This is a well-known village with locals in the South of Ireland. It is a great stop on any tours of Ireland, and has a few good hotels. The general area, and in particular Kinsale, was the scene of fierce battles in the 17th century. The Spanish sought...
Monkstown is a nice wee village situated in County Cork. It sits between the villages of Douglas and Ringaskiddy. It is a hidden gem on any tours of Ireland. The name is derived from a colony of Benedictine monks. Monkstown Castle is worth looking at, as it has an...
This castle sits in the village of Kinsale, which is a great stop on any tours of Ireland. Desmond Castle is located in the middle of the town on Cork Street. It is well worth visiting. It can be referred to as the French Prison, as it was...
This is an impressive building in Cork. You should look at it if you find yourself there on any tours of Ireland. Saint Finbarr is said to have founded the city of Cork, and the cathedral is on the site of his original church. The cathedral was consecrated...
This is a famous stop for many tours of Ireland. The first castle was built of wood , and the one currently visited is in fact the third castle built here. The big draw for visitors is “skiing the Blarney Stone”. This is a block of limestone which...
This is a notable late Georgian mansion at the edge of Bantry Bay, around 50 miles from Cork. It houses a unique collection of tapestries and furniture making it a great stop on any tours of Ireland. A driveway leads up a steep hill to the formal...
This is a village to visit on any tours of Ireland. The scenery is fantastic and there is the beautiful Bantry House to see. It is a spacious village with good local food on offer. The Anchor Inn is great for a pint of Guinness, and you really...
North of Cork city is the delightful town of Mallow. It was once a fashionable Spa town but now most of its commerce centres on sugar beet processing. It sits in the beautifully wooded valley of the River Blackwater. Interesting things to see include the Spa Well, the...
To the Northwest of the city of Cork is Blarney Castle. This is a 15th century castle. It is a fine stronghold built in 1446 by Cormac MacCarthy, King of Munster. There is also the famous Blarney Stone. To kiss the stone, you need to have a serious head...
Today the historic harbour of Kinsale is a yachting and fishing centre of great character. Originally it was a fishing town with a well sheltered harbour of strategic importance. Kinsale received its first royal charter from King Edward the third in 1333. At the Battle of Kinsale in...