Description
A picturesque seaport town on the south coast of Ireland’s County Cork, Cobh is a fantastic cruise destination to visit while sailing around the British Isles – with a unique history to uncover, stunning surrounding scenery, and the chance to explore places like Spike Island and Bandon Hill. However, Cobh is also an excellent gateway to Cork, a city with even more to offer visitors. Here, you’ll have the chance to stroll along the River Lee while immersing yourself in the vibrant culture this city is famous for. Littered with comfortable cafes, unique art galleries, off-beat museums, and more, a day in Cork is always rewarding – and, the historic food market is a tasty way to top off your trip!
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Things to do
Spike Island
A small island sitting in Cork Harbour, Spike Island is a strategic landmass dominated by Fort Mitchel – an 18th century bastion fort that has been used as both a defensive fortification and prison over the years. Once home to a monastic settlement, with ruins reported in 1774 dating back to the 7th century, the unique star-shaped prison here is one of Europe’s leading tourist attractions and offers visitors a unique insight into the history of both County Cork and Ireland as a whole.
Blarney Castle
A historic medieval stronghold in Blarney, a town within Cork, Blarney Castle towers roughly 90 feet above the rest of the city; currently consisting of a main castle keep and a semi-ruinous tower, both dating back to the 15th century, Blarney Castle is famous for housing the Stone of Eloquence – also known as the Blarney Stone. Built into the fortifications over a sheer drop, legend has it that kissing the Blarney Stone will grant you the gift of gab – meaning great eloquence, or flattery, as blarney has come to mean ‘clever flattering or coaxing talk’.
Killarney National Park
A short distance from Cork, Killarney National Park was the first national park in Ireland, created in 1932, and is known for its diverse ecology and the Lakes of Killarney. It’s also home to the only red deer herd on mainland Ireland and some of the most extensive covering of native forest in the country. Home to a wide variety of flora and fauna beyond this, Killarney National Park is a tranquil trip away from the bustle of Cork that offers a rewarding experience to all that visit.