CORK CITY;  A trip to Cork City is highly recommended, there is a regular bus service or local taxi and the trip takes 20-30 mins.  You could visit the famous English Market with its many artisan food producers.  Queen Elisabeth spent a happy hour here during her historic 2011 visit to the city. Other attractions are a guided tour of Cork City Gaol at Sundays Well, The Crawford Art Gallery, The Butter Museum and Bell ringing both located at Shandon.  Fitzgerald’s Park is beautiful for a walk by the River Lee and lunch or dinner at one of the many cafes and restaurants is always a good option.  We will be happy to recommend a venue to suit your requirements.

COBH:  Take a cross river ferry (10 mins) and visit the historic town of Cobh.  Visit the majestic cathedral or the wonderful heritage centre where you can follow the story of the Titanic and other maritime tales.  Take a walk along the promenade,  there may be a band playing in the bandstand!!

MIDLETON: The town of Midleton is a 15 min drive east through the Jack Lynch Tunnel and is home to The Jameson Experience at the Old Distillery.  You can find out all you need to know about the world famous Irish Whiskey and perhaps indulge in a little tasting also.  Midleton  is also home to a Farmers Market on a Saturday morning where you might meet celebrity chefs Darina  and Rachel Allen selling the beautiful produce from the world famous Ballymaloe Cookery School nearby.

KINSALE:  Kinsale is a 20 mins drive south and is known as the Gourmet Capital of Ireland.  Here you will find an eating experience to suit every taste and pocket.  Kinsale is a pretty fishing and sailing town with small winding streets full on interesting little shops and the influence of the Spanish Armada is still evident.  Don’t forget to visit Charles Fort during your visit.

CROSSHAVEN: Crosshaven is just 6km down towards the Harbour and there is a pedestrian and cycle path from Carrigaline to Crosshaven which runs along the waters edge with views over to Currabinny Woods. Crosshaven is home to the oldest yacht club in the world, The Royal Cork Yacht Club. There are a few cosy cafes and atmospheric pubs to have a welcome cup of coffee or you could take a trip around the Harbour or indulge in a spot of deep sea fishing.

BLARNEY: No visit to Ireland would be complete without a visit to Blarney and if you are a little shy you might want to kiss the Blarney Stone and receive the “gift of the gab”. Blarney Woolen Mills is a great spot to do any shopping for crafts, glass, pottery or tweeds. There are also wonderful gardens surrounding the Castle.

FOTA: 30 minutes away is Fota Wildlife Park which is the largest Wildlife Park of its kind in Europe. Animals roam free and there are lots of places to pic nic if the day is nice. There is also a café and kiddies playground. Fota House and Gardens nearby is also worth a visit.

There are lots of interesting things to see and do depending on when you are visiting the area so be sure to check with Adrian or Noelle and they will bring you up to date on what is on in the area.