[2] The village stretches along the N22 road which links Cork city (48 km to the southeast) with Killarney (to the northwest).

[3] Bus Éireann Expressway Route 40 between Rosslare Europort and Tralee runs through Ballyvourney.

The highest point in the parish, at 694m, is Mullaghanish (Irish: Mullach an Ois) located just northeast of the village.

The townlands with the most recorded surnames, from greatest to least, are: Coolavokig, Derrylahan, Slievereagh, Ballymakeery, Gortnatubbud, Dangansallagh, Derreenaling, Knockanure, Milleeny and Coolea.

According to the 2016 Census about 21% of the population of the "An Sliabh Riabhach" electoral division (where Ballyvourney is located) speak Irish on a daily basis outside the education system.

[citation needed] The village gives its name to an Irish dance figure—the Baile Bhuirne Set[11] The town is the home of Ionad Cultúrtha, a regional cultural centre for the traditional and contemporary arts.

[14] The grounds of Coláiste Íosagáin, a former De La Salle college, were used as a filming location for Song for a Raggy Boy.

Cultural events include:[15] Employment opportunities in Ballyvourney range from agricultural, industrial to hospitality sectors.

Údarás na Gaeltachta provide grants for businesses, many of which are situated in Ballyvourney's industrial estate.

The Senior Gaelic football club, Naomh Abán GAA, has a number of championship titles to its name.

The local association football (soccer) club, Sullane F.C., fields teams in the West Cork league in senior and underage divisions.