Ballincollig Royal Gunpowder Mills, Cork

The Ballincollig Royal Gunpowder Mills in Cork were one of three Royal gunpowder mills that produced gunpowder for the British government. Initially established as a private enterprise in 1794 by Charles Henry Leslie and John Travers, the mills were strategically located in Ballincollig due to its relative remoteness and proximity to Cork city's port, which facilitated the importation of raw materials required for gunpowder production.

The mills were taken over by the British government during the Napoleonic Wars to ensure a monopoly on gunpowder production in Ireland. The site was expanded tenfold, and twelve new mills were added, along with processing buildings and workers' and officials' homes. To improve security, a barracks was constructed, and military escorts were arranged to accompany the wagons of powder to Cork Harbour. The site covered 435 acres and was enclosed by a high limestone wall.

However, after the Napoleonic Wars, the demand for gunpowder decreased, and the mills were closed in 1815. The wooden parts of the manufactory were taken down, and the machinery was maintained. Some of the equipment was put up for auction in 1831, and many of the buildings fell into a state of disrepair.

In the mid-19th century, the mills returned to private ownership for a time before closing permanently in 1903. In the late 20th century, the Cork County Council purchased the mill grounds, developed a public park, and opened a visitor center. Although the visitor center closed in 2002, many of the mill buildings remain accessible in the public park.