Attractions Nearby Cork, Day Trips and Excursions

(Cork, County Cork, Republic of Ireland)

In this quiet and mainly isolated coastal corner of the Republic of Ireland, the beauty of the countryside and the wild beaches with their towering cliffs are a compelling attraction for nature buffs. In addition, many of the small towns surrounding Cork are extremely historic and contain heritage buildings linked to southern Ireland's chequered history.

With the city of Cork as a base, travelling the region by hire car, or even by taxi or bus, can make for memorable day trips and excursions. Close by are a myriad of attractions, such as castles, ancient forts, national parks, many lovely lakes, forests, green spaces and charming fishing villages.

Blarney Castle

Address: Blarney, Cork, Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 021 438 5252
Ancient Blarney Castle is home to the famous Blarney Stone and its legend. The stone, believed to be half of the mysterious Stone of Scone, is high on the battlements, and those who bend backwards over the abyss and kiss it are forever gifted with the skill of diplomacy. Blarney Castle dates from the middle of the 15th century, although earlier fortifications are known to have stood in this very spot at the turn of the 13th century.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 18:30, May and September; 09:00 to 19:00, June to August; 09:00 to sundown, October to April; Sunday - 09:30 to 17:30, summer; 09:30 to sundown, winter
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, students, children and families

Glengarriff

Address: Glengarriff, Cork, Republic of Ireland
This charming village lies on the slopes of the Caha Mountains, where it boasts spectacular views across the countryside to the tip of Bantry Bay. Its year-round temperate is an added attraction, as is the Glengarriff Bamboo Park. Glengarriff is a seaside village full of charm and features a harbour frequently used by visiting yachts.

Fota Wildlife Park

Address: Carrigtwohill, Fota Island, Cork, Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 021 481 2678
Spread over 70 acres / 28 miles, this wildlife sanctuary focuses on conservation and protection, and offers guided tours, restaurants, educational programmes and playgrounds, as well as birds and animals, all in a stunning setting. The Fota Wildlife Park opened to the public in 1983 and is especially popular with families, being home to attractions such as bison, cheetahs, gibbons, giraffes, ring-tailed lemurs, squirrel monkeys, wallabies and zebras, as well as both penguins and seals.
Open hours: spring and summer, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday- 11:00 to 17:00; Autumn and Winter, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 15:30, Sunday- 11:00 to 15:30
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, students, children, families and groups

Cobh Heritage Centre

Address: Cobh, Cork, Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 021 81 3591
The maritime history of this quaint town is displayed at the Cobh Heritage Centre, with multimedia relating to the ships and famous cruise liners, including the Titanic and the Lusitania, which docked here over the years. As a bonus, the exhibition is set in Cobh's restored Victorian rail station. Other attractions at this appealing seaport town include Titanic Trail Tours, which meet at the Commodore Hotel, and evening ghost tours during the summer months.
Open hours: 09:30 to 17:00 daily, January to April, November and December; 09:30 to 18:00 daily May to October
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, students, children, families and groups

Charles Fort

Address: Kinsale / Summer Cove, Cork, Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 021 477 4347
The Charles Fort was built during the latter part of the 17th century and soon after was besieged by famous English statesman and soldier, John Churchill, before being used as barracks for the British Army for several centuries. This star-shaped fort overlooks Kinsale and the estuary, and once held one of the largest garrisons in the country. Inside, visitors can get a glimpse of the living conditions of the military and their families.
Open hours: May to October - 10:00 to 18:00, daily; November to mid-March - 10:00 to 17:00 daily
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, students, children, families and groups

Gougane Barra

Address: Macroom, Cork, Republic of Ireland
Gougane Barra is the top beauty spot in County Cork, with its lakes and spectacular wild scenery. It is also known for water sports, and was a pilgrimage destination for its tiny island's monastery set up by St. Finbarre. A large forest park is based here and covers approximately 350 acres / 141 hectares, being rich in wildlife.

Mizen Head

Address: Mizen Head, Goleen, Cork, Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 028 35 115
Set on a spellbinding rocky promontory amid the wild Atlantic waves, this Signal Fog Station was originally built for shipping and is now open to the public. Particular attractions include the keeper's house, engine room and famed suspension bridge, while the spectacular sea views are a definite must-see. Although Mizen Head is often mistaken for being the southernmost spot on mainland Ireland, this title is actually held by nearby Brow Head.
Open hours: June to September - 10:00 to 18:00 daily; April. May, October 10:30 to 17:00, April; November to March - 11:00 to 16:00 weekends only
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, students, children, families and groups

Midleton Distillery

Address: Midleton, Cork, Republic of Ireland
Tel: +353 021 461 3594
Housed in a restored 18th-century industrial complex, the Jameson Heritage Centre tells you all you ever wanted know about Irish whiskey, as well as offering samples of the brew. This distillery has a long and interesting history, and actually first began its life in 1796, when it originally manufactured wool.
Open hours: March to October - tours 10:00 to 18:00 daily; November to February - tours 11.30, 13:00, 14.30 and 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for seniors, students and children