Welcome to County Cork
Everything good about Ireland can be found in County Cork. Surrounding the country's second city – a thriving metropolis made glorious by location and its almost Rabelaisian devotion to the finer things of life – is a lush landscape dotted with villages that offer days of languor and idyll. The city's understated confidence is grounded in its plethora of food markets and ever-evolving cast of creative eateries, and in its selection of pubs, entertainment and cultural pursuits.
Top experiences in County Cork
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County Cork activities
Cork, Kinsale, Blarney Castle, Cobh Tour with Harbor Pickup
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productPass By: Paddywagon Day Tours, Cork, County CorkWe will collect you in style from your Cruise Ship. When you leave the Ship, turn to the right, and your guide will be waiting for you near the pedestrian exit gate. We collect passengers from the cruise ship at 07:30 for departure @ 08:00. Where your ship docks later than 07:30 the tour will begin 30 minutes after disembarkation commences. We like to get ahead of the crowd and avoid the queues in Blarney!Pass By: The English Market, Cork, County CorkWe depart Blarney and take a panoramic drive through Cork City. We view the highlights of this fine City such as the River Lee, St Finbarre's Cathedral, Shandon Bells, English Market and Grand Parade. Cork was recently considered by the Lonely Planet one of the 10 must see cities in the world. Some of its famous sons include Henry Ford, Michael Collins and of course world famous footballer Roy Keane.Stop At: Blarney Stone, County CorkOur first stop of the day is Blarney. Visit the most famous Castle in all of Ireland!! Lie back and kiss the magical Blarney Stone and get the gift of the gab! Your admission is included saving you 15 euro. WE ARE HAPPY TO INCLUDE ADMISSION TO BLARNEY CASTLE: others will make you join a queue and pay at the gate! You will also have time to visit the world famous Blarney Woolen Mills. Famed as the largest Irish Store in the world, many take advantage of its tax free shopping offers on quality Irish products.Duration: 1 hour 30 minutesStop At: Charles Fort, Kinsale, County CorkWe drive through the beautiful Cork Countryside to the charming town of Kinsale! Enjoy typical views of the rolling fields of West Cork and also a stop overlooking picturesque Kinsale Harbor and its 2 forts - Charles Fort and James Fort. It was just off the Old Head of Kinsale that in 1915 the Lusitania sank with grave loss of life.Duration: 20 minutesPass By: Cobh Cathedral, Cobh, County CorkIf time allows, we can explore Cobh Cathedral. Stop At: Kinsale Tourist Information OfficeOur next stop is the historical town of Kinsale for, a town famed for the battle of Kinsale in 1601. Today it is Ireland's gourmet capital with winding streets, great pubs and fine restaurants. On our standard 8h tours we stop in Kinsale for lunch, however depending on the departure time of the ship this must be at the drivers discretion (NO EXCEPTION). The town is beautifully situated at the mouth of the harbor and is exceptionally colorful with picture post card buildings and many country Irish folk with strange and distinguished accentsDuration: 1 hourPass By: Port of CobhWe depart Kinsale and to make sure you are back on board in ample time for departure. The service ends back at the dockside after approximately 8 hours on tour. If the boat is leaving earlier we will amend the itinerary as necessary.
Cliffs of Moher Day Trip from Cork
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productPass By: Paddywagon Day Tours, Cork, County CorkCheck in at 7.30am with our friendly Paddywagon Staff at our Tourist Office located on Bridge Street. Ready for a 7.45am departure. We depart Cork and enjoy a scenic drive across the beautiful golden vale of Cork, to historic Limerick city. This city is the setting for blockbuster novel and movie Angela's Ashes, and is also the home of the Munster rugby team. Stop At: The Burren, County ClareWe depart Doolin and visit one of the most unusual limestone surfaces anywhere - the Burren, a lunar landscape dating back 300 million years with unique features such as underground lakes and waterfalls. If it's the right season you may see one of the 26 different types of orchids that grow here right on beautiful Galway Bay. As we stroll through this rugged surface we understand how Neil Armstrong felt when he set foot on the moon in August 1969.Duration: 20 minutesPass By: Galway Bay, Galway, County Galway, Western IrelandThe tour continues with a coastal drive along Galway Bay.Stop At: Bunratty Castle, Bunratty, County ClareWe stop at Bunratty Castle, for a photo stop and a chance to grab a coffee and refresh yourself. You can easily imagine Norman knights, Gaelic warriors, and jousting chieftains at this hallowed spot.Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Cliffs of Moher, Liscannor, County ClareWe spend 1.5 hours at the Cliffs of Moher - one of the world's greatest natural attractions. These cliffs stand 1/3 the size of the Empire State Building and have large populations of puffins and gannets. You can enjoy a hike or a relaxed walk, while gazing in amazement at this geological and natural beauty. The Cliffs of Moher also have shops and restaurants, anything from snacks and souvenirs available in plenty. Visitor charges at the Cliffs are included in the tour price saving you €6. You will also receive a complimentary ticket to the award winning Atlantic Edge exhibition that examines all aspects of the mighty Cliffs of Moher.Duration: 2 hoursPass By: King John's Castle, Limerick, County LimerickWe will view and learn about King John's Castle and the River Shannon. We continue via County Clare to the west coast of Ireland.
