Cork

Exploring the county of Cork, the largest county in Ireland, is something to take your time over. You will find that your pace gradually slows, and the distance covered shortens, as you stop to admire a view, or explore a ruined abbey, or to chat with strangers in a village, or follow an intriguing little side road. And we strongly recommend that you do all of these things. We wish you happy journeys-"May the road rise with you"-or as they say in Gaelic "Go n-eiri an Bothar leat".

Explore

YOUGHAL
Once a busy textile centre, it is now one of Cork's most popular seaside resorts. It is one of the most historic and interesting towns in Ireland being situated at the mouth of the Blackwater. There is a promenade leading to a magnificent 8 km beach.

CLONAKILTY
A busy market town located near to several popular seaside resorts such as Inchadoney and Owenahincha. Fine 19th century mill buildings have been adapted for modern use, and now house the town library and County Council offices. Local planning authorities have encouraged the use of traditional hand painted signs with special emphasis on the Irish language on the business premises of the town.

CORK CITY
Cork is Ireland's third city and has always been an important seaport. Today the River Lee flows through the city in 2 main channels, so that you find yourself constantly crossing bridges. Some of the main streets are built over channels where ships nuzzled their anchor chains a century ago. The best way to see what the city has to offer is to go by foot.

FERMOY
A fine pleasant town straddling the Blackwater River (unevenly:' All to one side like the town of Fermoy' goes an old jingle). It is particularly the haunt of salmon, trout and coarse anglers. There is a town trail market and a leaflet to direct you to its interesting places, which include Corrin Hill with its remarkable views and forest walk, and Castlehyde House and grounds.

KINSALE
Kinsale, with its Georgian houses and gourmet restaurants, is a perfect example of how an Irish town can represent both historical and modern Ireland. In its chequered history it was invaded by both the Spanish and the British. In recent times it has become a magnet for tourists, but it has not surrendered its charm.

MALLOW
A thriving and prosperous market centre, Mallow is the largest town along the lovely Blackwater Valley, and a good centre from which to explore that river and many interesting locations in the neighbourhood. Up to a century ago it was renowned as a spa, with crowds of visitors frequented this town.

MIDLETON
Home of Irish Distiller's and Jameson Heritage Centre where the world famous Jameston is distilled. A fine thriving town with excellent shopping and restaurant/bar facilities. Cork is twelve miles away with suberb roads

BALLVYOURNEY
Irish language, music and set dancing are much practised in this area which is proud of its tradition.

MACROOM
A Market town, Macroom was quite famous as the home of the hooded cloak, a mode of local dress covering the female from head to toe. It is now a tradition which is, unfortunately, gone. Local areas of interest - Macroom Castle Gateway, local museum, walks in the Castle grounds, scenic country walks, lively pubs, restaurants and shopping.

BLARNEY
Situated six miles from the city, this was once a thriving manufacturing village, but now survives mainly on the tourist trade. Blarney castle was built in the middle of the 15th Century by Cormac McCarthy. He was so esteemed as a powerful chieftain, that the English settlers paid him an annual tribute of 40 pounds to protect them from Irish attacks.

COBH
Seated on the ancient island called Barrymore, but now the Great Island, Cobh is built on a hill and the pyramid effect of the houses rising one above the other, produce a most appealing appearance. The truely wonderful views of the harbour from the hills above the town, reccommend this area to any visitor. Cobh is a heritage town and within easy reach of the city.

GLENGARRIFF
Beautiful Glengarriff is no more than a few hours journey from any parts of Ireland but is well worth any journey. It's mild climate caused by the gentle kissing of the Gulf Stream ensures the growth of many exotic flowers, trees and plants, not found in any other part of the country.

BANTRY
A mecca for visitors with its well laid out square, Bantry's attration lies in its beauty and location and its variety of hotels, restaurants, craft shops, hostels and pubs. Breathtaking views of the Bay urges one to pause and admire one of the most beautiful and historic areas of West Cork.

SCHULL
Its internatinally known sailing centre is an attraction which serves to bring visitors from all parts, there are regular weekend races for cruisers and dinghies. There are local restaurants serving the best in fresh seafood dishes and a variety of craft shops and pubs.

