Lyre village is part of Banteer Parish and is situated 3km from Nadd just off the R579 (Kanturk to Cork road). It is 38km from Cork, 18km from Mallow, 13km from Kanturk and 12km from Millstreet. There are 83 houses within the boundary i.e. within the speed limits of the village approach roads. Lyre gets its name from the Irish, Ladhar, a musical instrument similar to a Harp, this was an ancient Irish musical instrument and Lyre itself is shaped like same because of its location between the Lacklown townland and Nadd/Glen river. There is a National School in the village with 75 pupils, while there is also a play-school housed within the National School. St Josephs Catholic Church is located in the centre of the village, which was built in the 1850s. The graveyard can be found in the Church grounds.
The hinterland is predominantly agricultural, with some forestry on the southern side approximately 3km from the village with beyond that the Inchemay mountain and boglands. To the northern side are the townlands of Glen North and Coolroemore, on the western side are Lacklown, Charlesfield and Kilmacrane and to the east the townland of Glen South and Nadd village.
Agriculture was the main occupation of the locality up to the late 60s but now most of the people of the area commute to Cork city and local towns to work. Local people are industrious and hard working with local enterprises established like building contractors, catering, furniture making, chemical and cleaning distribution and even a local schooling greyhound track.
Lyre Community Culture, Sport and Leisure Association are about to embark on the building of a new Community facility to accommodate the different clubs and organisations of Lyre.
Whether you are a newcomer or somebody tracing their ancestry to the area you will be welcomed by all, Lyre people have a great sense of welcome for all visitors to the area and look forward to visits from home and abroad.
The locality is renowned for the number of great athletes and sports personalities it has produced. Denis Horgan was World and European Champion of Weight and Shot Throwing. World Bowling Champion Seamus Sexton attended Lyre school and we are proud to say his two sons Edmond and Seamus Jnr are following in his footsteps having already achieved All Ireland and European titles. Marc Philpott resides in Lyre and he too has accomplished with honour on the world stage with numerous taek won doo titles to his name. In the previous generation the O’Sullivan brothers of Cahirvillane were renowned for their athletic achievements both in Ireland and abroad. Of recent years Lyre has produced some outstanding hurlers who have got their instruction at Lyre National School, namely Dermot Scanlon and the Buckley brothers Colm and Conor who represented Cork at minor and U21 level.
Lyre is home to our local football club. Our hurlers are affiliated to Banteer Hurling Club and both clubs operate jointly and with great pride as Banteer and Lyre GAA Hurling and Football Clubs.
Clubs/Societies/Organisations
– Lyre Community Culture, Sport and Leisure Association
– Banteer and Lyre GAA Club
Tourist Attractions
Lyre is a most attractive and scenic village. It boasts of having panoramic views of Duhallow and into parts of Co. Kerry and on a fine day the McGillycuddy Reeks can be seen from the western side of the village. The famous Duhallow Trail skirts alongside the greater Lyre area, a must for any walking enthusiast. On the eastern side of the village you can catch sight of the Galtee mountains and the Knockmealdown mountains, some 40-50 miles away. On the south west side of the village is located the Eagles Nest which gives its name to Nadd village (Nead an Fhiolar).