Destination Spotlight - County Cork, Ireland Sightseeing in Cork CountyCounty Cork is the largest of the Irish counties with varied scenery and a wealth of history enriched by folklore and magical myths. Along the coast you’ll find rocky coves, sandy bays, tall cliffs, small islands and mudflats whilst inland the countryside offers historic castles, ancient forests and clear rushing rivers stocked with perch, pike and carp.  Fota House, Fota – an elegant 19th century hunting lodge with an impressive arboretum.
- Fota Wildlife Park, Fota – A rural wildlife park where you can see endangered species such as cheetahs, apes, giraffes and zebras wandering the former estate of Fota House.
- Bantry House & Gardens, Bantry – this elegantly decorated house provides an interesting insight into the life of an Anglo-Irish aristocratic family and contains an impressive collection of furniture, tapestries and objects d’art. The house also offers B&B and self-catering accommodation.
- Jameson Heritage Centre, Midleton – discover the history and savour the taste of Jameson Irish Whisky.
- Kinsale – This maritime town is famous for a battle in 1601 which was a turning point in Irish history. For over 300 years it was a garrison town and port of consequence, leaving a legacy of Georgian and Victorian architecture. It also offers a pretty harbour, renowned restaurants and an abundance of watersports from sailing to whale watching.
- Desmond Castle International Museum of Wine, Kinsale – Kinsale was designated a Wine Port, supplying ships of the British Fleet from 1412. The museum, located in Desmond Castle relates the story of the local wine trade and its effects on the area.
- Charles Fort, Kinsale – open to the public from mid-April to mid-October, this star-shaped fort was built in 1677 and remained a garrison until 1922.
- Skibbereen - the town was badly affected by the 1840s famine, suffering in excess of 10,000 local deaths. For a vivid account of the period, visit the Skibbereen Heritage Centre or walk the Skibbereen Trail marked by bronze plaques. For further information on the walking trail, pick up a leaflet from the Heritage Centre.
- Seven Heads Peninsula - a pretty area popular for cycling and birdwatching.
- Blarney Castle, Blarney - built in 1446 and most famous for the Blarney Stone which has been kissed by many thousands of visitors over the years. If you fancy joining them, you'll need a head for heights (the stone is located high in the battlements) and lots of patience (the queue can be long).
- Mizen Head - the Mizen Head Signal Station was built to warn boats about the treacherous rocks along Ireland's most south-westerly point and is located high on the cliffs, offering spectacular views of the peninsula - if you are lucky, you may even spot dolphins! It can be accessed via the Visitor Centre offering a variety of exhibits and café. The peninsula is also famous for its wildflowers and wildlife, including dolphins, whales, seals, gannets, kittiwakes and choughs.
What to eat Kinsale has gained a reputation as being a gourmet centre and hosts an annual Food Festival (6 - 8 October 2006). Describing itself as "Ireland's fine food centre", the town boasts a variety of good quality restaurants which pride themselves on their culinary expertise.
- The west coast of Cork is famous for its fresh fish and seafood, which can often be purchase straight off the dock.
- Cork tripe and drisheen (sausage made from pig’s blood)
- Clonakilty black pudding
- Farmhouse cheeses
- Irish soda bread - great with soup or for sandwiches
- There are a number of farmers markets across the County including Bantry (Friday) and Skibereen (Friday and Saturday) with fresh local produce including traditional cheeses and meats.
Travelling to Ireland this year? Don't forget, Car Hire 3000 offer car hire from locations across Ireland, including car hire Dublin, car hire Knock, car hire Cork and car hire Shannon - as well as 4000 other locations across the world!
|
