Things to do in County Cork, Ireland

Set on 15 acres of lovely grounds, the Jameson Experience is both an education and a cultural experience as soon as you step through its doors. You will discover the largest pot still in the world, the Angels Share, and of course, the finest of Irish whiskeys. Daytime tours operate 7 days all year round, except selected dates at Christmas. The journey begins with an audiovisual presentation, followed by a 1-hour guided tour through the original distillery. Your experience ends at the Jameson Bar with a glass of Jameson, a 3-part comparison whiskey tasting, and the chance to become a "Qualified Irish Whiskey Taster." After your tour, feel free to browse the Distillery gift shop, where you will find exclusive Jameson gifts to take home, such as the Jameson Distillery Edition, a superb whiskey exclusively for sale at Midleton. Make it even more special by having your bottle personalized as a great gift or memento of your visit.

Explore the mystical Ring of Kerry on a full-day guided tour from Cork. See the picturesque village of Waterville, Killarney National Park, panoramic views of Dingle Bay, and other famous areas of ancient Ireland. After meeting your guide, enjoy a scenic drive to one of Ireland's most colorful and charming villages. You will see two village squares and a beautiful bridge in the village center. Pass through Killorglin, the home of the ancient Celtic festival known as the Puck Fair.  Next, take in the amazing views of Dingle Bay, famous Inch Beach, and on a clear day, possibly even the Blasket Islands off the wild Atlantic coast. You will admire the picturesque little village of Waterville that sits overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay and the Skellig Rocks with their early Christian monastery. Charlie Chaplin loved Waterville and was a frequent visitor. See the statue in his honor, unveiled in 1998. Continue to the most beautiful and admired national park in Ireland, and take in the views of the Lakes of Killarney and the Black Valley during stops at Molls Gap and Leprechaun Crossing. Your next stop will be at the lovely 18-meter-high waterfall that cascades through the wooded Friar's Glenn and admires this site of natural beauty. Finally, take some time to relax in Killarney and grab some refreshments before departing for Cork.

Discover the highlights of Co. Cork and explore the ancient battlements of Blarney Castle & Gardens. Take a journey through history and kiss the legendary Blarney Stone for the gift of the gab. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and shop tax-free at the adjacent woolen mills.  Visit Charles Fort and descend into the picturesque resort town of Kinsale. Soak up the atmosphere of this charming town and explore the winding, centuries-old streets with its colorfully painted shops, pubs, cafes, and houses. Stop for a pint of Murphy's Stout and a plate of trawler fresh seafood.  Nest, visit the historic port town of Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic. Stop by the Titanic Museum (optional) or explore the oceanfront to check out the colorful local architecture, St Colman's Roman Catholic cathedral, or spot some of the world's largest cruise ships. 

Arrive at the riding stables located just outside Killarney town and meet your horse riding guide and gear up for your ride. Your guide will lead the group following the riding trail into the Knockreer Estate north of Lough Lein, taking in the essence of Killarney National Park. Your trail will take you past Lough Lein, the largest of the three lakes in Killarney and across areas of stunning natural beauty. Expect amazing views of soaring mountains, and rolling hills with a unique ecosystem including numerous species of fauna and flora. The park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981, and forms part of a Special Area of Conservation.

Spend the day in one of Europe’s finest coastal areas on a full-day tour of the Ring of Kerry. Travel in an air-conditioned coach and discover sweeping panoramic views, strolls around enchanting villages, and historic sights.  Depart Killarney in a spacious coach and drive to the Iveragh Peninsula, the official name for the Ring of Kerry. Get insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland from your guide along the way. See stone forts and standing stones in a breathtaking landscape. Drive through the home town of the Puck Fair, an ancient Celtic festival which is held in the charming town of Killorglin. Take in panoramic views of Dingle Bay and Inch Beach. Weather permitting, see the Atlantic waves crashing on the Blasket Islands.  Head to the picturesque village of Waterville which overlooks Ballinskelligs Bay. See the misty Skellig Rocks which are known for their early Christian monastery. Find out why there is a statue of Charlie Chaplin in the village.  Stop in the charming village of Sneem, one of Ireland's most colorful villages. Explore its 2 squares and a beautiful bridge where the River Sneem meets the currents of Kenmare Bay. Enter Killarney National Park. Admire magnificent views of the Lakes of Killarney and Black Valley from the stops at Molls Gap and Ladies View (Leprechaun Crossing). Marvel at the cascades of the Torc Waterfall in the woods of Friers Glenn.

