Co. Cork Day Trip
Visit 3 of the best-known towns on this lovely Co. Cork day trip: Blarney, Cork city and Cobh. Visit the Blarney Castle, explore its gardens, and kiss the Blarney stone. Visit the English Market in the thriving University city of Cork. Admire the beauty of Cobh, its cathedral and learn about the last departure point of the Titanic.
Blarney Castle and gardens
Your Co. Cork day trip begins with a scenic drive to Blarney. From Annagh More take the N22 towards Cork. Past Macroom take the R618. It is signposted from here to the castle. Take plenty of time to visit the world-famous Blarney Castle and its gardens, and to kiss the Blarney Stone. It’s said that if you kiss the stone you will receive the “gift of the gab” for 7 years! Explore the castle grounds and gardens to discover the Witch’s Cave.
If you like, you can indulge in some tax-free shopping at the Blarney Wollen Mills, Ireland’s biggest craft shop.
Cobh and the Titanic
Your County Cork day trip tour then continues to Great Island, where you’ll visit the town of Cobh. Cobh is situated on Cork’s harbor. Visit the Queenstown Story Heritage Center. Set in a beautifully restored railway station of the Victorian age. This was also the transatlantic terminal that served as the point of departure to the New World for generations of Irish emigrants, from the time of famine up to recent years
Enjoy some free time in Cobh. First of all, you can visit magnificent St. Coleman’s Cathedral. Furthermore, you can choose the award-winning Titanic Experience. This contains an exhibition in the original White Star Line building.
Complet your stay in Cobh with a visit to the Fota Wildlife Park. With a 70-acre zoo area for endangered animals, plus a large garden with numerous plant species.
- Cobh – The Queenstown Story www.cobhheritage.com/index2.html
- Cobh (Town) www.cork-guide.ie/cobh.htm
- Titanic Trail: 1-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Cobh
- Fota Wildlife Park: www.fotawildlife.ie
Cork city
First of all, Ireland’s second city is first in every important respect. At least according to the locals. Because they cheerfully refer to it as the ‘real capital of Ireland’. Famous for its arts, music and literature scenes. Built on the site of a 6th-century monastic settlement, the city centre is full of Georgian buildings, 17th-century alleys, and dynamic new architecture. It’s a liberal, youthful and cosmopolitan place that was especially hit by the economic recession. However, it is now busily reinventing itself with spruced-up streets. Also revitalised stretches of waterfront. Noteworthy: an artisan coffee bar on every corner. There’s a bit of a hipster scene, however, the best of the city is still happily traditional. Snug pubs with live-music sessions. Restaurants dishing up top-quality local produce, and especially, a genuinely proud welcome from the locals.
Here is a selection of things to do when in Cork city:
- University College Cork (UCC) www.ucc.ie
- Glucksman Gallery www.glucksman.org
- St Finbarr’s Cathedral www.cathedral.cork.anglican.org/
- Cork Public Museum www.corkcity.ie/services/recreationamenityculture/museum/
- Cork City Gaol www.corkcitygaol.com
- Shandon Bells (Church of St. Anne) www.shandonbells.org
- English Market www.cork-guide.ie/cork_city/english-market.html
- Crawford College of Art and Design www.crawfordartgallery.com
- Curraheen Race Track www.igb.ie/stadia/crk.aspx
- Cork City Tour – Open Topped bus
- Walking Tours of Cork City. www.walkcork.ie
- Cork City Pub Crawl
- Blackrock Castle www.bco.ie/