Places of Interest
If you’re planning a visit to Cork or Kerry, why not ask us to help plan some trips to suit your interest? Here are some ideas…
Cork Tours
A Cork City tour can be tailored to your group’s own interests. Shopaholics will want to hit the English Market and designer boutiques in the city centre, while history buffs might want their tour to include the beautiful St Finbarre’s Cathedral or the Church of St Anne (where the Shandon Bells are found). For children (and aspiring astronomers), the Blackrock Castle Observatory – with interactive theatre and space exhibitions – is a must-see. The Life Lab, at the old Cork waterworks, is another family-friendly destination with an emphasis on conservation.
If you’re looking to uncover some of Cork’s heritage, a visit to Cork City Gaol is a must. The furnished prison cells and waxworks make this a gruesomely realistic experience that brings history to life! Learn more about the city’s past at Cork public museum, where you’ll see medieval relics and antiques – and a fully functioning Flour Mill replica – situated in the 8-hectare Fitzgerald Park, which also boasts a café and playground. Art devotees will enjoy a visit to the acclaimed Lewis Glucksman Gallery at University College Cork.
Cork County
Cork is set in breathtaking countryside, so if you want to explore it, try one of our signposted County Walks – or get off the bus, hop on a bike, and tackle one of the cycle trails (ranging from amateur to expert). Sailing, angling, cruising and scuba enthusiasts will find plenty to do here too.
But perhaps this is all a little too active for your holiday? Slow down the pace and visit the magnificent gardens of Lisselan Estate – as well as the renowned fuchsia and azalea gardens, the estate offers river fishing and golf. Fota House Arboretum & Gardens is an internationally-renowned estate with collections of rare and tender trees and shrubs. To round off your leisurely day, consider attending a summer concert at Longueville House – the events programme is always popular.
If you’re looking for adventure, you’ll find it in Cork county! Start with a walk along the river Lee, discovering the 19th-century Ballincollig gunpowder mills along a very scenic route. A little further along the river, you can widen your outlook at Blackrock Castle Observatory. Children and astronomers will love the interactive exhibitions and special events.
Heritage Sites
Perhaps you’ve come especially to kiss the Blarney Stone – but don’t ignore the pretty village of Blarney, with Tudor architecture and good crafts shopping. A trip to medieval Kinsale (the Irish capital of fine food) is another essential. You could spend days here, exploring the beautiful medieval forts one day, and taking a cruise around the harbour the next. Charles Fort is a top historical attraction. Occupied by British troops until 1922, the star-shaped fort was handed over to the Irish Free State and is today open to the public. It’s in great condition and offers spectacular views from its headland position.
If that’s ignited your interest in local history, you can learn more about it at the Cobh Heritage Centre, a point from which more than 6 million Irish people emigrated.
Tired yet? There’s more to enjoy…
What about a night at the dogs? Cork’s Curraheen dog track is a top attraction and perfect for stags and hens, corporate events and groups. We’ve horse-racing at Mallow, which hosts the glamorous ‘Roses’ (Cork’s Ascot) every year – and plenty of special events with BBQs and licenced bar all year round. Put on your dancing boots and try some Cork-style Country & Western or Ceili dancing (events every month at the GAA Pavilion, Carrigaline and Cluain Ceoil, Watergrasshill).
If you’re looking for exhilaration, we can book other activities including go-karting and archery – just ask about these as well as paintballing, sailing, quad biking and clay shooting!
To Book…
When you book your transport with Tony McGrath you’re welcome to use our itinerary booking service. We can recommend or arrange your trip, including places to stay.
Contact us:
Tel: 00 353 21 4385658
Mobile: 00353 87 2549479
Email: info@corkexectransport.com