Attractions : South West Ireland
With a spectacular coastline, the south west is a true gem on the Emeral Isle. In the region you can climb Ireland's highest mountain Carrauntoohil at 1,039 m or visit Ireland's most southerly point and the most westerly point. It is one of the most attractive holiday areas in Ireland.
Please note this is just a small selection of sights and things to do in this area. For a more comprehensive guide to what to do in this area please see related links below.Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles, an ancient stronghold of the McCarthy's, Lords of Muskerry, and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster.Blarney Castle is famous for its stone - The Stone of Eloquence - which is traditionally believed to have the power to bestow the gift of eloquence on all those who kiss it.Attracting visitors from all over the world, the castle is situated 8 km from Cork City. In the grounds of the castle the Rock Close and gardens convey 'druidic' charm and magical delights of centuries past.
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Cobh Heritage Centre
Housed in the restored Victorian Cobh Railway station, this is a dramatic exhibition of the origins, history and legacy of Cobh.Retrace the steps of the 2.5 million adults and children who emigrated from Ireland via Cobh on coffin ships, early steamers and finally on the great ocean liners. Explore the conditions on board the early emigrant vessels, including the dreaded coffin ship. Experience life on board a convict ship leaving Cobh for Australia in 1801.Discover Cobh's special connections with the ill fated Titanic which sank on her maiden voyage - Cobh was her last port of call. Relive the horror of World War I and the sinking of the Lusitania off Cork Harbour with the loss of 1,198 lives.Learn about Annie Moore and her two brothers who left Cobh for a new life in America and how she was the first emigrant ever to be processed in Ellis Island.
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Fota Wildlife
Located just off the main road to Cobh, this Park was established in 1983 and has more than 70 species of exotic wildlife in open natural surroundings, with no obvious barriers. Giraffes, zebras, ostrich and antelope roam together in 40 acres of grassland, much as they would in the African Savannah. Monkeys swing through trees on the lakes, and kangaroos, macaws and lemurs have complete freedom of the Park. Only the Cheetahs have a conventional fence.Facilities at Fota Wildlife Park include Playgrounds, Bisto Wildlife Train, Picnic & Rest Areas, Serengeti Gift Shop and Oasis Restaurant
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Titanic Trail
The Titanic Trail is a fascinating Guided Heritage Tour. It explores the town of Cobh. Cork Harbour which was the last port of call of RMS Titanic. This entertaining and innovative Walking Tour has been operating every day since 1998 it has been filmed by 20th Century Fox, National Geographic and many other travel documentaries. Michael Martin the author and Creator has been interviewed by the BBC, Australian TV, National Korean Television and a host of other Radio Stations and Book Publishers.
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Ilnacullin Garinish Island
Located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, Ilnacullin is a small island of 15 hectares (37 acres) known to horticulturists and lovers of trees and shrubs all around the world as an island garden of rare beauty. The gardens of Ilnacullin owe their existence to the creative partnership, some eighty years ago, of Annan Bryce, then owner of the island and Harold Peto, architect and garden designer. Access to the Island is by small ferry boats and licensed 60 seater water buses. Please note that the boat operators impose a separate charge in respect of the boat journey to and from the island.
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Kinsale
The Battle of Kinsale, fought in 1601 between a combined Spanish, an Irish force and English armies, was a turning point in Irish history. The harbour is guarded by two very fine star-shaped fortresses built in the 17th century: Charles Fort is well worth a visit (guided tours). See also the old Courthouse, now a museum; St Multose Church, built in the 13th century and still in use, and 'French Prison', the 16th century Desmond Castle. There is a signposted tourist trail to this fascinating town with a guide booklet. Take a trip too to the Old Head of Kinsale for magnificent cliff scenery. It was off here that the Lusitania was sunk in 1915 with a loss of over 1,500 lives.
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