Gunpowder was manufactured on the site that is now a public park from the 18th century to the start of the 20th Century. From here it was transported to Cork City and the Port of Cork for supply to the British Armed Forces worldwide. The Regional Park itself comprises the now defunct Gunpowder Mills complex and the networks of sluices and canals installed in the grounds and used in the manufacturing process still remain today along with most of the original buildings. In more recent times, ownership of the land transferred from The Department of Defence to Cork County Council.
The site which is currently used for recreation and amenity purposes is owned, managed and maintained by Cork County Council. It measures approximately 130 acres in size and contains 52 structures surviving from the gunpowder manufacturing process. The canals and pathways within the park require on-going maintenance. Grass areas, soccer and rugby pitches, trees and vegetation are regularly cut and buildings maintained and repaired. In 2007 a skate park was constructed by Cork County Council and in 2011 outdoor fitness equipment (tone-zones) was installed at the Western end of the park. The variety of attractions within the park means that there is currently a significant degree of usage by a cross section of the community. However, much of this is currently confined to the West end of the Park as this is easily accessed from the public car park near the Inniscarra Bridge.
