8/13/2019 (Travel-Ireland) Cork City and County Guide (2007)

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CorkCITY& COUNTY GUIDE

www.corkkerry.ie www.corkkerry.ie www.corkkerry.ie

www.corkkerry.ie

www.corkkerry.ie

TOURIST INFORMATION

Visit one of our Tourist Information Offices dotted throughout the countywhere staff can assist you with route planning, accommodationbookings and ideas to keep the family busy throughout the holiday.

Ifyouarelookingforsportingaction,Corkistheonlyplacetobe.

ThewealthofoptionsreflectstheenthusiasmofthepeopleofCorkforthesportinglifeandgreatoutdoors.Activitiesincludewalking,cycling,golf,angling,sailing,diving,horse-ridingponytrekking,seakayakingandwindsurfing.Alternately,experiencetheexcitementofalivesportingevent.Sitbackandenjoythespectacleofhorseracing,hurling,rugby,greyhoundracingorevenroadbowling,asportuniquetoCountiesCorkandArmagh.

Corkisagreatdestinationforwalkers,atalllevelsoffitness.Whetheryou'relookingforremotewilderness,shimmeringbays,shelteredharbourssurroundedbylushvegetation,orcolourfultownsandvillages,theyareallhere,waitingtobeenjoyed.Choosebetweengentlehills,forestpaths,dramaticclifftopwalks,orguidedwalkingtoursofthecounty'shistorictowncentres.CorkCity,Youghal,Cobh,KinsaleandSkibbereenallofferguidedtoursrichinstoriesoftheirfascinatingmaritimepasts.BirdwatcherswillenjoyastrollalongthecliffsatBallycotton,oraforestwalkinGlengarrifforGouganeBarra.DiscoverthewoodlandsandrollinggreenhillsoftheBallyhouraMountainswherethereareseveralloop-walkstofollow,orenjoyoneofCork'sfourlongdistanceway-markedtrails-TheBallyhouraWay,TheBlackwaterWay,TheBearaWayorTheSheepsHeadWay.Detailed

guidebooksandmapsareavailablefromtouristinformationoffices.

CyclinggivesyouthefreedomtoexploreCorkCountyatyourownpace.Theroutesavoidmainroadsasfaraspossible,andusequietcountrylanes,manyofthemtraffic-free.Choosearoutetosuityourfitnessandyourscenicpreferences.TheBearaWayCycleRoute(approx.138km)isacircularroutethroughsomeofthemoreremoteareasofthefarwestofthecountyontheBearaPeninsula.TheSheep'sHeadCycleRoute(approx.120km)offersviewsofbothBantryBayandDunmanusBay,startingatBallylickeynorthofBantry,andtravellingdownthenorthernsideoftheSheep'sHeadPeninsula,returningtoDurrusonthesouthside,andendingatBallydehobnearRoaringwaterBay.TheBlackwaterValleyCycleRoute(approx156km)startsinthehistorictownofYoughal,andfollowsthemajesticBlackwaterValleyinlandtoFermoyandMallow,andthenturnswesttowardsKillarney.

CountyCorkhasanunsurpassedreputationasaworld-classgolfingdestination,enhancedbyspectacularsceneryandwarmhospitality.

Whetheryouareseekingthechallengeofamagnificent18-holechampionshipcourseoraneasy-going9-holeouting,youwillfindsomethingtosuitinCountyCork.Thereisaplaceforeveryonetoteeoff,fromnovicetopro.Sopackthoseclubs,andplanaheadforthegolfingtrip

www.corkkerry.ie

ofalifetime,andyoucancomparenoteswithothergolfersatthe"19th-Hole",beittheclubhouseoroneofthearea'scosybarsandhotellounges.

CountyCorkisquitesimplyanangler'sparadise,orasnearasyouarelikelytogettoone.Besideshavingplentifulfacilitiesfordeepseaanglingfromafleetofspeedycharterboats,andshorefishing,thereisalsoa

wealthofsalmonandtroutriversandlakes,andexcellentopportunitiesforcoarseangling.Whenitcomesthesheerdiversityofqualityfishing,CountyCorkhasitall.ThewarminginfluenceoftheGulfStreamencouragesanamazingdiversityofmarinelife,andtheveryrealpossibilityoflandingarareorunusualfish.Whetheryoupreferaquitespotonthebanksofoneoftheregionsmajesticrivers,notabledestinationsforcoarsefishingandforgameangling,orcastingofffromarockwithseabirdssoaringoverhead,orsimplyrelaxingbyagentlestreamandwatchingtheworldgoby,CountyCorkistheplacetobe.