Be transported back to 15th-century Ireland with stories of the legendary stronghold of the O’Donoghue Chieftains and the ancient Castle’s tragic fall to the Cromwellian Army on their conquest of Ireland, the legend of the Lake, and much more. Learn more about the nature of the Park as well as its famous wildlife inhabitants including the Irish Red Deer. Take this unique opportunity to capture those special holiday moments as your guide pauses at some of Killarney’s most dramatic scenic locations before reaching the shores of Ross Castle, where you will be invited to explore the grounds of the 15th-century stronghold with breathtaking views across Lough Léin. And because your tour takes you through areas where no motor traffic is permitted, you can enjoy your jaunting ride in absolute paradise. As the tour comes to its end, you will be returned to the town center or your hotel with memories to last a lifetime.

Tapping into a rich Irish folklore, hear tales of the paranormal and hauntings as you wander the darkened streets of Cobh on this 1-hour ghost tour of a town that has remained virtually unchanged since RMS Titanic departed from Cork Harbour in 1912. Learn about the spectre of a young Irish emmigrant, the haunting of Pillars Bar, and the ghostly cries of a child at a local hotel. Suitable for all ages, and a great family night out, the ghost walk is also a great precursor to an office party, corporate outing, or hen night. Formerly known as “Queenstown,” Cobh is at the heart of Ireland’s immigration, transportation, and cruise liner history. It’s most famous as the last port of call before the RMS Titanic set sail on her fatal jouney across the Atlantic in 1912. The tour provides an emotional journey back to the day when 123 passengers boarded at Cobh on their hopeful voyage across the ocean. Stop for a bloody cocktail at an atmospheric bar before the end of your tour.

Enjoy seascapes and the rugged Irish coastline as you cruise through the water spotting marine animals on this adventurous boat excursion. Catch sight of sunfish and even basking sharks with the help of a local skipper. Set off from the North Pier of Baltimore and head out to see offshore islands and marine wildlife. Walk around the deck for a panoramic experience. Sit to watch the wildlife in comfort and shield yourself from the wind when it's cooler. Learn about the wildlife from your expert guide.

Get the full Killarney experience on this comprehensive tour. Visit the verdant lake district where you will find Kate Kearney's cottage. Then hop on a pony and continue on through the Gap of Dunloe. Enjoy lunch and a ride in a traditional open boat. Your 14-mile voyage goes across all 3 of Killarney’s lakes with a pony and trap journey through the famous Black Valley and Gap of Dunloe. Enjoy an unforgettable adventure and the ultimate Killarney experience. The journey begins mid-morning at the world-renowned Kate Kearney’s cottage. Here you take a 7-mile jaunt on a pony and trap through the Gap of Dunloe where you can view a spectacular glaciated valley. Your pony and trap ride ends at Lord Brandon’s Cottage where you can enjoy a light snack (not included in the price). After lunch, get into a traditional open boat for an approximately 2-hour tour of the three lakes of Killarney. Pass by Innisfallen Island, Bricin Bridge, Colleen Bawn Rock, Torc Mountain, Old Weir Bridge, the meetings of the waters, and more, ending at the 15th-century Ross Castle. The tour is the perfect way to see the rich and varied vegetation and scenery Killarney has to offer. Your tour will end in the mid-afternoon.

Discover the lakes of Killarney on this scenic cruise. Enjoy a voyage to Lough Léin with panoramic views of the lakes, islands, and castles of Killarney National Park. Relax as you watch the sights pass by from your modern, heated, glass-covered boat, guided by your local captain and guide. Depart from 15th-century Ross Castle, as you make your way past some of Killarney's most famous landmarks. Drift past the ruins of St. Finian’s 6th-century monastery on Innisfallen Island. Continue to the foot of the MacGillycuddy Reeks to view Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. Pass Ross Island as your captain points out the flora of the area, including the ancient oak and yew forests and learn about the unique ecosystem of the area.