Ballinhassig sits on the R613 between Cork city and Kinsale, about 15km south of Cork. It grew considerably during the Celtic Tiger as Cork city workers moved south for space and lower prices. The infrastructure hasn't always kept pace.
It's residential first, last, and middle. Kinsale is 10km south for restaurants and the waterfront. Cork city is 20 minutes north. Ballinhassig itself has a church, a school, a GAA club, and not much else you'd drive to specifically.
On the R613, 15km south of Cork city. Easy drive from either direction.
Bus Éireann routes between Cork and Kinsale stop here.