Lios-na-gCon (a.k.a. Lis-na-gun/Lisnagun) which translates as the Ringfort of the Hound is an excellent example of a restored ringfort close to Clonakilty. Ringforts were built and occupied between c.400 AD and c.1200 AD, in the Early Christian and Viking periods. Like stone cashels and some lake land crannogs, they were the defended farmsteads of the native Irish Celts. These settlements […]
West Cork Model Railway Village: Take a trip to the Model Railway Village for a fun and memorable day out on your visit to Clonakilty in West Cork. The model village allows you step back in time and see life as it was in the 1940’s. See the old West Cork railway line that served the region portrayed in delightful […]
Desmond Castle was built by the Earl of Desmond c. 1500. A fine example of an urban tower house, the castle consists of a three storey keep with storehouses to the rear. Originally built as a Customs house, the castle also served as a prison in the 18th century (it is known locally as the French Prison) an ordnance store […]
The Heritage Centre is located in the award winning, beautifully restored Old Gasworks Building, in Skibbereen, one of West Cork’s most picturesque towns. The centre offers insights in to some fascinating aspects of our history and local geography. The Great Famine Commemoration Exhibition This commemorates the tragic period in the 1840s that is known in Irish History as the Great […]
Cahir Castle is one of the best restored castles of its type throughout the country and was built originally in the 13th century on a site of an earlier native fortification called a cathair (stone fort), which gave its name to the place. The O’Briens of Thomond fortified the site, in the century prior to the Norman invasion of 1169. […]
….. The story of a legend and her connection to Cobh Titanic Experience Cobh is located in the original White Star Line Ticket Office in the centre of Cobh town (formally known as Queenstown) the departure point for the final 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic. The visitor experience is presented in two parts. The first is an immersive audio […]
Take a trip to Midleton and tour the Jameson Distillery; Home of the world famous Jameson Whiskey. Ireland has long been famed for its outstanding whiskeys, and Jameson has always been at the very heart of this unparalleled reputation. This is an informative and interesting tour and a great place to pick up a one of a kind gift for […]
Please Note: Barryscourt Castle is closed for maintenance and engineering work 2015/2016. Barryscourt castle is the 16th century seat of the Barry family. The present castle, with its largely intact bawn wall and corner towers, is a fine example of an Irish tower house in which many defensive features such as a murder hole, crenulations, and stumble steps can be […]
Leahy’s Open Farm caters for the perfect family day out regardless of the weather. Facilities include indoor and outdoor play areas, a quad and barrel train, real JCB mini diggers, crazy golf, a large climbing frame, adventure trail and a big ‘drop’ slide. Children will have fun running through the large maze, pedalling indoor and outdoor go-karts and interacting with a […]
A salt water lake, Lough Hyne (or Ine) contains rare sea life and is Ireland’s only Marine Wildlife Reserve. The nearby woods are popular amongst walkers for the spectacular view from the top of Knockomagh Hill. Lough Hyne was probably a freshwater lake until about four millennia ago, when rising sea levels flooded it with saline ocean water. The lake […]
Charles Fort is a classic example of a late 17th century star-shaped fort. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with designing the fort. As one of the largest military installations in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. The most […]
This is Cork’s oldest surviving structure, dating from the 13th century and the only standing remains of Corks medieval past. Named ‘Red’ because of the use of the local red sandstone in its construction, the Abbey was founded as an Augustinian Friary and is a recognised National Monument. It was occupied by the monks until the latter half of the […]
An enchanted spell will transform Cuskinny Court in Cobh into Lord Ghoulsley’s Manor this Halloween where Lord Ghoulsley and his mischievous and ghastly groupies invite you to experience a haunted tour. This is an immersive & interactive Halloween experience for families where you can meet the unusual occupants of the haunted Manor in this hilariously ghoulish experience, ideal for families.
Crawford Art Gallery, the city art museum for Cork, is dedicated to informing a wide audience about the significant role that the visual arts play in contemporary life and culture. Located in the heart of the city, beside the Opera House, the Gallery is a critical part of Cork’s cultural and tourism infrastructure, welcoming over 200,000 visitors a year. In […]
Lismore is one of the most historic towns in Ireland. The name Lismore comes from two words – Lis meaning Fort and Mor meaning big. It’s meaning is derived from the round hill or great Irish fort to the east of the town. Built on the banks of the Blackwater, the town has been a hub of Irish life since […]
Killarney National Park is a unique and special place. Situated in south-west Ireland, close to the most westerly point in Europe, the National Park covers over 25,000 acres (10,000 hectares) of mountain, moorland, woodland, waterways, parks and gardens. The mountainous old red sandstone uplands support large areas of blanket bog, and the remoteness and relative inaccessibility of some of these […]
Mitchelstown Caves which are only a 10 minute drive from the town of Mitchelstown are said to be one of Europe’s major show caves, they are situated off the main Cork to Dublin road and is a must on your itinerary of the region. Take a fascinating guided tours with informative guides who will take you through three massive caverns […]
Welcome to Discovering Cork and thanks for considering Cork for your next short break or holiday. Whatever your reason for visiting we know you will not be disappointed and with Discovering Cork looking after everything, you can concentrate on enjoying your time here.
Discovering Cork is the Number 1 site for planning and booking holidays in Cork City & County. However, we can also assist with advice, planning and booking your holiday in many other parts of the country with a particularly strong focus on the entire South West.
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