Ring of Kerry Full-Day Guided Tour from Cork
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productPass By: Paddywagon Day Tours, Cork, County CorkWe will depart Cork at 8:20am, and make our way across the rolling Cork and Kerry Mountains.Stop At: Killarney National Park, Killarney, County KerryFirst we will stop in Killarney Town!Regularly voted the most beautiful town in Ireland, Killarney is the gateway to both Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula. Nestled in the valley beneath Ireland's highest mountain range, and surrounded by lakes Killarney boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. Lined with lovely shops, pubs and traditional arts and crafts stores, this true gem is a must see for every traveler who visits our motherland.Catch a coffee and breakfast, or use the time to visit St.Mary's Cathedral or Killarney House and Gardens. You will visit and learn about the National Park again towards the end of Ring of Kerry. Duration: 1 hourPass By: Ring of Kerry, County KerryPass through Killorglin, the home of the ancient Celtic festival Puck Fair. Dating back to 1613., this is one of the oldest festivals in the world where a goat is crowned king of the village and placed on a pedestal for 3 day in August each year. People come from far and wide to pay homage to the king goat and enjoy the festivities of street stalls, music, and much more. This section of the tour takes you along part of the famous "Ring of Kerry" driving route.Stop At: Dingle Bay, Dingle, Dingle Peninsula, County KerryWe enjoy a scenic drive along some parts of the famous Dingle Peninsula. We stop for photos en route with amazing views of Dingle Bay, Skellig rocks, Inch beach. . This ideal setting is perfect for panoramic photographs admits the Wild Atlantic Way.**Dingle Bay separates Iveragh Peninsula (Ring of Kerry) and Dingle Peninsula. We also have a Dingle Day Tour available daily!**Duration: 20 minutesStop At: Waterville Beach, Waterville, County KerryPicturesque little village overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay with its own beautiful beach, famed by the Skellig Rocks with their early Christian monastery. A regular visitor, Charlie Chaplin loved Waterville and hence the statue in his honor, unveiled in 1998. It is also home to one of Ireland's finest golf clubs and most famed footballer Mick O'Dwyer and Mick O'Connell.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Sneem Art Studio, Sneem, County KerryWe take a stop in the charming village of Sneem. This is one of Ireland's most colorful and charming villages. With two squares and a beautiful bridge in the middle of the village, this is where the River Sneem meets the currents of Kenmare Bay. It was also the regular holiday choice or Charles de Gaulle.Duration: 20 minutesPass By: The Black Valley, Killarney, County KerryOne of the most beautiful and admired national parks in the world, Killarney national park was the first of its kind established in Ireland in 1932. With magnificent views of the Lakes of Killarney and Black Valley, the park gives you an opportunity to enjoy a walk in this amazing landscape and spend time strolling along the lakes.Stop At: Torc Waterfall, Killarney, County KerryTorc Waterfall is a 18m high waterfall which cascades through the wooded Friers Glenn. We take a stop at this magnificent natural site of beauty. Enjoy a short walk , and maybe even see the red deer which are well known inhabitants of the Killarney national park . The waterfall has a public hiking path that stretches to the top of Torc Mountain.Duration: 20 minutesPass By: Paddywagon Day Tours, Cork, County CorkWe relax as we make our way over the Cork and Kerry mountains back to the rebel city at approx 7 pm after a fun-filled, inspired and most memorable day at the Ring of Kerry.Pass By: Paddywagon Day Tours, Cork, County CorkWe relax as we make our way over the Cork and Kerry mountains back to the rebel city at approx 7 pm after a fun-filled, inspired and most memorable day at the Ring of Kerry.
