Mallow International Airport

The closure was not due to a single event like an accident or military conversion. It was a gradual cessation of aviation activities by the Mallow Racecourse management primarily for economic and liability reasons. Key factors included the high cost of insurance, runway maintenance, and managing the risks associated with operating a public airstrip within a major horse racing venue.

The site is fully operational as the Mallow Racecourse (officially Cork Racecourse Mallow). The large grass area in the center of the track that served as the runway is still physically present but is no longer maintained, marked, or used as an active airstrip. The land is now exclusively part of the racecourse grounds. There are no remaining aviation-specific facilities like hangars or a terminal.

The designation 'Mallow International Airport' is an unofficial and humorous moniker. The site was actually a private grass airstrip known as Mallow Airfield, uniquely located within the infield of the Mallow Racecourse. It never handled commercial, scheduled, or international traffic. Its significance was as a popular and beloved destination for the general aviation community. It served recreational pilots, flying clubs, and private light aircraft. The airfield was well-known for hosting 'fly-in' events, where pilots from across Ireland and the UK would gather, often coordinating with horse racing days. Its historical importance lies in its role as a social and recreational hub for pilots in the Munster region, famed for its picturesque and unconventional landing environment.

There are no known official plans or credible prospects for reopening the airstrip. The financial, insurance, and liability issues that led to its closure are unlikely to have changed. The racecourse management is focused on its core business of horse racing, making a return to aviation activities highly improbable.