmWhere: Located behind the University Technology Park on Curraheen Road, near “The Dog Track”.
Description:Entirely on grass, the Farm consists of four playing fields and is pretty much level throughout with almost imperceptible rises and falls. Depending on the specific route you take, lap distance can be from approx. 1.75 to 2.25 miles. The “usual” route taken by Eagle members is approx. 2.35 miles. You can run as many laps as you like.
How to get there:
From the west: From the N22, heading towards Cork, take the slip road for Bishopstown. The first turn is for the Greyhound Track, take the next for Bishopstown. The University Technology Park is on the left, approx. 250 metres after the roundabout. The business campus consists of several buildings fronted by car-parks, however, behind these is another car park – this is the one you should use.
From the east: Take the N22 westward, through Sarsfield Road and Bandon Road Roundabouts, then take the slip road for Curraheen. At the roundabout on top of the slip road, head right, over the N22 flyover and then head for Bishopstown, as per directions above from the west. From Cork city: Either: Take the South Link Road and head west from the Kinsale Road roundabout, joining the N22 and following the directions as per From the East (above). Or Head west on the Western Road, veering left at Victoria Cross. Go straight through Dennehy’s Cross and also straight through Wilton Roundabout. Head West (right) at Sarsfield Road roundabout and continue as per From the east (above) When: You’re most likely to find Eagles, along with members of other clubs, there early on Sunday mornings. If you’re there on the second Sunday in July, the day after Cork City Sports, you’re likely to come across some of the stars from the event. The Farm is open at all times and running surface is generally good. The Farm is rarely “unrunnable” - generally for a day or so after heavy very rain. You will find runners there almost all the time, particularly from late afternoon on, but most likely on Saturday and Sunday mornings when, at peak times, you may find 20 to 30 runners, in groups or ones and twos. If you do find that there are no runners present on a Sunday morning, then, almost certainly, there’s a key race on locally.
Parking: Primarily due to motorists using the parking facilities as a Park & ride, the University Technology Park management have instituted a permit system for parking. If you do not have a permit, you may be clamped AT ANY TIME, except on Sundays. The clamping signs say that an unclamping fee of €90 will be charged and that a further €40 will be charged for call-outs up to 23:00. In short, don't park here. Sundays are probably OK, but we won't know, until someone is clamped, if then Sunday option is removed without notice.
We are now parking on the roadway leading down to the Greyhound Track. There is plenty room here, along the hard shoulder and ghost islands.
Health & Safety: Though open, this is private property – use it at your own risk. No matter what time of day, during daylight hours, you will almost certainly find people there, from runners to walkers, golfers practicing putting and various sports teams. Please respect the property – do not cause damage or litter.
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