Clondulane
A North Cork community
Welcome to ClondulaneNestled along the banks of the scenic River Blackwater just a stone's throw from Fermoy, Clondulane is a vibrant, tight-knit village in North County Cork. Known in Irish as Cluain Dalláin, which translates to "Dallán’s Meadow", it is built on a rich heritage of industrial innovation and community resilience, our village blends rural tranquility with a warm, welcoming spirit.Whether you are a lifelong resident, a new neighbour, or a visitor exploring the Blackwater Valley, Clondulane offers a place to connect, gather, and belong.Population
In 2022, the Census recorded 470 people living in Clondulane, 227 males and 243 females.
The Community CentreAt the heart of our village life sits the Clondulane Community Centre. Serving as a central hub for social events, local meetings, sports, and celebrations, the centre brings people of all generations together under one roof. From weekly clubs and community initiatives to private hall bookings, it remains a dedicated space run by locals, for locals, ensuring our community spirit continues to thrive.To book time in the hall click here.
Scoil Muire gan SmálRooted in decades of educational excellence, Clondulane National School provides a supportive, inspiring environment where local children learn, grow, and make lifelong friends. The school plays an essential role in village life, fostering a strong sense of community, tradition, and ambition in our youngest residents as they prepare for the future.
The Sportsman's BarNo Irish village is complete without its traditional local pub, a place to unwind, share news, and catch up with neighbours after a long week. Serving as an informal living room for the community, O'Doherty's pub is where stories are traded, matches are cheered on, and genuine warm hospitality is always on tap.
Village GreenThe Clondulane Village Green and park offer a peaceful outdoor sanctuary for residents of all ages. Featuring open green space and a safe playing area, it is the perfect spot for family leisure, outdoor gatherings, or simply sitting back to enjoy the natural beauty of North Cork.
Our HistoryThe story of Clondulane (Cluain Dalláin) is a unique chapter in the heritage of North County Cork, a narrative shaped by the surging waters of the River Blackwater, the rise of 19th-century industrial power, wartime resistance, and the enduring resilience of a close-knit community.Ancient Roots and Early SettlementLong before the modern village took shape, the civil parish of Clondulane stretched across nearly 4,700 acres in the barony of Condons and Clangibbon. Early medieval settlement in the area was defined by agrarian life, small ecclesiastical sites, and the strategic importance of the River Blackwater.The surrounding landscape was steeped in history. Nearby stood the medieval fortress of Condon's country, which saw intense action during the Confederate Wars when David Barry, the 1st Earl of Barrymore, captured the local castle in January 1642. For centuries, the area remained largely pastoral, made up of scattered farmsteads, quiet townlands, and grand gentry estates such as Careysville, Glandulane, and Clondulane House.The Industrial Spark: The Flour Mill and River BlackwaterThe event that forever transformed Clondulane from a quiet rural parish into a purpose-built industrial village was the construction of the vast Clondulane Flour Mill in the early 19th century.Driven by rising grain prices and expanding agricultural trade across Munster, Stephen Moore, the 2nd Earl of Mount Cashell, recognised the tremendous power potential of the River Blackwater. To harness it, he engineered a massive stone weir across the river at Poulshane, diverting water into a 200-meter-long mill race.On the south bank of the river rose a towering, seven-story stone flour mill. Powered by an enormous iron water wheel measuring 20 feet in diameter, the mill was an engineering marvel of its era. To house the influx of workers needed to run this vast operation, a dedicated settlement was constructed, forming the footprint of the Clondulane village we know today.For over a century, the mill was the economic heartbeat of the valley. Grain was processed on a massive scale, with the river providing both power and transport to integrate Clondulane into regional trading networks.The Railway Era and National StruggleAs the village grew, so too did its connections to the wider world. On September 27, 1872, the Clondulane Railway Station officially opened on the Waterford to Mallow line. The station became a vital artery for both passengers and freight, serving the famous Rosslare-to-Cork boat train and allowing local agricultural and milled goods to be transported rapidly across the country.During the turbulent years of the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921), Clondulane was deeply embedded in the republican movement. Galvanised by local leaders and regional events, members of the Irish Volunteers and IRA operated actively throughout the area. Notably, Clondulane was the home of Maurice 'Moss' Twomey (1897-1978), a prominent Irish republican who would later serve as the Chief of Staff of the IRA.
Mid-Century Transition and Modern RenewalThe 20th century brought profound changes to the village. Following decades of shifting ownership, the flour mill was acquired by the Cork Milling Company. Despite national protectionist policies in the 1930s that temporarily boosted production, changing industrial trends eventually caught up with rural water-powered mills. In 1953, after more than 130 years of continuous operation, the Clondulane Mill permanently closed its doors. A decade later, on March 27, 1967, the railway line ceased operations, marking the end of Clondulane's industrial transport era.Yet, Clondulane did not fade away. Rather than declining after the loss of its founding industry, the community adapted. The iconic, ivy-draped ruins of the stone mill remain standing proudly along the riverbank as a monumental reminder of our heritage.Over the past several decades, Clondulane has experienced a wonderful residential rebirth. New families and modern housing developments have breathed fresh life into the historical footprint. Today, with a thriving population, an active primary school, scenic green spaces, and a dedicated community center, Clondulane stands as a modern, welcoming village that honours its rich heritage while looking confidently toward the future.
Community Hall
Our Community Hall is available to rent for parties, classes, meetings etc. The hall, located in the community centre (Eircode P61 YH42), measures 55m2, has a refurbished wooden floor suitable for all activities, coin operated heating, a kitchen and toilets. The rate is €10 per hour. Book your slot using the options below. Payment is required for bookings of up to 4 hours. Additional hours can be paid for in cash on the day. For weekly recurring bookings or cancellations, please use the contact form.
If you have photos of an event or celebration that you want to show on the events page then please click here.
6th September 2026
A very special day in Clondulane today as our community came together to commemorate the life of Moss Twomey. A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and to all those who helped make today possible, and particularly to Mark Fanning, whose work and commitment in organising the occasion brought it all together. A special thank you also to historian Brian Hanley for a fascinating insight into Moss’s life, his connection to Clondulane and the values that shaped him.
History is powerful, but equally powerful today was Moss Twomey’s message of inclusiveness, non-sectarianism and a better and fairer Ireland for all — a message that still has plenty to say to us today. A proud and memorable day for Clondulane.
22nd August 2026
A fabulous day, Saturday 22nd August, for Gig on the Green 2026. Great weather and a great turnout with people enjoying the excellent music, penalty shootout, kids fancy dress competition and the nail-biting sheaf throwing competition. Delicious food was provided by our volunteers and the party kept going well in to the night. Thanks to everyone who came along, for supporting the event and raffle. Also thanks to our musicians, sponsors and volunteers for your time and effort. Remember, all money raised goes straight back into the community. Roll on 2027!
26th October 2024
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Contact
Please fill out this form to contact Clondulane Community Association.
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