Corkisacountyofhorselovers,wherenearlyeveryonefeelsanaffinitywiththesenoblecreatures.Thesportofsteeple-chasingwasinventedinCorkin1752,whentwomenracedbetweenthechurchsteeplesofButtevantandDoneraile.Appropriately,CorkRacecourseislocatednearbyatMallow.Thecountyishometosomeofthecountry'stopbreedersandstables,andregularlyhostsinternationalequestrianevents.ForthosewhowishtoparticipateinoneofIreland'sgreatsportingpassions,ahorsesuitedtoyourabilitycanbehiredbythehourorhalfdayatseveralwell-equippedstables.Choosebetweenhackingoutaroundthecountryside,abeachride,oralessoninanindoorarena.Trekkingponiesarealsoavailableforbothadultsandchildren,andprovideagreatwaytoenjoythescenery.Alternately,youcangotrailriding,oroptforaspecializedtrainingpackageindressage,showjumpingandcrosscountryriding.

CorkHarbourisreputedtobethesecondlargestharbourintheworld,afterSydney,Australia,anditswatershavealonghistoryofbeingusedforleisure.TheRoyalCorkYachtClubistheoldestintheworld,datingfrom1720.SailingcontinuestobeapopularpastimealongCork'smagnificentcoastline,whetherinanocean-goingyachtorasportydinghy.Severalcoastaltownsofferharbourcruises,orboathire.Theriversandlakesofthecounty,withtheirunpollutedwaterandgreatscenery,arepopularwithcanoeistsandkayaks.Otheropttokayakalongthecoast,exploringcaves,ortoenjoytheexhilarationofwindsurfingontheopenseas.EnjoyoneofseveralBlueFlagbeaches,wheresurf-boardingisarapidlygrowingsportyear-round,ordiveinthepristineAtlanticwaters,toexplorethetreasuresofthedeep.Youcanevengowhaleordolphinwatching-theopportunitiesareendless.Forfurtherinformationlogontowww.corkkerry.ie

www.corkkerry.iewww.corkkerry.iewww.corkkerry.ie www.corkkerry.ie

The people of County Cork certainly knowhow to enjoy themselves. The city andcounty host some of the best festivals onthe calendar. Sport, film, music, dance,the arts, literature and food are just someof the causes for celebration. In March, St.Patrick's Day is a time of general festivity,with some towns holding a parade on theday itself, and others on the nearestweekend. Walking festivals are becoming increasingly popular in springand autumn, with guided walks by day, and live entertainment by night.Summer is traditionally the time for regattas, which take place all aroundthe coast from May to August.Water sports are supplemented by free open-air concerts, Irishdancing, and workshops in artistic activities. Cork City and thecounty's towns host a variety of festivals celebrating the arts and music,where community events coexist with a commitment to showcasing thehighest quality of international performers. Cork's passion for sportingevents is unsurpassed. Get to the heart of the region's sporting culture byexperiencing the electrifying atmosphere of Gaelic games at a hurling orfootball match. Other compelling sporting events include horse racingand greyhound racing. Food is increasingly a cause for celebration inCork, as the region's artisan food producersjoin forces with the county'smany famous restaurants to showcase Cork's tradition of fine food. Theparty is on and you are invited, Log on to www.corkkerry.ie for a full list ofevents or call into the local Tourist Information Office.

(Cultr agus Ceardaocht)

Cork City & County offers a wide variety of shopping. Patrick Street in thecity centre is the traditional shopping area, with a wide range ofdepartment stores, fashionable boutiques, antique shops, art galleries andshopping malls. There are a wide range of Shopping Malls throughout theCity and County. There is a thriving craft industry in Cork County, wherethere is a strong tradition of talented and skilled craft workers. Designerknitwear, lace, jewellery, ceramics, furniture, wood turning, glass,basketry, weaving, leather and batik and among the crafts on offer.Interesting craft shopsselling unique, locally-madegoods can be foundthroughout Cork City andCounty. Many craft workersand artists welcome visitorsto their studios and Gallerieswhich are often located inscenic areas.

www.corkkerry.ie

FESTIVALS & EVENTS IN CORK

ENTERTAINMENT

INTRODUCTION

ACCOMMODATION

Cycling

Walking

Angling

Golfing

Equestrian

Shopping, Cuture & Crafts

Located on the South West Coast of Ireland, Cork is the largest of al l Irishcounties and to many the most varied. Steeped in over 4,000 years ofhistory, Cork today offers its visitors a rich and distinctive cultural heritage.Cork is a region full of colour and contrasts, which includes some ofIreland's most attractive and colourful landscapes.

From the bustling friendly streets of Cork Ci ty, to the rugged beauty of WestCork, the tranquillity and enchantment of North Cork and the holidayatmosphere of East Cork, the region is a land of diversity waiting to bediscovered and enjoyed.

