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Cork Itinerary
IRELAND'S BLUE BOOKCOUNTRY HOUSES, HISTORIC HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS
Cork is the largest county in Ireland with undulating land interrupted by long ridges of sandstone with picturesque river valleys in between. To the west these ridges increase until they mass in peaks along the Kerry border, whilst the long coastline juts
into the Atlantic enclosing deep island-strewn bays. Cork is home to the reputed ‘most talkative people of the nation’ with their characteristic sing-song cadence akin to the hilly streets of the city with the same name!! History has always credited the ‘Corkonians’
with streaks of independence and stubbornness during tumultuous times which earned them the name of ‘The Rebel County’.
Places of Interest
Cork City
Cork City is situated on the banks of the River Lee, which flows through the city in two main channels, so you find yourself constantly crossing bridges!! A wonderful City, Cork was the dedicated European City of Culture in 2005 truly bringing it into the 21st Century. In 2010 the "Lonely Planet" named Cork City as one of the top places to visit in 2010. The guide described Cork as “at the top of its game: sophisticated, vibrant and diverse” .
Cork is also home to the oldest yacht club in the world dating back to 1720, sailing continues to be a popular pastime to this day thanks to the magnificent coastline and regattas take place from May to August all around the coast. 
Cork has a reputation as a culinary paradise, where food is increasingly a cause for celebration. The region’s artisan food producers join forces with the county’s many famous restaurants to showcase Cork’s tradition of fine food. Don’t eat too much before you come!
Known by the locals as ‘the covered market’, the English Market in Cork City is infamous for the ‘artisan’ food which is sold there. Everything from breads, cheeses, organic fruit & vegetables, to tripe and drisheen! Wander through this haven of food, bet you won’t leave empty handed!
For art lovers Cork offers the Crawford and Glucksman Art Galleries. Also recommended is a walk through the grounds of University College Cork to see the biggest collection of Ogham stones in Ireland.
Widely acknowledged as an architectural gem, St Finbarre’s Cathedral stands on perhaps the oldest site in Cork. This three-spired Gothic Cathedral was completed in 1879 on the site where St Finbarre is believed to have founded his monastery in the seventh century. Sense the history; join in worship in this spiritual building.
For evenings in Cork the choice of entertainment is varied. For theatre options consider the Cork Opera House,the Everyman Palace, the CAT club, Triskel Arts Centre and the Half Moon Club.
Cork also offers great traditional pubs with live music.
Cork would really give Venice a run for its money when it comes to bridges, so to avoid any confusion and to get your bearings whilst learning all about the "History and Hotspots", Cork "Hop on, Hop off" City Tour is the one. Join the open top bus at Grand Parade. Tel: 021 4255100. Or, for the more energetic take a Walking Tour of the city which ends (justifiably) in a traditional Irish pub for a pint!! Tel: 021 4885405
Or take a boat trip out to Cork Harbour - ribs leave from the city centre (http://www.safari.ie/ ) throughout the summer months or better still arrange a private charter and you can stop off at little towns along the way,Cobh, Kinsale, Crosshaven. Cork is the second biggest natural harbour in the world and the harbour itself is really beautiful - you can go right out to Roches Point which is the mouth of the harbour. There are dolphins and the odd whale!
You can go out to where the Titanic set anchor, the resting site of the Lucitania and even go kayaking in the caves under Old Head of Kinsale. Cork County:
1. Blarney, a pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending!! Just 8km from Cork City you have to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the stone which confers eloquence on all who kiss it! If you want to get a word in edgeways in this ‘chatty county’, be sure and get in line!!
3. The Beara Peninsula is simply one of the most beautiful tourist routes in Ireland, we might even say the world. Dramatic scenery with small fishing villages. The Beara Peninsula is steeped in myths and legends. The mountains and valleys are rich in archaeological sites such as stone circles, wedge graves and other relics from the past. The scenic lakes cradled by gorgeous mountains and a rugged coastline with lots of great fishing spots.
