Carrigaline at the head of the Owenboy River is a busy town, and the nearest centre to the Ringaskiddy Car Ferry Terminal, which links Cork with Swansea and Roscoff. The town is approximately 12KM from Cork City and has been an important centre for trade and commerce since the 11th century.
In 1589, Sir Francis Drake, with a squadron of five ships, being chased by a Spanish fleet of superior force, ran into Cork harbour; and sailing up Crosshaven, moored his squadron in a safe basin, sheltered by Corribiny Hill, close to Coolmore. The Spaniards pursued, but, being unacquainted with the harbour, sailed round the shores without discovering the English fleet, and giving up the search, left it here in perfect security. The basin in which Sir Francis lay has since been called Drake’s pool and is a 5 minute drive from the town.