Suite ar chsta iar-dheisceart na hireann, is Co. Chorca an contae ism thar contaethe uile na tre agus dar le mrn an ceann is agsla. Agus bate sa stair le breis is 4,000 bliain n h-ionadh go cuireann Corcaigh anlae inniu oidhreacht shaibhir dhchasach ar fil d cuid cuairteoir. Riginis ea Corcaigh at ln do dathanna agus contrrthachta, agus ina bhfuilcuid de na radharcanna tre is ille in irinn.

shrideanna gnthacha Chathair Chorca go dt illeacht fiantas IartharChrca agus shuaimhneas agus dhraocht Thuaisceart Chorca go h-atmaisfar spraoiil Oirthear Chorca, is it at ln go barr le hagslachtagus plisir don t a bhaineann amach .

Situ sur la cte sud-ouest de l'Irlande, le Comt de Cork est le plus vastedes comts irlandais et certainement un des plus vari. Ancr dans pl usde 4000 ans d'histoire, Cork offre aujourd'hui aux visiteurs une richesse deculture et tradition bien distincte. Le Comt de Cork c'est la rgion descouleurs, des contrastes et des paysages grandioses

Les rues animes et rassurantes de la ville de Cork, la beaut sauvage del'ouest, la grce paisible du nord et l'atmosphre de vacances de l'est,composent une mosaque d'attraits qui ne demandent qu' tredcouverts et apprcis. Venez en faire l'exprience ! Cork peut satisfairetous les gots et intrts. Nombreux sites visiter, nombreux sport pratiquer ou voir, nombreux festivals et vnements entendre, dgusteret surtout , auxquels prendre part.

Das im Sdwesten Irlands gelegene C ounty Cork ist die grte GrafschaftIrlands und zhlt zu den abwechslungsreichsten Regionen der Insel. DieStadt Cork blickt auf eine 4000-jhrige Geschichte zurck und bietet heute

dem Besucher ein unverwechselbares, reiches Kulturangebot.Kontrastreich und farbenfroh sind die unterschiedlichen Landschaftsformenin diesem Teil der Insel.

Die geschftig-quirligen Straen der Hauptstadt, die herbe Schnheit vonWest Cork und die angenehme Ruhe im nrdlichen Rand der Grafschaft -das alles wartet darauf, entdeckt zu werden. Cork verfgt ber eine groeAuswahl an Urlaubsaktivitten fr ganz unterschiedliche Interessen.Zahllose Sehenswrdigkeiten stehen dem Besucher offen, viele Sport- undFreizeitmglichkeiten werden angeboten, die Liste der Festivals undVeranstaltungen ist lang und das Mitfeiern uerst unterhaltsam.

Situada en el suroeste de la costa de Irlanda, Cork es el ms grande delos condados irlandeses y el ms variado. Con un pasado de ms de 4.000aos de historia, el Cork de hoy ofrece a sus visitantes un extenso ycaracterstico patrimonio cultural. Cork es una regin llena de color ycontrastes, entre los que se incluye algunos de los ms coloristas yatractivos paisajes.

Desde las animadas y agradables calles de la ciudad de Cork a la

escarpada belleza del oeste de Cork, la tranquilidad y el encanto del nortede Cork y el ambiente vacacional del este de Cork, la regin es una tierrallena de diversidad, esperando a ser descubierta para disfrutar. Ven y vivela experiencia, Cork ofrece una gran variedad de opciones para todos losgustos, con numerosos sitios para visitar, muchos deportes y actividadesen las que participar o mirar y ser anfitrin de los festivales y eventos pararecrearse y disfrutar.

Situata sulla costa sud ovest d'Irlanda, Cork la contea pi grande di tuttele contee irlandesi e forse la pi variata. Con una storia di oltre 4.000 anni,Cork oggi offre ai suoi visitatori un patrimonio culturale ricco e distintivo. una regione piena di colore e contrasti, che comprende alcuni dei paesaggipi belli e vivaci in Irlanda.

Dalle strade amichevolmente vivaci della citt di Cork al bellissimopaesaggio dell'ovest di Cork, dalla tranquillit e l'incanto del nord di Corkall'atmosfera di festa dell'est della contea, la regione aspetta solo di esserescoperta. Cork offre un'ampia gamma di possibilit per ogni tipo di vacanza,con numerosi luoghi da visitare, tante attivit sportive e per il tempo liberoe innumerevoli festival ed eventi che ti coinvolgeranno. Vieni e vivi questaesperienza unica!

TRAVEL FACTS

CurrencyThe euro is the currency of the Republic of Ireland. One euro consists of 100

cent. Notes are 5,10,20,50,100,200 and500. Coins are 1c,

2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, 1 and 2.

Credit CardsVisa, Mastercard andAmerican Express creditcards are widely accepted inIreland.

BanksBanks hours are generally10.00-16.00 hrs, Monday-Friday. ATM (cash)machines are located atmost banks and accept mostcredit and debit cards.

