Cork is Ireland’s largest county in size and second largest in population after Dublin.
You are never too far from any activity when you visit Cork. Whether you are looking to climb mountain peaks, visit award winning blue flag beaches, or sail and fish.
Cork is a great place for a driving holiday. So why not book a ferry to Rosslare or a ferry to Dublin and bring your car with you? There are so many locations and towns for you and your family to enjoy in Cork.
Baltimore
Let the Atlantic breeze blow off those cobwebs and relax in the coastal town of Baltimore in West Cork. The many inlets along the jagged peninsula of Baltimore offer many maritime activities for you and your family to enjoy.
The natural surroundings of Baltimore allow you to enjoy many outdoor activities, including, sea angling, river & lake fishing, whale & dolphin spotting, boat trips to islands such as the Fastnet Rock, bird watching, and much more.
Minke Whale, Pilot, and Fin Whale are known, and sought after, visitors to the shores off Baltimore. Dolphins such as the Bottlenose and Rissos are also welcome attractions during the summer months.
Baltimore is a town of many cultural festivals, including the annual Baltimore Heritage Festival, Baltimore Fiddle Fair, and Baltimore Wooden Boat Festival. But what would a sea-side town be without a Seafood Festival? Yes, Baltimore has that covered too! The majority of these festivals occur on the May Bank Holiday weekend.
Bantry
The naturally sculpted landscape of Bantry Bay lends itself to some of the most eye catching sights to be found on the island of Ireland. Popular walking routes are intermingled with mountainous forested valleys and glens. Whether you are travelling by car, on foot, or enjoying a cycling holiday in Ireland, you can't turn down the opportunity to walk the paths at The Sheep's Head & The Beara way.
A very popular activity is Sea Kayaking around Bantry bay. Be sure to bring your camera with you as you paddle in and around the many nooks and crannies along the picturesque meandering rivers around Bantry Bay. The many scenic photo opportunities that are dotted around the bay make Bantry a photographer's heaven.
Legendry Irish golfer Christy O'Connor Jnr designed the course at Bantry Bay Golf Club. Overlooking the bay, this award winning 18 hole course is a challenge for any aspiring golfer. In fact there are three popular golf courses within a half hour drive of Bantry. Don't forget your golf clubs!
With six major hotels and plenty of B&B's, you can enjoy Bantry and its attractions all year round.
Skibbereen
Skibbereen (meaning Little Boat Town) is another hugely popular seaside town in the West of Cork. Skibbereen is the gateway to the West of Cork. It is a cultural hub and often it is the first destination for those wanting to explore all that West Cork has to offer.
Skibbereen was badly affected by the famine in the mid 1800’s. Testament to this are the mass graves at Abbeystrewery where it is estimated that more than 10,000 lay unaccounted for. The Great Famine Exhibition at the Skibbereen Heritage Centre pays tribute to the memories of those that perished.
Skibbereen is also home of the West Cork Arts Centre which details the works of popular artists, writers, and craftspeople.
Skibbereen is a popular boating town with many sea activities such as scuba diving and sailing all year round.
Blarney
Blarney, is one of the most well known towns in Ireland, let alone Cork. Thousands flock to Blarney each year to kiss the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those that lay their lips on the stone are subsequently endowed with the ‘gift of the gab’ (slang for flowery and poetic turn of phrase).
The Blarney Stone is built into the walls of the Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s most popular castle ruins. The Blarney Castle attracts visitors from near and far to its beautifully arranged gardens, medieval castle ruins, and tourist centres.
Fota Zoo
Fota Wildlife Park is a Zoo in Cork located on an island just 20 minutes outside Cork City by car. The park was established in 1983 and is home to more than 70 species of exotic wildlife that are allowed to freely roam the 50 acres of land. In the park you will be able to find kangaroos, giraffes, ostriches, and cheetahs. But don’t worry, not all animals stroll around unattended to.
Also located within the Wildlife Park is one of Cork’s most scenic Golf Courses. The 18 hole course boasts of three championship standard golf course configurations and is a challenge for any golfer.
Cork City
Cork City, European Capital of Culture 2005, is possibly the most culturally diverse city in the whole of Ireland. The city holds strong connections to French & Spanish culture due to its geographic location and strong harbour history. There is a strong Anglo-Irish influence throughout the city with the famous English Market and the vast grounds of University College Cork two popular areas of interest.
Cork city is surrounded by historical religious landmarks with prominent Christian buildings such as St. Finbarre’s Cathedral, St Mary's Cathedral, Franciscan buildings (there is even a modernised Franciscan brewery!), and an Abbey from the 1400’s, one of the few remaining Medieval buildings in Ireland.
You can find out more about Cork City, its main attractions, festivals, and sporting heritage on our Visit Cork City page.
Bandon
The town of Bandon has strong historical links with Britain. The town was founded in the early 1600’s as a plantation town during Elizabethan times. The town established itself as a major industrial centre with a focus on brewing, cotton milling, and tanning.
The Bandon Summer Fest and Bandon Music Festival are two popular family orientated festivals run over the June and August Bank Holiday weekends.
Clonakilty
Clonakilty, or “Clon” as it is locally known, is a colourful small town located just off the coast in the west of Cork. It is mostly a farming town with many well received and popular beaches nearby, including Inchydoney beach. The best thing about Clonakilty is the relentless work and effort put into the town by the friendly local community. The town has won countless rewards for its cleanliness and its environmental efforts. It was the first town to win the Fair Trade Award and also won the European Destination of Excellence by the European Commission.
Clonakilty is famous for its passion for traditional and contemporary music and culture. Every night of the week you will find traditional Irish music played loud and proud by local musicians. However, there is one item that’s more popular than the delicate sounds of flute and harp players, and that’s Clonakilty Irish Pudding. You can’t leave Cork without sampling the local delicacy!
Kinsale
The fortified harbour town of Kinsale is one of Cork’s most popular destination towns for tourists. Many visitors fall so in love with the local landscape, the meandering streets, the antique shops, and the local cuisine store fronts that they decide never to leave the tranquil seaside life. The 2006 census recorded that British nationals accounted for 9% of the town’s population.
A ruined French Prison Castle oversees the popular harbour where many yachts and fishing boats are moored. The town hosts many festivals including food festivals, music festivals, and the Kinsale 7’s. The Kinsale 7’s is a seven-a-side club rugby tournament that takes place each May Bank Holiday Weekend. Teams, both male and female, from around the world compete against each other to be crowned champions. The tournament attracts thousands of visitors with as many people in the bars and restaurants as there are watching the games!