Cork Excursions

East Cork

Just 15 miles east of Cork itself lies the harbour town of Cobh. Cobh was one of the main Irish ports in the early 20th century for Irish emigrants, with as many as four transatlantic boats departing each week. During the Irish Potato Famine of the mid-1800s, many of the 2.5 million Irish emigrants who left for new lives in North America and Australia departed from Cobh harbour, with the story commemorated at the Queenstown Story Centre through films, artefacts and other exhibits. Cobh was also the last port the Titanic sailed from before its doomed voyage. Another major draw to Cobh is the nearby coastal town of Youghal, thanks to its almost endless beaches and quaint seaside atmosphere.

Another attraction within reach of Cobh is the Fota Wildlife Park, which boasts a number of endangered species including zebras, ostriches, antelopes and kangaroos, with many of the animals able to roam around the 40 acre site, with only the cheetahs kept behind conventional fencing. Entrance to the park also includes access to the beautiful Fota Arboretum, which contains many exotic trees and plants from around the world.

Also in east Cork is the Jameson Whisky Distillery in Midleton on the banks of the Dungourney River. The original structure of the original distillery built in 1825 has been immaculately preserved, with a visitor centre on hand and a whisky making demonstration available followed by free samples at the end of the tour.

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Kinsale

Just under 20 miles south of Cork is the attractive fishing village of Kinsale, picturesquely framed by a beautiful harbour and lush green hills. The village is awash with small art galleries and craft shops and is also famed for being a haven for food lovers, with the popular four-day Gourmet Festival taking place each October.  The narrow, winding streets are illustrated by colourfully painted shop-fronts and houses, with many looking out across its quiet harbour. 5 miles from Kinsale along the coast is the Old Head of Kinsale, where a German submarine was sank during World War I, which killed 1200 men and is cited as the moment America were brought into the war.

West Cork

Macroom is famously the place where one of Ireland’s most renowned sons Michael Collins was assassinated. A Michael Collins tour is available from Barley Hill in Rosscarbery costing 10 Euros, which takes you around sites most significantly related to Collins. West Cork is worth the drive away from central Cork to merely take in the incredible Sheep’s Head Loop road that runs from Bantry, along Goat’s Path, through Ahakista and on to Durrus. This scenic road travels through sheer cliff drops and alongside the beautiful Dunmanus Bay.

Dursey Island – a barren stretch of land that extends into the sea - is also worth an exploratory visit.  Although there isn’t a lot of amenities for tourists, there is a cable car available that connects the island to the mainland.

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