Electric CurrentThe standard electricity supply is 220 volts AC. Visitors may require a

transformer and plug adaptor (toconvert2-pinplugsto thestandard3-pinplugs).

TimeIreland is on Greenwich Mean Time(GMT). Clocks are put forward one hourmid- March and back one hour at the end of October. During summer it stayslight until as late as 23.00 hrs but by mid- December it can be dark by 16.00hrs.

TelephoneMobiles Phones - Only digital phones with GSM subscriptions and a roamingagreement will work in Ireland. Visitors should consult with their networkbefore leaving.

Pay Phones - Easy to use country calling cards are widely available at manyoutlets.

E-mail & Internet AccessInternet cafes can be found throughout the region. Many libraries also haveinternet facilities.

RailIrishRail(IarnroidEireann)operatesdailymainlinerailservicesfrom

Dublin,RosslareandTraleetoCorkcity.Forscheduleinformation,Tel:0214505888www.irishrail.ie

BusExpresswaycoacheslinkCountyCorkwithlocationsnationwide.BusEireannTel:0214508188www.buseireann.ie

DrivingVisitorstoIrelandmustbringavalidnationaldrivinglicencewiththem,issuedinthecountryoftheirpermanentresidence.DrivinginIrelandisonthelefthandsideoftheroadandseatbeltsmustbewornatalltimes,inthefrontandbackofthevehicle.

DriversshouldnotethattheyareobligedbylawtocarrytheirdrivinglicenceatalltimeswhendrivingintheRepublicofIreland.Motorcyclistsandtheirpassengersmustwearhelmets.

Thespeedlimitis120kphonmotorways,100kphonnationalroadsand

80kphonnon-nationalroads.

CarRentalMostofthemajorcarrentalcompanieshavereservationdesksattheairports,fromterminalsandlargetownsthroughouttheregion.Generally,thesecompaniesdonotrentcarstodriversunder21orover70.

Alldriversmusthavevalidlicences.Itisadvisabletobookinadvance,especiallyifyouaredrivingduringthehighseasonorifyourequireanautomaticcarorchildseats.

EmergencyServicesInthecaseofanemergencyifyourequireAmbulance,FireBrigade,Gardai(IrishPolice),LifeboatorMountain/CoastalRescueDial999or112.

DirectoryEnquiriesDirectoryEnquiries(Ireland,includingNorthernIreland)11811DirectoryEnquiries(GreatBritain&OtherInternational)11818

CorkCity&CountyhasneverbeeneasiertoaccesseitherbyAir,Sea,RoadorRail.CorkInternationalAirportinadditiontoRingaskiddyferryportmakeaccesstothecityandcountyeasyforall.TherearenumerousdirectservicesfromtheUS,EuropeandtheU.KintotheCork/KerryRegion.

AirportInformation

DailyconnectionstoCorkInternationalAirportfromtheUnitedKingdomandEuropearefrequent.CorkcanalsobeaccessedfromNorthAmericaviaDublinandShannonAirports.

CorkInternationalAirportislocated4miles,(6kilometres)southofCorkCity.Tel:+353214313131.www.corkairport.com

KerryAirportislocatedjustoffthemainroadbetweenKillarneyandTraleeTel:+353669764644.www.kerryairport.ie

ShannonInternationalAirportislocatedinShannon,CountyClare,81miles(129kilometres)fromTraleeand78miles(124kilometres)fromCork.Forfurtherinformationvisitwww.aerrianta.ieorTel:+35361712000

FerryPortsRegularferryseviceslinkCorkwithWalesandFrance.TheFerryportfortheCorkKerryRegionislocatedatRingaskiddy,10miles(16Kilometres)south-eastofCorkCity.Tel:+353214273125

DirectServicesoperatefrom/tothefollowingdestinations:SwanseaSwansea/CorkFerrieswww.swansea-cork.ieRoscoffBrittanyFerrieswww.brittany-ferries.ie

InadditionregularscheduledservicesfromtheU.KandFranceareavailableviaRosslareandDublin.

ForFurtherinformationcontact:P&OFerrieswww.poirishsea.comIrishFerrieswww.irishferries.com

StenaLinewww.stenaline.com

CorkCity&Countyoffersabroadrangeofaccommodation,fromself-cateringunitstoluxurioushotels.Whateverthepricerange,youwillfindawarmwelcomeandthehigheststandardofservice.

Manyhotelsofferarangeofleisurefacilities,withspastorelaxandunwind,fullyequippedgymsandpools.

Theyalsoboastexcellentrestaurantsofferingthebestregionalcuisine,andlivelybarswhereyoucanminglewiththelocals.

Corkpioneeredthebedandbreakfastexperience,whichisaquintessentialpartofavisittoIrelandformanypeople.Mostguesthousesandbedand

breakfastestablishmentsnowofferroomsensuitewithTVandphone.Farmhouseholidaysofferagenuinetasteofrurallife,inwhichthevisitorcanenjoyobservinglifeonabusyworkingfarm.