Jameson Experience in County Cork
Make your own way to the old Midleton Distillery, which is located in Midleton, around a 15-minute drive from the city of Cork. Begin by watching an informative video that will introduce you to the story of Jameson. The long-standing brand has been producing Irish whiskey for more than 230 years. After getting up to speed on the history of Jameson, talk a walk through the old distillery in the company of an expert guide. Some of the buildings here date back as far as the late 18th century and although the distillery is no longer functioning, much of the equipment and features have been carefully preserved and restored.As you walk through the historical buildings, see old kilns, mills and distilling equipment, including the largest pot still in the world. Enter a 19th-century warehouse, which has been carefully restored with original features and now stores casks full of aging whiskey. Learn about the artisan craft of building whiskey barrels through a cooperage exhibit in the warehouse.Finish up in the Jameson Bar, where a select few participants will get to take part in a comparative tasting. They’ll learn how to distinguish Jameson from different types of whiskey. Everyone in the tour can then savor a complimentary glass of Jameson or a Jameson-based cocktail.The tour concludes here in the bar, where you can indulge in more whiskey tastings (own expense). Alternatively, browse the gift store, which stocks exclusive Jameson merchandise.
Cobh Heritage Centre Skip-the-Line Entry Queenstown Story Tour
The Queenstown Story is a very emotive, interesting and educational experience. It tells the story of Cobh's history and legacy dealing with events in Irish and world history that have a close connection with Cobh. The main theme is the story of Irish Emigration, how and why it happened and how it still stirs emotion with descendants of those people. The story of how Irish men, women and children were sent as convicts to Australia and the conditions they had to endure.Cobh has one of the finest nartural harbors in the world and therefore the exhibition has a maritime theme also and it recalls the close association between Cobh and the two great liner disasters the Titanic and the Lusitania. It is a self guided tour that has multi media and audio visual displays and is suitable for all ages. The tour lasts approx 45 minutes but one could quite easily spend a few hours soaking up all the history.The Cobh Cultural TourThis tour includes the Queenstown Story exhibition above in addition to the famous Titanic Trail Walking Tour. The walking tour commences at 11am or 2pm each day and gives amazing insights into the real stories and historical environs of Cobh, tracing its buildings and monuments connecting the visitor to the underlying narrative of locations associated with Titanic. Entry to the Queenstown Story can be before or after the walking tour.
Dingle Peninsula Full-Day Tour from Cork
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productPass By: Paddywagon Day Tours, Cork, County CorkWe leave Bridge Street Tourist Office, (next to St Patrick's Bridge) Cork City at 8.30am.Pass By: Kerry MountainWe make our way towards County Kerry and the town of Killarney. Here we cross the county bounds at the very top of the Cork and Kerry mountains famed in the song "Whiskey in the Jar". We ease our way towards Killarney with magnificent views of Ireland's highest mountain CarrauntoohilStop At: Town CentreRegularly voted the most beautiful town in Ireland, Killarney is the gateway to both Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula. Nestled in the valley beneath Ireland's highest mountain range, and surrounded by lakes Killarney boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. Lined with lovely shops, pubs and traditional arts and crafts stores, this true gem is a must see for every traveler who visits our motherland.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Inch Beach, Inch, Dingle Peninsula, County KerryInch Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Ireland, and stretches for 3 miles facing the Atlantic ocean and is renowned as a surfing and fishing location. Its golden sands became well known on the big screen as it has featured in many movies, most notably Ryan's Daughter and Playboy of Western World which was entirely filmed along its shoreline.Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Slea Head Drive, Dingle Peninsula, County KerrySlea Head drive is considered by many photographic magazines as the most beautiful peninsula in the world, and was recently voted the number one area for dramatic shots. The road winds around through Gaelic speaking Corca Dhuibhne beginning at Ventry beach passing by the 4000 year old beehive huts and onwards to Dunquin with amazing views of the great Blasket Island and the Sleeping Giant. The peninsula has fabulous beaches in Coonenoole and Clogherhead where the film Far and Away was shot. We drive through the beautiful village of Ballyferriter.Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Dingle Peninsula, County KerryNext we make a stop in Dingle Village. Charming Gaelic speaking fishing village famed in many films like Far and Away and Ryan's Daughter, Dingle is celebrated for having most pubs in Ireland for a town of its size, 52 pubs and 2000 people. We cannot forget Dingle's most famous resident, Fungi the Dolphin.Duration: 1 hour 30 minutesPass By: Paddywagon Day Tours, Cork, County CorkFollowing a fun-filled day on the Dingle Penninsula, we make our way back over the mountains to Cork, where we aim to arrive back at approx 7 pm.