Ovens sits four kilometers west of Ballincollig — that's close enough to Cork city to be a dormitory, far enough to have limestone caves underfoot. The name isn't poetic. The 'ovens' are actual cave passages, natural formations in the bedrock that once gave the place its character. Now it's just a village on the N22 with people who've decided to live between two towns instead of one.
It's a quick drive to Ballincollig's Gunpowder Mills and regional park, and just 16km to Cork city. Neither fact explains why you'd stop here instead of passing through, which is mostly what happens.
The reason to come back. The things every local will eventually tell you about, usually after the second pint.
On the N22 between Cork and Ballincollig. Cork city is 16 minutes. Ballincollig is 8 minutes west.
Bus routes into Cork. Check local services; the village doesn't announce them loudly.