Fortheindependenttravellerorfamily,Corkoffersalargeselectionofself-cateringaccommodation,fromurbanapartmentsandhousestoruralhomes.Somehousesareclusteredinholidayvillages,wherefamiliesenjoymeetingotherfamilies,whilesomeplacescanbequiteisolatedandremote:thechoiceisuptoyou.Therentalisarrangedinadvanceandisnormallyavailableonaweeklybasis,startingonaSaturday.Anincreasingnumberofpropertiesalsoofferaccommodationforweekendletsormidweekbreaks,especiallyoutsideJulyandAugust.

Thereareanumberoffriendly,well-locatedyouthhostelsinthecounty,cateringforallagegroups.Hostelsarerunbyprivateoperators,aswellasnon-profitorganizations,andhavefullyequippedkitchensandcommonrooms.Mosthavedoubleandsingleroomsensuite,aswellasdormitoryaccommodation,andwillsupplybedlinenandtowels,sometimesatasmallextracost.

Caravanning,campervanandcampingenthusiastshaveanenticingrangeofsceniclocationstochoosefromatsitesthroughoutCork.Thesitesareregularlyinspectedandlicensed,toensurethehigheststandards.LuxurymobilehomesarealsoavailableforrentthroughoutCorkCounty.

Forreservationsandinformationvisit:www.corkkerry.ieorvisittheTouristInformationofficeswhenvisitingtheregion.

GAEILGE

FRENCH

GERMAN

TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICES

CORKCITY & COUNTY

Cork City (All Year) + 353 (0)21 4255100

Blarney (Seasonal) + 353 (0)21 4381624

Bantry (Seasonal) + 353 (0)27 50229

Clonakilty (All Year) + 353 (0)23 33226

Glengarriff (Seasonal) + 353 (0)27 63084

Kinsale (All Year) +353 (0)21 4772234

Macroom (Seasonal) + 353 (0)26 43280

Midleton (Seasonal) + 353 (0)21 4613702

Skibbereen (All Year) +353 (0)28 21766

Yo ug ha l I nf or ma ti on P oi nt + 3 53 ( 0) 24 2 01 70

COUNTYKERRY

Tralee (All year) +353 (0)66 7121288

Killarney (All year) +353 (0)64 31633

An Daingean (Dingle) (All year) +353 (0)66 9151188

Listowel (Seasonal) +353 (0)68 22590

Cahersiveen (Seasonal) +353 (0)66 9472589

Kenmare (Seasonal) +353 (0)64 41233

Waterville (Seasonal) +353 (0)66 9474646

ACTIVITIESTOSUITALLTASTESACCESSTOTHECOUNTY

EntertainmentAfinevarietyofsocial,culturalandsportingeventstakeplaceinCorkCityandCountythroughouttheyear.Artexhibitionsandfairs,theatricalperformancesandopera,andguidedwalkstakeplaceyear-round.Therearefestivalscelebratingmusic,film,dance,traditionalIrishmusic,andthefinelocalfood.Insummer,regattasandotherlocalfestivalsfillthecalendarwithfuneventsandfreeentertainment.Manybarshavefreelivemusic,andsomeofferIrishtraditional,seisinsandsetdancing.Thereisavariedandbuzzingnightlife,withbars,clubsandlivemusicvenuesforalltastes.CorkCityhasseveraltheatresofvaryingsizes,andthereisarangeofdramaticactivityonlocalstagesthroughoutthecounty.

FineFoodCorkCountyhasareputationasaculinaryparadise,witharangeoffoodsandrestaurantstoequalanyworldwide.Thetemperateclimate,alongtraditionoffarmingandaplentifulsupplyoftopqualityrawmaterialshasattractedchefsandfoodproducersfromallovertheworld,puttingCorkattheheadofIreland'sculinaryrevolution.AvisittotheEnglishMarketinCork

Cityisamustforanyfoodlover.Hereyoucansamplethewaresofthemanylocalartisanfoodproducers,andappreciatetheskillsofthemarket'straditionalbutchersandfishmongers.TherearealsonumerousFarmers

MarketswhichtakeplacethroughoutCorkCounty.Thereisafriendly,cosmopolitanatmosphereatthemarkets,whetherinwinterorsummer-apleasantminglingoflocals,foodproducersandvisitors.Sowhetheryouare

eatingasimplebarfoodlunch,oraformalfivecoursedinner,youwillfindthefoodinCorkisfresh,wholesomeandflavoursome,andservedinpleasantsurroundingswithflairandgenerosity.LookoutforTheFuchsiaBrandandotherlocalfoodbrands

