Situated between Macroom and Bantry on the R584, Ballingeary is a Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) village in West Cork by the River Lee. Ballingeary is steeped in historical sites from ancient times and from the War of Independence. In 1904 was founded the first Irish College - Colaiste na Mumhan.
Ireland’s longest clapper bridge spans the River Lee in the townland of Illauninagh.
Close by in Gougane Barra is the national park and St Finbarr’s hermitage.
There are many activities in Ballingeary, among which are signed leisure walks and historical walks, a museum, fishing, boating and pubs.
Is Gaeltacht í Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh atá ar bhruach na Laoi. Tá sí suite idir Maighcromtha agus Beanntraí ar an mbóthaír R584. Is i mBéal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh a bhuniódh an chéad Coláiste Gaeilge, Coláiste na Mumhan, sa bhliain 1904 Trasnaíonn an caol atha is faide in Éirinn abhainn na Laoí in san Oileán Aibhneach. Tá go leoir síomhanna stairiúla mór thimpeall Béal Átha’n Ghaorthaidh ó Cogadh na Saoirse agus amanta ársa eile. Is turas gairid í an bealach chuig an páirc násiúnta is díthreadh Naomh Fhionnbarra insan Ghuagán. Tá mórán eile le déanamh anseo idir siúlóidí stairúila, iarsmalann, iascairacht agus bádóireacht.