Entry Points to the South West; Shannon Airport, Cork Airport, Kerry Airport, Ringaskiddy Port
COUNTY CORK
Once you reach Cork, you’ll soon realise why it’s known as Ireland’s gourmet county. With seafood so fresh that it glistens, lively farmers’ markets, excellent local produce and a glut of critically acclaimed restaurants, you’re never too far away from something flavoursome.
But beyond the epicurean delights and gastronomic pleasures lies a countryside that comes alive with fascinating history.
West Cork boasts some of the Ireland’s most exceptional scenic treats with a craggy coastline and broad golden beaches, while Cork’s charming towns and villages are the perfect place to nestle down with a pint of locally brewed Murphys!
Highlights of Cork
- Blarney Castle, Woollen Mills and the famous Blarney Stone.
- Cobh Heritage Centre & the Queenstown Titanic Museum
- Fota Island House and Wildlife Park
- Midleton Distillery – Home to Jameson whiskey and the renowned Midleton whiskey.
- Kinsale Town Fishing Port and Charles Fort
- Cork City – Crawford Gallery of Art, Cork City Gaol and the English Market
- Beara Penninsula – A scenic coastal drive of West Cork
- Iinacullen Gardens on Garnish Island’s, Glengariff Harbour and Bantry Bay
- Cape Clear & Sherkin Island – Ireland’s most Southerly inhabitated islands.
COUNTY KERRY
- Skellig Michael
For anyone that loves the great outdoors, Kerry is a dream destination. This charming county has it all, with truly sublime scenery, exceptionally friendly locals, internationally renowned spas, gorgeous little villages and excellent restaurants.
Kerry’s exceptional coastline is a series of peninsulas that open out into larger bays and give a totally unique feeling to the county, with craggy hills that tumble down into the choppy ocean below, and a remote, untouched aspect to the land.
A drive around the Ring of Kerry or the Ring of Beara, which crosses the border into Cork, is an unforgettable way to experience the best that this awe-inspiring landscape has to offer.
But if all that feels like too much hard work, then head to one of the utterly lovely villages like Sneem, Kenmare or Dingle and wile your afternoons away eating fresh seafood, drinking creamy pints and listening to some utterly authentic traditional music.
Highlights of Kerry
- The Ring of Kerry – a very popular day trip of Kerry’s coastal landscapes
- Killarney National Park – Muckross House & Gardens, Ross Castle, The three lakes, Torc Waterfall
- Inch Strand – One of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches, famously featured in the film Ryan’s Daughter
- The Blasket Islands – See the visitor centre on the mainland or take a boat trip to the islands.
- The Dingle Peninsula – A looped drive that takes inn the rugged coastline.
- Skellig Michael- Once home to a monastery, it is now a World Heritage Site
- Kenmare Town: a charming & colourful town with gourmet food and unspoilt scenery
- Crag Cave: These caves are thought to be over one million years old.
Some South West Tours