SportandActivitiesCorkCityandCountyoffernumeroussportingattractions.Thecountyisfamousforitsgolfcourses,anditsfishing:deepsea,coarseandgameangling.Thereareseveraldivecentresinthecounty,ocean-goingyachtscanbechartered,withorwithoutskipper,anddinghiesandsurfboardscanalsobehiredbythedayorthehour.Moreandmorepeoplearetakingtotheseayear-roundinwetsuits.Wetsuits,surfboardsandkayakscanbehiredatvariouscentres.ThereareseveralBlueFlagBeachesthroughouttheCounty.Therearemanyindoorleisurecentres.SpectatorsportsincludeGaelicgames-hurlingandfootball,bothfastexcitingsports,aswellassoccerandrugby.HorseridingandponytrekkingandmanyotherequestrianeventsincludingpointtopointfixturesetcareheldthroughouttheCountyCorkRacecoursenearMallowhasseveralfixturesyearround,andhasbeenfullyrenovatedtothehigheststandards.Whilemostpeoplearefamiliarwithhorseracing,noteveryonehasbeentoadograce.AvisittotheplushCorkGreyhoundStadiummakesagreatnightout,andifyouchoose,youcanwatchtheracingfromyourdinnertable.GreyhoundracingalsotakesplaceintheseasidevillageofYoughal.

TravellingAroundIreland

UsefulNumbers

WaterBasedActivities

SPANISH

ITALIAN

The Tourist Information Officesin the Cork KerryRegion are there for yourassistanceandtohelpmakeyourstay moreenjoyableandinformative.

CorkCITY& COUNTY GUIDE

Thisbrochurewasproducedby FailteIrelandinconjunctionwithKerryCountyTourismCommittee

anddarsnaGaeltachta.

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www.corkkerry.ie

There is a wide variety of things to see and do while holidaying in Cork Cityand County, including interpretative centres, historic buildings, parks andgardens, woodland walks, boat trips and Blue Flag beaches. The followingare just a selection of whats on offer. For further information log on towww.corkkerry.ie or contact one of our Tourist Information Offices.

Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre Sunday's Well, Cork CityThis imposing building overlooking the city was formerly a prison, andhouses life-size waxwork figures in its cells, and a tour with spectacularsound effects. The Radio Museum is also located here.

Life Time Lab, Lee Road, Cork CityThe Life Time lab is housed in Cork city's old waterworks along the scenicbanks of the River Lee. It offers a fascinating insight into environmentalissues and Cork's industrial heritage.

St. Finbarre's Cathedral, Dean Street, Cork CityWidely acknoweldged as an architectural gem, this three-spired Gothiccathedral was completed in 1879 on the site where St Finbarre is believedto have founded his monastery in the seventh century.

St Anne's Church (Shandon Steeple), Shandon, Cork CityRing the Bells at the pepper pot steeple of St Anne's Church, (also knownas Four Face Liar)built in 1722, is the city's most famous landmark.

Cork Butter Museum, Shandon, Cork CityThe Cork Butter Market, which was in use from the late 1700s until 1924,is next to St Anne's Church. Its classical facade is a reminder that it wasone of the most important butter markets in Europe in its day.

University College Cork (UCC) Western Road, Cork CityUCC, a consitituent college of the National Univeristy of Ireland has beenan integral part of Cork life since 1845. The Gothic Revival Quadrangle,Ogham Stones, Aula Maxima (great hall), Honan Chapel and the LewisGlucksman Gallery, are all highlights to a visit to the University.

Cork Vision Centre in St Peter's Church North Main St., Cork CityThis exhibition centre housed in St. Peters Church displays past, presentand future plans for the City of Cork, and regularly showcases visitingexhibitions.

The English Market Grand Parade, Cork CityAn indoor food market, built in 1788 is still in operation today, and is one ofthe highlights of a visit to Cork.

Cork Public Museum and Fitzgerald Park Cork CityCork Public Museum is located inside Fitzgerald Park which has gardensthat span 18 acres. The exhibition of Michael Collins and Cork's role in theWar of Independence is a must see.It also has a number of interestingarchaeological exhibits.

Red Abbey Tower Abbey St., Cork CityThe Red Abbey Tower is the oldest building in the city. (circa 13th century)

Bishop Lucey Park, Grand Parade, Cork CityThis park is an oasis of green in the heart of the city, where you can seesome of the original medieval town walls. there is also an ornate fountainfeaturing swans commissioned for the city's 800th anniversary in 1985.

City Hall, Anglesea Street, Cork CityOpened by President Eamonn De Valera in 1936, the City Hall is used asa venue for conferences and concerts, and is home to Cork City Council.

Elizabeth Fort, Off Barrack Street, Cork CityBuilt in the late 16th century and converted into a prision in 1835. A portionof the fort is open to the public, with great views of the city from its walls.

Blarney Castle, Blarney, Co. CorkBlarney is renowned for its stone, which has the traditional power ofconferring eloquence the gift of the gab on all who kiss it.

