Cork area tours, discover Ireland!
Cork is Ireland's largest county and consists of a varied landscape of hilly green meadows, rugged peninsulas and colorful islands. As Cork's nickname, "the rebel area," indicates, the people of Cork do things their own way. Explore this beautiful area on your trip through Ireland!
Good food and powerful music are central to this county. The vibrant capital city of Cork is a tempting collection of art galleries, museums and, above all, food. The love of local produce is evident throughout the county. Outside the city of Cork you will find grand castles, an interesting Titanic history, a rugged coastline and a multitude of picturesque coastal towns. Experience the charm of Clonakilty, the famous hospitality of Skibbereen and admire the colorful buildings of Kinsale. Enjoy all the beauty and delights that Cork has to offer and let yourself be swept up in the relaxed atmosphere that has made Cork famous the world over.
Highlights of Cork
Cork
The bustling city of Cork is located on an island in the Lee River. Cork is the second largest city in Ireland, but has a compact city center that is easy to walk around. Come with an empty stomach because Cork is known for its great food! There are great cafes and restaurants for every budget. Visit the English Market, a 1788 covered market with delicious local produce. In addition to traditional products like black pudding and pigs' feet, you'll find artisan bread, sublime smoked fish and creamy chocolate. Cork also has a nice mix of galleries and museums to offer. Discover the accessible art of Crawford Gallery or take a tour of the Cork City Goal, a former women's prison where you will learn about the Irish War of Independence. Ring the Shandon Bells of St Anne's Church, be enchanted by the stained glass windows of St Fin Barre's Cathedral or imagine yourself in Hogwarts as you stroll past university buildings. Cork is also the place to be for craft beers. Try the local stouts from Murphy's, Beamish or Franciscan Well Brewery.
Kinsale
Kinsale is a medieval town nestled between the hills and coast. Dubbed the gastronomic capital of Ireland, the town is best known for its fantastic seafood. To build up your appetite, there is plenty to do in Kinsale. The town has narrow, winding streets lined with galleries and gift stores, lively pubs and beautiful Georgian and Victorian architecture. The beautiful natural harbor filled with yachts is guarded by a large 17th-century fort. Charles Fort is one of Ireland's largest military installations and because it is well preserved it is well worth a visit. Other attractions include St. Multose Church and the city's Desmond Castle.
Clonakilty
Clonakilty is another gem of a city. Music fans can get their fill here. The town has a great lineup of festivals ranging from rock to pop, to traditional sessions in local pubs. Micheal Collins, a politician, resistance fighter and revolutionary was born in Clonakilty and at the Michael Collins Centre you will find an interesting exhibit on this Irish hero. This town also offers great food. On Fridays, visit the Farmers Market first and put together your own picnic, then drive to the beautiful white beach of Inchydoney to enjoy all the delicious local produce.
Skibbereen
Located on the banks of the Ilen River, this lively village is the perfect base for exploring west Cork. The picturesque fishing villages of Mizen Head, Baltimore, Glandore, Union Hall, Ballydehob and Castletownshend are only a 10 to 15 minute drive away. The elegant manor house Liss Ard Country Estate and Lough Hyne, Ireland's first maritime nature reserve, are also a short distance away and can even be explored by bicycle. In Skibbereen itself you will find plenty of history and culture. For example, the Skibbereen Heritage Centre has a number of fascinating exhibits. With 26 pubs, a farmers market and a number of award-winning restaurants, you can enjoy local cuisine like never before.
Cobh
Cobh is a pretty port town with a bittersweet history. Once this village was the main port of departure for emigrants. At the Cobh Heritage Center you will find a number of exhibits on Irish history, including the deportation of criminals to Australia and the Irish famine. The village was also the last port of call for the Titanic. The impressive exhibition on the RMS Titanic, in the old office of the shipping company under which the Titanic sailed, takes you aboard the last voyage of this famous ship.
Blarney Castle
Blarney castle is a nearly 600-year-old fortress of one of Ireland's most famous clan leaders, Cormac MacCarthy. The castle is also the oldest castle in Ireland. Blarney Castle is best known for the Stone of Eloquence, also known as the Blarney Stone. According to legend, whoever kisses the rock gains the "art of eloquence and will never be left with a mouthful of it. The climb to the castle's battlements, where the famous stone is located, is well worth the effort. Besides the castle, you can enjoy the tranquility of the beautiful castle gardens, explore the serene Rock Close, a Druid worship site, and visit Blarney House, a noble manor.
Rugged coastline
Cork's coast rivals the most beautiful stretches of Ireland. You will find rugged beaches, jagged peninsulas and traditional villages. Explore the peninsulas of Mizen Head, Sheep's Head and Beara and their rugged natural beauty. In this special corner, enjoy the stunning views, rugged cliffs, cliffs, and peace and quiet.