Get to know your agent and their area: East Cork

As part of a new feature on MyHome.ie, we’ve asked agents for the best tips on their area.

As people who not just sell property but the benefits of a location, they are well served to offer the best tips on what to see and do in area, where the best food and coffee is and much more.

To kick things off we’ve gone to East Cork where we’ve surveyed Kyle Kennedy of Hegarty Properties in Midleton, James Colbert of Colbert & Co in Midleton, Johanna Murphy of Johanna Murphy and Sons in Cobh and Martin O’Farrell of John O’Farrell & Co in Midleton.

Here’s what they had to say…

Kyle Kennedy

1. How long have you lived/worked in your county/area?: I have lived in Midleton all my life and this is my tenth year working with Hegarty Properties in Midleton.
2. Favourite public amenity in your area?: The numerous beaches within a 20 minute drive of Midleton town such as Whitebay, Inch, Garryvoe and Ardnahinch are fantastic amenities. I enjoy swimming in Ardnahinch all year round.
3. Favourite restaurant/coffee shop?: My favourite restaurant is Ferrit and Lee. Coffee shop either Monty’s or Toastie.
4. Is there a local market or farmers’ market?: Yes - Midleton holds a very successful farmers’ market every Saturday morning next to Supervalu. It is a great place to walk around with a coffee and pick up a few bits for the week.
5. Best takeaway?: Cornerstone Pizza without a doubt.
6. Favourite Bar?: The Maple Leaf.
7. Favourite sporting facility?: Aghada GAA Club is very successful and I had a small stint there myself when I was growing up!
8. Favourite place to walk: The new Greenway from Midleton to Mogeely which will soon be extended to Youghal.
9. Best area of scenic beauty?: Whitebay beach. Nothing beats a swim here in the summer when the sun is setting.
10. Best children's attraction in the area?: Leahy’s Open Farm is a fantastic family day out.
11. Is there a must see in your area?: The Jameson Distillery Experience is a must-see in Midleton and attracts tourists from all over the world.
12. The best thing about living in your area is... Midleton has a small town feel as people all know each other while also offering all amenities such as top-class cafes, restaurants and shops. Midleton is also within close proximity to the sea, and very accessible given the frequent trains running from Midleton – Cork City.

James Colbert

1. How long have you lived/worked in your county/area?: I have lived in East Cork all my life and been involved in property since 2001
2. Favourite public amenity in your area?: We have a number of walks with beautiful scenery. The Choctaw feathers in Bailick is a huge attraction as is the new Greenway which recently opened.
3. Favourite restaurant/coffee shop?: Bitesize Café for a coffee and Bernie’s Sandwich bar for lunch. Both incredible.
4. Is there a local market or farmers’ market?: Yes, the original and best! Takes place every Saturday morning and has a huge amount of selection form a number of traders around Cork.
5. Best takeaway?: Cornerstone Pizza on St Mary’s Road do an artisan style pizza and is delicious.
6. Favourite Bar?: The Maple Leaf and Mill Wheel. Two old school classics and fantastic Guinness.
7. Favourite sporting facility?: Midleton Rugby Club have one of the largest underage sections in Cork so I spend a lot of time there with my kids. Also the senior team are on the up so it makes a great day out.
8. Favourite place to walk: The People Walk in Lower Aghada. It stretches from Whitegate all the way past Lower Aghada to Rostellan Woods with the water beside you the entire way.
9. Best area of scenic beauty?: Ballycotton, Guileen and East Ferry are both beautiful areas with fantastic views.
10. Best children's attraction in the area?: There are numerous playgrounds dotted around the area, as well fantastic sporting grounds so plenty for kids to entertain themselves.
11. Is there a must see in your area?: Midleton Distillery will always be one of the main attractions especially since they did the recent renovations. A wonderful tour full of insight and history. The free sampling at the end helps.
12. The best thing about living in your area is... The fresh air and wellness that you feel whilst living in East Cork is like nothing else I have experienced. You have numerous beaches that at times may be completely empty but the food attractions are also second to none whilst also having nearby golf courses like Fota and Castlemarytr. It’s a lifestyle and a good one at that.

Johanna Murphy

1. How long have you lived/worked in your county/area?: 17 years.
2. Favourite public amenity in your area?: The harbour.
3. Favourite restaurant/coffee shop?: The Arch and The Wholley Ground.
4. Is there a local market or farmers’ market?: Yes – every Friday at 12 noon.
5. Best takeaway?: The Wholley Ground, they do the best pizzas.
6. Favourite Bar?: The Roaring Donkey and The Quays.
7. Favourite sporting facility?: Cove Sailing Club and Rushbrook Tennis Club.
8. Favourite place to walk: Cobh town itself.
9. Best area of scenic beauty?: Cork Harbour.
10. Best children's attraction in the area?: Sailing, children’s playgrounds and Cuskinny Activity Centre.
11. Is there a must see in your area?: The Heritage Centre which tells the story of Cobh and the the Titanic Trail again which takes you on a journey of the Titanic and Cobh.
12. The best thing about living in your area is... I go for a walk every night at 8pm summer or winter and familiarity – people are so nice. There’s also an excellent public transport system.

Martin O’Farrell

1. How long have you lived/worked in your county/area?: 62 years.
2. Favourite public amenity in your area?: The Baby Walk.
3. Favourite restaurant/coffee shop?: Ferrit & Lee Restaurant and Messy Buns coffee shop.
4. Is there a local market or farmers’ market?: Yes on Saturday morning.
5. Best takeaway?: Lennox’s.
6. Favourite Bar?: Niall Macs.
7. Favourite sporting facility?: Midleton GAA Club.
8. Favourite place to walk: The Fat Mile.
9. Best area of scenic beauty?: Ballyannan Woods.
10. Best children's attraction in the area?: Roche’s Terrace Playground.
11. Is there a must see in your area?: Midleton Distillery
12. The best thing about living in your area is... A great community spirit, a wonderful selection of restaurants and shops and a good social scene.

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