Mallow is the Capital of North Cork and often referred to as the Crossroadsof Munster.

The Spa House, Mallow, Co. CorkThe Tudor style Spa house that stands over the spring well, which wasdiscovered in 1724, which lead to the towns reputation a spa town nowhouses an energy advice centre.

Mallow Castle, Mallow, Co. CorkMallow Castle was built beside what once the only river crossing on theBlackwater, and was replaced by a fortified house in the 16th century.

The Donkey Sanctuary, Liscarroll, Mallow, Co. CorkThe Sanctuary has taken over 1,800 donkeys into care, many rescuedfrom neglect.

Doneraile Country Park, Doneraile, Co. CorkThe park comprises of 166 hectares (412 acres) and is an outstandingexample of an 18th century landscaped park in the 'Capability Brown' style.It is situated only 10km from the historic town of Mallow

Annes Grove Gardens, Castletownroche, Co. CorkSet on a sloping site around an elegant early eighteenth-century houseoverlooking the River Awbeg, the thirty-acre garden is filled with thousandsof thriving plants in a layout that merges unobtrusively into the landscape.

Millstreet Country Park, Millstreet, Co. CorkMillstreet Country Park is renowned for its breathtaking views and themedgardens. A herd of 700 Red Deer can be seen roaming the paddocks, andis also home to many species of birds and wild animals.

Kanturk Castle, Co. CorkKanturk Castle, is an impressive ruined shell with ornate fireplaces andmullioned windows, dating from 1601, situated one mile south of Kanturktown, the capital of the ancient Barony of Duhallow.

Liscarroll Castle, Lisacarroll, Co. CorkThe Castle is a National Monument. The Castle was built around the year1280. A large keep survives, with four towers, and is one of the largest13th century castles in Ireland.

Mitchelstown Caves, Burncourt, Cahir, Co. TipperaryMitchelstown Caves is located 12 km east of Mitchelstown, and is one ofthe most spectacular in Europe, with stalactite and stalagmites reaching upto 10 meters high.

Youghal is a scenic walled port town on the mouth of Munsters majestic

River Blackwater, it also boasts 5 miles of sandy beaches. Steeped inhistory, heritage and culture there are numerous delights to explore. Visitthe original walls of the old town which are still intact, while the ClockGate, which dates from the 1777, spans the main street. St. Mary'sCollegiate Church, an 11th Century jewel, nestles within the security ofthese fortifications. See Myrtle Grove which was once home to Sir WalterRaleighwho brought Ireland it first potatoes and tobacco. or visit the tombof Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Cork.

Fota House & Gardens, Carrigtwohill, Co. CorkFota House is a fine example of Regency-period domestic architecture,with magnificent neoclassical interiors. Surrounded by parkland, FotaHouse boasts superb gardens and a world-renowned arboretum.

Fota Wildlife Park, Carrigtwohill, Co. CorkFota Wildlife Park is among the most progressive wildlife parks in Europe,with more than ninety species in open, natural surroundings.

Old Midleton Distillery, Midleton, Co. CorkFollow the distillery trail through mills, maltings, corn stores, still houses,

warehouses and kilns and view the largest pot still in the world, all prior tosampling the renowned Jameson Whiskey in the bar.

Barryscourt Castle, Carrigtwohill, Co. CorkSeat of the Barry family from the 12th to the 17th century, the presentcastle is a fine example of a 15th century tower house with 16th centuryadditions. The ground floor houses an exhibition on the history of theBarrys and Barryscourt Castle.

Cobh - The Queenstown Story, Cobh, Co. CorkCobh was the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic. The town also was asilent witness to the millions of emigrants who left Ireland in the 19th and20th centuries. Amulti-media exhibition in the old railway station tells thestory. Today luxury liners from all over the world call to Cobh, makingvisitors realize just how far we have come.

St Coleman's Cathedral, Cobh, Co. CorkThe magnificent Catherdal, which towers over the town of Cobh, took halfa century to construct. The foundation stone was laid in 1868, andconsecration finally took place in 1919. The Cathedral is renowned for its47-bell carillion.

Charles Fort, Summercove, Kinsale, Co. CorkCharles Fort constructed in the late 17th century is a classical example ofa star shaped fort. One of the largest military forts in the country, it hasbeen associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history.

Desmond Castle, Cork Street, Kinsale, Co. CorkLocally known as The French Prison, it was built as a custom house bythe Earl of Desmond c.AD 1500. It has an International Museum of Wine.

Kinsale Museum, Market Place, Kinsale, Co. CorkHoused in a 17th-century Dutch-style courthouse, it contains many itemsof historical interest, including memorabilia from the wreck of the Lusitania.

