Located to the southwest of Douglas and the direct south of Mahon, Rochestown is a residential area that bridges the Mahon and areas to the west with the coastal regions of Passage West, Glenbrook and Monkstown. With rapid growth in the last few years it is well served by its proximity and the access routes to a number of amenities in Douglas and Mahon and the greater part of Cork county.
Amenities and Attractions: The main attractions of buying property in Rochestown is its proximity to both Douglas and Mahon and their large retail areas which offers residents a whole range of facilities close by including two omniplex cinemas (Douglas and Mahon Point) and a huge range of shops both highstreet (Douglas and Mahon Point Shopping centres) and boutique (Douglas). Within Mount Oval Village the main residential area and village in Rochestown there are a number of shops, bars and restaurants which provide locals immediate access to essential local amenities. Ones to note within the Mount Oval Village is the Mount Oval Bar a lovely local bar and the Chilli & Lemon Restaurant and Chinese Takeaway. However for offer the best choice checkout the bars and restaurants nearby in Douglas .
For the active and sports minded person the Rochestown area offers a range of sports and leisure activities. Like its neighbouring Douglas area it is situated quite close to the 4 star hotels of Rochestown Park and Maryborough Hotels with access to their spa and leisure facilities including gyms and swimming pools. In close proximity nearby is the renowned Douglas Golf Club with world class golfing facilities and a bar and restaurant on site. Also directly in the Rochestown areas is the Garyduff Sports Centre a large sports complex that provides facilities for individuals or groups to play tennis, badminton, bowls, hockey, pitch and putt and soccer. It also holds pilates, yoga, weightwatchers, speech and drama lessons etc in a hall that can be booked for most groups and classes.
Other than being very close to the facilities and amenities provided by Douglas and Mahon, Rochestown is also very close to the trio of coastal towns Passage West, Monkstown and Glenbrook which are located in a country and coastal setting by Cork Harbour. These areas provide a nice scenic break from the busy confines of the city with many walks provided and views out of the Harbour. There are also boating, fishing, and birdwatching clubs and opportunities to avail of . They thus provide an ideal break for those who want a rest from the city without being too far away at the same time.
Schools: The many schools and clubs in the Douglas and Mahon areas are within easy access to the locals in Rochestown, while in the square in the Mount Oval area, the KangaKare Child Daycare centre offers montessori and playschool services for kids from the age of 3 months to 10 years.
Business: Is close to the main South link Ring Road with direct access to Mahon and Douglas residential and retail areas as well as providing direct access to the areas of Passage West and Ringaskiddy close to Cork Harbour and its many industrial facilities.
Location and Transport: The Rochestown area is directly south of Mahon and to the West and Northwest of Douglas regions. Like Douglas and Mahon it is accessed through the N25 South Link Road and is accessible to all of the routes along the way.
Rochestown is very conveniently situated just off the main Cork Ring Road closeby to Mahon Point and providing access to the trilogy of roundabouts to the west (Kinsale, Sarsfield and Bandon) and the Jack Lynch tunnel to the east. This very important road gives great access to all the areas of Cork city and countryside. To the west heading towards the Kinsale roundabout one can get to the town of Kinsale and the airport, through onto the Sarsfield roundabout one can reach the areas of Wilton and Bishopstown, further on to the Bandon roundabout grants one access to West Cork (N71) or to the suburb of Ballincollig and onwards to Kerry. If heading east on the N25 link road from Rochestown one can pass Mahon and Mahon Point retail areas, onwards the Jack Lynch tunnel acesses the areas of Glanmire, East Cork and onto the wider surrounds of the entire whole of Ireland to the North (Dublin etc.) of Cork.
The Rochestown area is situated on the Rochestown road which goes South to the Carrigaline and Ringinaskiddy regions.
The scenic areas of Passage West, Glenbrook and Monkstown looking out to Cork Harbour are also accessible through Rochestown. From Cork Harbour one can access the Ferries coming in and going out of Ireland from Cork including the new Cork to Swansea ferry and the Brittany Ferries to Roscoff in France.
To get to the city centre from Rochestown there are two options, one either through driving through Douglas, through the Douglas road and the South city Link road off Turners Cross, or through the N25 route around back into the city centre.
Bus Routes: The number 16 from the South Mall in the city centre to Mount Oval in Rochestown through Douglas Road, Rochestown Road and Clarkes Hill regions.
Conclusion: With its close proximity to all the facilities of Douglas and Mahon Point and close to all the access routes of the N25 Link road Rochestown would appear to rank behind both Douglas and Mahon when it comes to planning location not having their envious amenities.
But what gives it an edge over its competition is its location not just to these regions but to the more scenic coastal regions of Passage West, Glenbrook and Monkstown with their views overlooking and access to and from Cork Harbour.
Rochestown thus gives a multitude of new options for those who want the amenities of Douglas and Mahon but want some access to some ways out of the hustle and bustle of the city.