4. Follow the trail of the Old Midleton Distillery through mills, maltings, corn stores, still houses, warehouses and kilns and view the largest ‘pot still’ in the world and see how the amber nectar is created! Better still, (excuse the pun!) finish of with a taste of Jameson Whiskey!! www.classicwhiskey.com
5. One of the most progressive wildlife parks in Europe, Fota Wildlife Park is a great day out for all the family. With more than ninety species wandering in open natural surroundings, you have to keep your eyes peeled or you’ll miss something. Be sure and bring a picnic to complete your outing.
6. Cobh, or you may be more familiar with its previous name Queenstown. Yes, that’s right it was to Queenstown that the ill fated Titanic made her last port of call. Retrace the steps of the 2.5 million adults and children who emigrated from Ireland via Cobh on Coffin Ships, early steamers and finally on the great ocean liners. You can take a historic walking tour of the town with - http://www.titanic-trail.com/.
7. Hold on to your hat for a visit to the Mizen Head Signal Station. Mizen Head is Ireland’s most southwesterly point and the location of a dramatically –sited lighthouse above the Heads treacherous rocks. On the way descend the famous 99 steps and cross over the Arch Bridge where you may see dolphins, whales, kittiwakes & gannets. See there, the automatic Weather Station and Navigational Aids Simulator.
8. In the 17th century, Charles Fort was built on the eastern bank of Kinsale Harbour to protect the town. Ireland’s most massive fortification and is star-shaped in plan. This was to provide cross-fire from a number of directions against any potential aggressor. Unfortunately it was finally taken over via its weakest point, firing down upon it from high ground behind it!!! A monumental attraction.
9. Sheep’s Head is a peaceful, unspoilt peninsula which has some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Ireland. Because of its proximity to the gulf stream, it also have perhaps the mildest climate in Ireland.
10. Glengarriff & Garnish Island - For generations, Glengarriff has appealed to visitors. The following compliment is attributed to Thackeray: "Within five miles around the pretty inn of Glengarriff there is a country of the magnificence of which no pen can give an idea". He was not exaggerating. You get a boat from Glengarriff to Garnish Island, the fabulous garden island, also known a Ilnacullin, snugly rests in Bantry Bay about a mile (11/2km) from Glengarriff pier.
11. Baltimore & Cape Clear Island - great day trip you can get the ferry from Baltimore onto Cape Clear. Cape Clear is a gaeltacht area ( Irish Speaking). Cape Clear's wild romantic scenery, its sparkling harbours, its cliffs and bogs and lake, all contribute to the island's unspoilt charm. Heather, gorse and wild flowers cover the rugged hills. Myriad stonewalls have a patchwork effect on the varied landscape. A wonderful place for walkers/hikers/adventurers.
Where to eat and stay
Aherne’s Townhouse. A small luxury hotel in the heart of the pretty seaside town of Youghal (pronounced Yawl, Aherne’s has a world famous reputation for both its welcome, accommodation and for serving only the finest locally caught seafood.
Email: ahernes @eircom.net
Web: www.ahernes.com
Ballymaloe House. The beautiful Ballymaloe is a large farmhouse situated on a 400acre farm about 20 miles east of Cork city. Ballymaloe is very well known for its food and is a great place to holiday with all the family, with its small golf
course, tennis court and small outdoor heated pool (summer only).
Email: res@ballymaloe.ie
Web: www.ballymaloe.ie
Blairs Cove House. Tucked away in the corner of West Cork , this 250 year old Georgian house comprising 3 beautiful suites and the restaurant converted from an old stableblock all situated in the courtyard. Blairs Cove is famous for its
buffet style starters and open wood fired grill.
Email: blairscove @eircom.net
Web: www.blairscove.ie
Hayfield Manor. Heading back into Cork city whilst still retaining a touch of the countryside as Hayfield is tucked away in a leafy corner of mature gardens. With every modern convenience available in luxurious surroundings, life will be
very pleasant here during your stay.
Email: enquiries@hayfieldmanor.ie
Web: www.hayfieldmanor.ie
Longueville House. In the heart of the Blackwater Valley sits Longueville House owned & run by the O’Callaghan family. Take in a spot of fishing or shooting on the estate or go racing at the County Cork Racecourse just down the
road. Dine in the Presidents Restaurant and try one of Michael’s wines!
Email: info@longuevillehouse.ie
Web: www.longuevillehouse.ie
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