West Cork Model Railway Village, Clonakilty, Co. CorkThe Model Village depicts in miniature, life and industry in West Cork asthey were in the mid-20th-century. Clonakilty is home to Michael Collinsand there is a statue of him in the town square.

Skibbereen Heritage Centre, Upper Bridge Street, Skibbereen.The Great Famine Commemoration Exhibition brings this tragic period inthe 1840s to life in a series of exhibits, dramatizations and interactivestations. The Lough Hyne Interpretative Centre explains the unique natureof the nearby marine lake, Ireland's first Marine Nature Reserve.

Gougane Barra Forest Park Near Ballingeary, Co. CorkThe deep corrie lake at Gougane Barra is the source of the River Lee. Itwas here that St. Finbar founded his monastery in the 6th-century. It is nowmarked by a replica early Irish chapel.There are several attractive walksfor carrying degrees of fitness around the 142 hectares of wooded land.

Bantry House and Gardens & 1796 French ArmadaBantry House is 18th century stately home and gardens built on an

elevated terrace overlooking Bantry Bay.

Garinish Island (Ilnacullin), Glengarriff, Co. CorkAsmall island off Glengarrif was transformed into a series of gardens in theearly 20th-century by Architect and horticulturist Howard Peto. He usedItalian Renaissance architecture in the Italian garden to contrast with thewilderness of the surrounding mountains.

Lisselan Estate Gardens,Clonakilty, Co. CorkTwelve hectares of carefully sculpted gardens have been planted in thevalley of the River Argideen in the beneficial microclimate of West Cork.

Schull Planetarium,Schull, Co. CorkAttached to the Schull Community College, this is Ireland's onlyplanetarium, and will give you a guided tour of the night skies

Mizen Head Signal Station, Near Goleen, Co. CorkThe Mizen Head is Ireland's most southwesterly point, and the location ofa dramatically-sited lighthouse above the Head's treacherous rocks. Thishas now been converted into an award winning visitor centre, and is anexciting and exhilarating experience for all ages.

Call of the Sea, Castletownbere, Co. CorkA voyage of discovery this centre tells the story of copper mining in thearea, the naval history of the Bantry Bay and the development of thefishing industry.

TheIslandsof WestCork

ThereareseveralislandsofftheWestCorkcoast,allwellworthvisitingfortheirunspoiltlandscapeandrichwildlife.WhiddyIslandinBantryBay is a shor t fe r ry r ide f romBant ry ,andBereIs landa lso in Bant ryBayhastworegu lar fe r ry serv ices ,onef romCastletownbere(15mins)and onefromthe pontoonto theeastof thetown(20 mins). OilenChlire(CapeClear)is anIrish-speaking island with a bird observatoryat the mouth of RoaringwaterbayBay, about 45 minutesby ferry(foot passengers only)fromBaltimoreand Schullin season. SherkinIslandis famedforits monasticremainsandits sandybeaches,andis onlyfiveminutesfrom Baltimore by ferry. Heir Island, also in Roaringwater Bay, isa smallisland 1.5km by 2.5km also with good beaches.LongIslandhasa populationoften.DurseyIslandislocatedattheextremesouth-westerlytipof theBearaPeninsula,andaccessisby theonlycable-carin Ireland.

Gaeltacht Areas

Thereare a number ofGaeltacht(Irishspeaking) areasthroughoutWest Cork and these include Oilen Chlire, Bal tha anGhaorthaidh, CilAodha and Cillna Martra. Summer collegesoperateinsome oftheseareasand aswell asbringingstudents,theseIrishLanguagecoursesalsoformpartof familyholidays. Manyoverseasvisitorsto theGaeltachtareasverymuchenjoytheatmosphereofthetraditionsofthe Gaeltachtwayof lifeandin particularparticipatingintraditionalentertainmentincludingIrishmusic,songanddance.Inthecase of the Cil AodhaGael tacht , the area becamebet terknownthroughthemusicalgeniusofSen Riada.

North Cork East Cork

Cork City & Blarney

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS

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Allrightsreservedincludingtherightofreproductioninwholeorin partinanyformwhatsoever. Everycare hasbeen taken toensureaccuracyinthecompilationof thisregionalguide. FilteIreland SouthWest

Region connot, however, acceptresponsibilityforerrorsorommissions,butwheresucharebroughtto ournotice, futurepublicationswillbe ammended accordingly. Some sportingactivitiesmay bytheir naturebe hazardousandinvolverisk.I t is recommendedin such

casesto takeout personalaccident insurance.

County Map Index

Tourist Information Offices

Visitor Attractions

Gealtacht Areas

Airports

Ferry Ports

National routes

Secondary Routes

Local Ferries

Bird Watching

Cave

Game Angling

Sea Angling

Angling Boat Centres

9 Hole Golf Course

18 Hole Golf Course

Blue Flag Beach

Whale / Dolphin Watching

Equestrian Centre / Pony Trekking