ROSSCARBERY
A littel town nestling snugly on the side of a hill and openly showing its welcome with its neatly designed town square and the genuine welcome from its inhabitants. After strolling through the town, you might like to visit one of the many beaches in the area or maybe picnic at Castlefreke Woods in the shadow of the ruins of Castlefreke Castle.

SKIBBEREEN
A throbbing, bustling market town well worth visiting. Its varied pubs, restaurants, shopping and craft outlets combine to make your visit a most interesting and memorable experience.

BALTIMORE
A maritime port with glorious breathtaking scenic views, fishing, sailing, sea-angling and relaxation. Take a stroll arond this charming village or take the ferry to Cape Clear Island or Sherkin Island, only a short distance away. Very good restaurants and pubs with entertainment.

BERE ISLAND
The island nestles snugly under the Mountains of the Beara Peninsula and can be reached by ferry from Castletownbere in West Cork. Scattered throughout the island are many military artifacts from the Victorian fortification which Britain built to protect its naval base up until 1938. It is the largest of the West Cork Islands.

DURSEY ISLAND
The island is located off the West Coast of Cork and is accessible only by cable car (the only one in Ireland). It is an area of remarkable scenic beauty and a wildlife paradise. Population of 15.

SHERKIN ISLAND
Located off Baltimore Harbour, accessible by ferry. Panoramic Atlantic views from the hilltops an safe quiet beaches. Butterflies abound on the Island - the ideal location for the outdoor enthusiast.

WHIDDY ISLAND
The island has many sites of significant historical interest with a number of English Forts and the remains of an O Sullivan Bere Castle. Activities on the island include walking, biking, fishing on the lakes or off the rocks. Accessible by ferry from Bantry

HARE ISLAND
This island is one of Corks smallest inhabited islands.With its panoraamic views, profusion of wild flowers and unusual birds, beautiful safe beaches and gourmet restaurant, it is an idyllic location for walking, boating, angling, swimming and photography.

LONG ISLAND
Long island, with a population of 15, presents visitors with a picture postcard of what Ireland looked like 50 years ago. Ferry service available.

GLANDORE
Turning off at Rosscarbery, there is a beautiful drive to Glandore, which is a popular centre for yachting with some pleasant pubs overlooking the water.

CROSSHAVEN
This is an historic village and also headquarters of the Royal Cork Yacht Club, reputed to be the oldest in the world. Nearby are fine beaches like Myrtleville and Fountainstown.

BALLYCOTTON
This is a hilly fishing port much favoured by deep sea anglers. It offers fantastic views over a boat filled harbour to a steep island crowned by a lighthouse. Beautiful cliff walks, restaurants and pubs, all with breathtaking views.

GLANMIRE
Glanmire is a quaint village nestling on an inlet of Lough Mahon (upper Cork Harbour). Nearby the historic houses of Riverstown House and Dunkathel are open to the public.

COOLEA
Situated lying between quiet hills in the Lee Valley. The little village is the birthplace of Sean O Riada, a well known Irish Musician. Irish spoken in the village.

COACHFORD
Situated in the Lee Valley, Coachford is rich in antiquities- stone circles, wedge tombs and ring forts.

BALLINEEN AND ENNISKEANE
The tidy twin villages of Ballineen and Enniskeane have good amenities and are centrally situated between Dunmanway, Clonakilty and Bandon.

Activities

Golf
There are many beautiful courses to choose from throughout the county. Stop by one of our 18 hole courses and we'll show you how to play golf!

Fishing
Game/Sea/Coarse fishing is widely available both for the occasional fisherman and the dedicated angler.

Horse Racing
Meetings are held in Mallow througout the year. There are also regional local point-to-point meetings throughout the Spring.

Walking
You will find plenty of variety if you like the pleasant activity of a leisurely walk through our towns and city, with tourist trails in Cork, Youghal and kinsale. There is also a beautiful forest walk in Gougane Barra.

Cycling
If one likes to cycle, then the West coast of Cork is the place to go. Fantastic views, combined with relatively little road traffic combine to make it a wonderful experience.

