Description
A scenic destination in southern Ireland, Ringaskiddy is a quaint port village with connections to both Cork and Cobh, with Cork being the second-largest city in Ireland and Cobh the infamous final port of call for the Titanic; so, with this stop on your sailing, you have the chance to enjoy scenic rural Ireland and the vibrancy of Ireland’s cities side by side – meaning there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In Ringaskiddy, you’ll find plenty of places to stroll and appreciate the stunning landscapes surrounding you, traditional pubs pouring perfect pints, and fascinating historic landmarks like Barnahely Castle and Ringaskiddy Martello Tower. Beyond this, travelling further afield to Cork, you’ll find the iconic Blarney Castle waiting, more stunning natural scenery in Killarney National Park, and interesting insights into Irish history through visits to places like Spike Island and Cork City Gaol. And, if you opt to travel to Cobh, you can expect much of the same; fantastic landscapes, incredible histories, and plenty of comfortable places to indulge in the local cuisine await. A charming part of the world, time spent in southern Ireland is always memorable.
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Things to do
Barnahely Castle
A stone’s throw from Ringaskiddy, Barnahely Castle isn’t your typical fortification. Originally constructed as an Anglo-Norman castle sometime in the 15th or 16th century, Barnahely Castle was bought by the Warren family in 1796, who then opted to build a mansion house on the site – which incorporated some aspects of the existing castle structure, but not all of it. For a time, the site was renamed Castle Warren; however, Robert Warren sold the castle and its surrounding lands in 1851 and it has since fallen into a state of disrepair and ruin. An interesting insight into how an Anglo-Norman fortification could be repurposed, Barnahely Castle is worth seeing if you’re looking for somewhere interesting to stroll.
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.