Cork is slowly becoming a popular tourist destination in it’s own right. Often seen as a gateway to Ireland, due to it’s airport and port – there is actually a lot to see in the beautiful town too.
Since 1840 the picturesque, cathedral-topped town of Cobh was the traditional departure point for transatlantic passengers. Today most cruise liners berth at the Cobh Cruise Terminal, a few hundred yards from the town center. Visitors can enjoy pleasant walks, browsing among the colorful shops or simply relaxing in the hotels and bars with their wonderful views of the harbor.
Nearby is the Fota Estate with its wildlife park and arboretum.
It’s especially attractive to British tourists as it’s so accessible from the UK mainland. Indeed UK visitors will feel right at home, they can even watch their favorite TV stations too – read this post How to Watch UK TV Online in Ireland.
Some vessels opt to sail up the River Lee to the city quays. The 800 year old university city of Cork, Ireland’s second city, while offering a distinctive cosmopolitan flavor, exudes traditional Irish friendliness and hospitality. With a variety of modern shopping facilities, the city also offers art galleries, a museum and magnificent churches.
Large Panamax size vessels can be accommodated at the Ringaskiddy Deepwater Terminal beside the quaint, old world village. A cruise stopover at the Port of Cork provides the cruise passenger with a delightful choice of enjoyable shore excursion options. Highly qualified
guides escort passengers on luxurious, air-conditioned coaches to sites of historical, cultural and scenic interest. Half-day excursions take in Cork City, Blarney Castle, the Jameson Heritage Centre, Middleton and Kinsale while day excursions include famed Killarney,
Glengariffe and Waterford.
here’s some sites worth visiting in Cork and the surrounding area:
Blarney Castle
Blarney Castle with its kissing stone, Blarney House and Gardens, Blarney Woollen Mills
20 miles from Cobh, 5 miles from Cork;
Little walking on site;
Not suitable for disabled;
Time Required: 1 hour.
Cobh
– The Queenstown Story
Cobh’s unique origins, its history and its legacy are dramatically recalled at the Queenstown Story.
At Cobh, 15 miles from Cork;
Little walking on site;
Suitable for disabled;
Time Required: 1 hour.
Fota Wildlife Park
70 acres of open countryside which you share with 708 species of wildlife from all five continents
3 miles from Cobh, 12 miles from Cork;
Walking at own discretion on site;
Facilities for wheelchairs;
Time Required: 1 – 2 hours.
Jameson Heritage Centre
A tour of the Jameson Heritage Centre is a journey through the history of Irish Whiskey
12 miles from Cobh, 12 miles from Cork;
Very little walking on site;
Suitable for disabled;
Time Required: 1 hour.
Killarney Lakes & Muckross House
World acclaimed for the splendor of its lakes and mountains and for its traditional and romantic jaunting cars.
75 miles from Cobh, 60 miles from Cork;
Walking at own discretion;
Suitable for disabled;
Time Required: 1 – 2 hours.
Glengariff – Garnish Island
Subtropical garden of glorious flora with its Italian Garden, formal and colonnaded with terraces and pools.
70 miles from Cobh, 55 miles from Cork;
Walking at own discretion;
Not suitable for disabled;
As you can see there’s lots to do so there’s no need to rush off from Cork when you get there. Spend a few days there and then travel to the rest of the country or hop onto a plane and visit Dublin.
Additional
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