About Cork ...

County Cork is located in the South Western corner of Ireland bordered by Kerry to the west, Limerick to the north and Tipperary and Waterford to the east. Cork is the largest county in Ireland and sometimes known as the Rebel County, being the birthplace of Michael Collins.

Cork has a spectacular jagged coastline with magnificent scenery, particularly in West Cork and is a favourite place for walkers, climbers and artists.

Cork has its share of Castles and historic sites with plenty to interest those interested in its past. For tourists keen on the active life, there is no shortage of things to do from all kinds of water sports to golf, mountaineering and equestrian sports.

Cork City, an important seaport and Ireland's second city dating back to the seventh century, is split in two by the River Lee, where there are several bridges, quays, and walkways. There are many interesting sites within the city, including the churches. Destroyed in the 1690 siege of Cork, Shandon Church was rebuilt in 1722. The church tower offers a panoramic view. Here the famous Shandon Bells are located. There are a variety of specialty shops, restaurants, accommodation and golfing within the city. Popular events here include the Cork Jazz Festival, and the annual film and folk festivals.

The Tudor style village of Blarney is five miles from Cork City. It is situated on a wooded countryside and has developed around the square. Saturated in history, Blarney is home to Blarney Castle. The legend of kissing the Blarney Stone began in 1800 when the first trickle of visitors came to this ancient place and bestowed a kiss upon it. From there the legend grew that anyone who kissed the Blarney Stone was endowed with 'the gift of the gab'. The Blarney Castle Estate is situated on 1,130 acres, of which 400 acres are parkland, with The Rock Close nearby. It contains a collection of boulders and passages dating back to prehistoric times.

Clonakilty is a town of tall spires, towers, and historic buildings, with a trading and industrial history. Spectacular scenery and gardens make this an attractive town as well as the many activities in the area including horse riding, water sports, and nightlife with traditional music and dance.

Cobh was the principal port of emigration. Millions of Irish departed these shores due to hunger and lack of work. At one point Cobh was known as Queenstown. Today there is the Queenstown Story at the Cobh Interpretative Centre telling the history of emigration of the Great Hunger from 1845 up to the great Liners in the 1950's. You can learn the military history of Cobh through eight centuries, covering British, American and Irish military involvement in many conflicts. Cobh was also the last port in which the Titanic anchored and the port where The Lusitania survivors and victims landed. Cobh is situated on Great Island, one of three islands in Cork Harbor, which are joined by bridges and roads. The other two islands are Little Island and Fota. Fota Island is a wildlife park, with over 70 species of exotic wildlife in an open natural environment.

Kinsale was founded by the Anglo-Normans about 1177. A major turning point in Irish history took place at the Battle of Kinsale in 1601, when the Irish and their Spanish allies fought the English. The English won. The Earls O'Neill and O'Donnell fled to the continent a few years later. Their flight is referred to as The Flight of Earls, and led to the end of the Gaelic order in Ireland. After the Battle of Kinsale the English began the Plantation of Ulster with English and Scottish settlers. The best way to enjoy Kinsale is to walk, visiting the many historic sites such as Charles Fort and Desmond Castle. There are many activities to enjoy in this area, from fishing, sailing, and other water sports, to horse riding, golfing, and fine dining. Kinsale is considered the 'Gourmet Capital' of Ireland with its array of restaurants, developed to international standards. The cuisine will delight the most discretionary palate.

Youghal is a walled 13th Century medieval town, where the past meets the present at the mouth of the River Blackwater. There are medieval streets, quality restaurants and shops. Tynte's Castle, a tower house, is the last remaining castle of this type. You can enjoy Greyhound racing, deep sea and shore fishing, beaches, and walks.

Fermoy, a small town, has roughly 25 pubs and an annual fishing festival. Macroom is well known for its prehistoric remains. Ballincollig, Bantry, Crosshaven, Fermoy, Castletownbere, Glengariff, Cape Clear and Sherkin Islands, Schull, Skibereen, Mitchelstown, Bandon and Mallow are also well worth a visit.

Other Local Attractions/Activities

The Jameson Heritage Centre tells the story of Irish whiskey by means of an audio-visual presentation and allows for tasting of the famous spirit in the bar.

Murphy's Brewery, Lady's Well, is Ireland's most modern brewery and has been producing stout since 1856.

West Cork Model Railway Village, The Station, Inchydoney Road, is a miniaturised version of the now defunct West Cork Railway and depicts life in the 40's.

Labbacallee, translated as The Old Woman's Bed, is a huge wedge shaped gallery grave that dates back to the prehistoric phenomenon of Megalithic tombs. This is situated outside Glanworth.

Cork City Gaol features an audio-visual presentation with furnished cells and life-sized figures.

The Béara Way is a long distance walking route around the spectacular peninsula with a large concentration of historical and archaeological sites en route.

Bishop Lucey Park was opened in 1985 as part of the city's 800th birthday celebrations and includes a beautiful sculptured fountain of eight bronze swans representing the 800 years of the city as a chartered Norman town and remains of the early city walls can clearly be seen.

Millstreet Country Park is over 500 acres of lakes, waterfalls, streams, wetlands, walks, picnic area, moorlands, arboretum, herb rich meadows, ornamental gardens, archaeological sites, native deer, birds and wildlife.

Doneraile Wildlife Park is 160 hectares of parklands with mature groves of deciduous trees and a number of deer herds.

Ballyhoura Mountain Park is a natural park of woodland, rugged mountain, grouse moor and peat bog, which covers an area of approx. 10,000 hectares. With its abundance of beautiful trees and plants, it is an ideal venue for nature trails and birdwatching. It has marked walking routes as well as fitness and orienteering trails.

Cape Clear Island is busy during the summer months as students come here to perfect their Irish. This is an ideal place for yachting, scuba diving and all manner of water sports as well as birdwatching.

Mizen Head Signal Station contains a visitor centre and famous Suspension Bridge and has spectacular views both for sea and birdwatching.

Cork Racecourse, Mallow is a popular destination for racegoers.

The Old Midleton Distillery offers a guided tour, video presentation and tasting session.

With well over 20 golf courses in the county, horse-racing and riding, angling, walking, mountaineering, sailing and water sports of all kinds, as well as magnificent scenery, Cork is the ideal location for the energetic visitor.