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Mrs The Spider wants to go to southern Ireland for two weeks next year and has her sights set on Cork, specifically Kinsale.
I know absolutely nothing about the place, so instead of doing any actual research I’m starting this thread. What is there to do round that neck of the woods?
As a family we like old towns, history, castles, costal walks and occasionally jumping off harbour walls.
Kids will be 16 and 14, so spending days in the pub isn’t an option. Won’t be taking bikes either.
Blarney Castle. Get there early to beat the other tourists we got off the Swanswa Cork ferry after an overnight crossing. Grabbed an early breakfast in town and were at the castle as it opened on a perfect early spring morning.
She kissed the Blarney Stone, God only knows why she thought she needed to.
Correct answer is drive to Kerry!
However Kinsale itself is lovely, bit middle class foodie if that’s your thing.
If you have a car a trip to Garnish Island would be a nice day out, the whole coastline is pretty nice and will all be signposted for the Wild Atlantic Way.
Other than that drive to Kerry.
the Swanswa Cork
That’s going back a bit, a black day when that closed!
Clonakilty if you like black pudding 😋
The coast down to Skibberean and Schull is beautiful and wild.
Cool Stone circle at Drombeg.
Cape Clear is an amazing island, get the ferry over and camp for a night.
I think Skibberean would do for harbour walls
Mizen Head Signal Station was good
Dunlough Castle was amazing. No planed access. Just a castle in a field
It is a really amazing part of the world. We had a long weekend. No idea how much the is to do.
I’d certainly extend the area to Kerry and Dingle. We had 2 weeks in that area. Some insane walking and I liked the town of Dingle a lot
I spent a couple of days in Youghal which is along the coast - loads of history there. I also really enjoyed the Beara peninsular which is a bit further from Cork on the west coast. Really beautiful
I’d certainly extend the area to Kerry and Dingle. We had 2 weeks in that area. Some insane walking and I liked the town of Dingle a lot
Dingle would be a fair schlep from Kinsale but Kenmare, Sneem, Valentia Island and the McGillicuddy reeks (Black Valley, Gap of Dunloe) would be within range.
Obvious tourist trap being the ring of Kerry but there is also the Ballinaskelligs ring which is quiet and has some stunning views.
the Swansea Cork
That’s going back a bit, a black day when that closed!
Yep, it was a very chilled crossing. We'd pop over with the van, a dog and a bunch of wind/kite surfing kit and head to the Dingle. Missed it when the ferry stopped.
sound advice above. Some other options, based on experience:
Flying boat museum https://flyingboatmuseum.com/ north of Cork, over on the Shannon estuary.
Ardmore, just along to the east on the edge of Co Waterford is a bonny wee village with beach and a coastal cliff walk, passing the wreck of the Samson crane barge, down below the cliffs.
Titanic museum at Cobh.
If you've a car, consider heading up to Doolin for a Saturday night of traditional music. Available elsewhere too.
Oh, and apparently, they do this funny dark fluid stuff in pubs, that's allegedly quite good...
Things to do in Cork.
Pop a few.
My mate lived in cork and I went over loads. Do not forget your umbrella.
Get lashed in the pub.
Endlessly entertaining.
Blarney castle to my hungover eyes was a very expensive way to hang upside down and kiss a rock. I mean its memorable 20 years later, but still has the taste of a weird tourist trap.
Do not forget your umbrella
Do not forget your umbrella!
Dingle would be a fair schlep from Kinsale but Kenmare, Sneem, Valentia Island and the McGillicuddy reeks (Black Valley, Gap of Dunloe) would be within range.
A fair point
In think I meant one week county cork then maybe move round for the second week on Dingle
If you can get tickets for Munster when they’re playing at Musgrave Park…
Looks like we are heading for Rosscarbery. A bit further out, but the accommodation is a grand cheaper!
Rosscarbery
Where the Irish side of my family were from before they emigrated to North Wales and Merseyside during the 1879 famine.
I found Cork to be massively underwhelming when i went there for a conference. If you’re using it as a base, maybe it’s okay, but as a place in itself - meh.
I know absolutely nothing about the area, but Mrs The Spider is keen to go back. She used to be a student a Swansea University and went over quite often.
If you're staying in Rosscarbery you must eat at O'Callaghan Walshes. You'll likely need to book well in advance. Also check out Glandore for one of the most picture perfect harbours in Ireland. Great smoked salmon in Union Hall (where they filmed a lot of War of the Buttons).
Prison Cove for a dip 🙂
I'd say that was way better than staying in Cork
Don't do what i did, go for a weekend with friends, land at 5pm friday, check listings magazine and find Shane MacGowan and the Popes are playing that night, go to gig at 8pm, drunkenly hug half of Cork, wake up mid afternoon on the saturday with a hangover so bad, you have to start drinking again...come home!