Watersports
There are a wide range of Watersports offered throughout the area, like Kinsale and Cobh. Training is available in some places also

Sailing
The oldest sailing club in the world was founded in Cobh in 1720, now located across the harbour in Crosshaven. Other centres are sprinkled around the coasline and Sailing courses are available in some places.

Greyhound Racing
Greyhound racing is Ireland's fastest and most exciting evening sport. Racing takes place at many venues, meetings commence at 20.00 and finish at 22.00. There are bars, refreshments and full betting facilities at your service. Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays in Cork city.

Quad biking
Experience the thrill and challenge of riding an All Terrain Vehicle around specially designed cross country course. There are plenty of exciting features to negotiate, from hills to wooded paths. Locacated Castlemartyr, Co Cork

Shopping
Cork city has a huge variety of shops to suit any visitors needs. From large shopping malls to quaint antique stores, open markets to specialised shops, one can spend hours browsing before availing of some refreshments.

Diving
Diving facilities are available at Kinsale, Glengarriff and at Baltimore. Diving at Lough Hyne near Skibbereen is controlled and advance permits are essential.

Visiting Gardens
There are many gardens open to the public at Timoleague, Skibbereen, Garnish Island and at Bantry House. In addition there are a number of small gardens in West Cork which may be open to the public at varying times throughout the summer months and are included in a special West Cork Garden Trail.

Food
West Cork is developing an enviable reputation as an area which can be depended upon for quality food and many small restaurants have developed in the area. Kinsale is said to be the Gourmet capital of Ireland. Bar food has developed significantly in recent years and there are good outlets in practically every town.

Equestrian
The Green Glens Equestrian Centre at Millsteet is the largest equestrian development in Ireland. Other centres throughout the County can provide horse riding and pony-treking.

Pitch and Putt
Available to visitors at Youghal, Midleton and Ballycotton.

Cruises
Cruises on the river Blackwater are available from the Pier at Youghal. Cruises on Cork Harbour and Cobh Harbour are also available.

Swimming
The county of Cork has some of the most beautiful blug flag beaches for swimming. Please satisfy yourself as to the safety of the area for swimming.

Tennis
Facilites for tennis have been provided by Cork Corporation at a number of locations in Cork City.

Clay Bird Shooting
The drives are arranged to simulate the flights of pheasant, woodcock and partridge- the clays mimicking their speed and trajectory. Kinsale.

Shearwater Cruises
Offers exciting skippered cruises to the offshore islands and bays of the South West coast of Ireland. Mar-Nov

Steel Isle Boat Tour
Sightseeing trips around Cork Harbour. Jun-Aug

Lawrence Cove Sailing Holidays
Lawrence Cove nestles in the shelter of Bantry Bay in Co Cork. Unspoiled and undeveloped cruising country with scenery and sunsets that will take your breath away. Apr-Sept.

Cork Harbour Cruises
Daily harbour cruises from Kennedy Pier, Cobh.Jun-Sept

Kinsale Harbour Cruises
Visitors can enjoy narration and music as they cruise the smooth blue waters of beautiful Kinsale. Mar-Nov. and w/ends all year.

Water Ski Centre
World class coaching and training is available from the Cork powerboat and waterski club, Dripsey, Co Cork

The Oysterhaven Holiday Centre
Range of activities include sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and adventure courses, teambuilding programmes, adventure sailing and sail training courses. All year.

Carrig Water Ski Club
Facilities include full competition site, paraplegics welcome. Official national site for disabled waterskiers. Apr-Oct

Tradtional Irish Music Pubs
De Barras in Clonakilty Cronins Bar in Crosshaven The Lobby Bar in Cork City The Spaniard in Kinsale The Lord Kingsale in Kinsale The Auld Triangle in Macroom The Jolly Roger on Sherkin Island Declan McCarthys Pub in Baltimore O Donoghues in Castletownbere The Mills Inn in Ballyvourney...to name but a few.

Mallow Genealogical Centre
The centre offers a postal based genealogical service , researching the family name on the basis of the information supplied by the client.

Theatre
Cork City is renowed for its theatrical entertainment. Theatres such as the CAT Club,Half Moon, Everyman Palace, Opera House, Firkin Crane, UCC Granary and the Graffiti Theatre Company to name a few.