The Gateway and tower are all that remain of Macroom Castle, which was granted to Admiral William Penn, (father of the founder of Pennsylvania U.S.A.) by Oliver Cromwell. Macroom Castle, the boyhood home of William Penn, stands on the western margin of the town of Macroom and its windows look away into the distance, where a rugged land lies at the […]
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 […]
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 […]
There are few villages in Ireland that pack such a wealth of history in to such a small area. A rough translation from its old Irish name (Gleann Iubhair) means the glen of the yew trees. Its offers a microcosm of Ireland’s history with ancient prehistoric sites, medieval buildings, old mills combined with some modern state of the art stores. […]
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 […]
Ireland’s most south westerly point is a fascinating place to spend a few hours and has proved a great hit with tourists visiting this part of Ireland. An award winning Maritime Museum and Heritage Attraction, this authentic all-weather experience is a must-see with its spectacular location on high cliffs and swirling Atlantic Ocean tides. From the Car park and Visitor […]
We are an intimate 100 seated venue in the heart of Cork City, with fully licensed bar, coffee shop and rehearsal / meeting room. Established in 1976 as a club by and for the arts community in Cork the fondly named Cat Club quickly became a landmark, serving not only as a venue for amateur and professional companies alike, but […]
The Cobh Heritage Centre is home to “The Queenstown Story”. The exhibition tells a number of stories; Irish emigration from the town of Cobh, transportation of convicts to Australia and the West Indies, The Great Famine, and the close connections between Cobh and the two great Liners, The Titanic and The Lusitania. It is a moving, informative and educational exhibit that […]
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 […]
This is an excellent example of a traditional Irish monastic round tower. The monastery was founded by St. St. Colman Mac Lenene who died in 604. Although there is evidence of human activity since about 2000 BC. Cloyne really came into its own in 560 when St. Coleman founded his monastery here. Built on a network of caves which are […]
The Apple Farm is located near Cahir in county Tipperary in the south of Ireland. The farm was bought by its current owners in 1968, and between then and now it went from being a mixed farm like so many others at that time, to specialising in fruit.. As well as apples, pears, plums, sweet cherries, strawberries and raspberries are grown. There is also a […]
The Franciscan Well Brewery has established itself over the years as one of the must visit pubs in Cork City. Apart from the curious fact that it is sitting on the site of a 13th century monastery, the pub was also one of the first to start brewing its own craft beers. These same beers can now be found across […]
Ballycotton Island Lighthouse Tours offer a magical, historical and unique 90 minute excursion. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you on a short open topped boat trip to the Ballycotton Lighthouse island. There you will be escorted on a brisk walk to the islands summit, into the lighthouse and onto the lantern balcony. Surrounded by stunning views of the coastline and […]
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. […]
Ireland’s Scariest Halloween Attractions Ireland’s freakiest, scariest walk through event is back and is even scarier than ever. Welcome, if you dare, to a place where demented beings prey on your deepest nightmares. This is not place for the weak of spirit or weak of heart. Prepare for the grotesque, the deformed, the stomach churning prepare to see what you […]
….. 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 […]
Mallow is spoilt by comparison to many towns in that it has two castles from which to choose. There is the Old Mallow Castle originally built by the Normans in 1185 A.D. and which was subsequently changed and enhanced over the centuries but was burnt down in 1689. Then there is the ‘New’ castle which dates from 1690! This is […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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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