CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory – the Space for Science is Cork’s fun and exciting location to learn about the Universe and is one of the most popular family things to do in Cork. Over 400 years ago the fortification which is now Blackrock Castle was built at the river Lee where the narrowing channel leads to Cork, and has been […]
The Planet Entertainment Complex, Blackpool – where the sun always shines! The Planet, with 65,000 square feet, is the biggest leisure complex in Cork. Opened in 2005, it offers something for all the family. The facilities include: Bar & catering, tenpin bowling, Cosmo’s fun world, American pool and simulators. Planet Leisure cater for everything from school tours, family days-out & birthday […]
Explore your family history. Do you want to know where your ancestors came from? Well the fact that you are reading this possibly indicates that you do. Cobh which is in Cork harbour was the main embarkation point for millions of emigrants from Ireland to North America (Annie Moore from Cobh was the first person processed through Ellis Island in […]
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 […]
The Rock of Cashel – It’s huge, it’s complex, it’s iconic, there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. Located in Cashel, County Tipperary, The Rock of Cashel is just a one hour drive from Cork City Centre. Reputedly the site of the conversion of Aenghus the King of Munster by St. Patrick in the 5th century AD. […]
The Gearagh near Macroom is the remains of the only ancient post glacial alluvial forest in Western Europe. It was formed at the end of the last Ice Age and consists of a vast area of submerged islands that once supported a rich woodland flora. It gets its name from “An Gaoire”, the wooden river. In 1987 the area was […]
North of Cashel and at a slight detour is the beautifully restored Holy Cross Abbey which has been located here since the 13th century. The turbulent history of Ireland through the ages is reflected in the history of The Abbey. “That the Cross of Christ may not be emptied of its power” is the inscription on the renovated altar at […]
The Cardinal rule to be applied according to the Second Earl of Bantry was that house, garden and site must be a unit, as if one could not have been conceived without the others. Being true to his word, he terraced the land around the house, seven terraces in all, with the house sitting on the third terrace. A parterre […]
Cork Sea Safari, Cork City. Cork Harbour is one of the finest natural harbours in the world (In fact it is said to be the second largest natural harbour in the world after Sydney Harbour!). Islands and tranquil river estuaries, prisons, forts, pretty towns & scenic coves, beaches and bays as well as incredible marine and bird life makes Cork […]
Discover Millstreet Country Park ….. The South’s leading Cultural, Educational and Eco-Tourism Destination. In an environment which boasts an abundance of native wonders and spectacular breathtaking views, this beautiful 500 acre estate features miles of exhilarating walks, historical and archaeological features, themed gardens, wildlife and more. The spectacular ‘Mont des Arts’ is truly a world class feature and is a […]
Located next door to Shandon Bells, we recommend you pop next door and discover why Cork was the biggest butter market in the world in the 18th century. Described in the Financial Times as a ‘Do not miss’, the museum has various exhibits detailing the history of butter in the region and its importance to Cork over the centuries. There is also […]
Cork open top bus tour: Take an open top bus tour of Cork City. The tour starts at Grand Parade.(City Centre). Hop on and hop off at any stop along the way. Tickets are valid all day, and are available from the driver on the tour bus or the Tourist Office on Grand Parade. Tour Highlights include: St. Finbarr’s Cathedral, St. […]
Looking for a way to spend a great afternoon with the kids, or a venue for your next work night out? Then look no further than Leisureplex, the fun activity centre in the heart of Cork City. This indoor arena is full to the brim of great games that is sure to keep any crowd happy. Located very conveniently in the centre of […]
Hours of fun to be had at Monkey Maze; Monkey Maze is one of Europe’s largest indoor activity centre and party venues for kids. The giant 4 level adventure play maze complete with tunnels, slides, ball cannons and more will provide exciting and safe entertainment for children up to the age of 12 years. Monkey Maze is located in Glanmire, just […]
Visit The Shandon Bells; Cork’s most iconic landmark. You haven’t done Cork until you’ve played the Shandon Bells! Built in 1722 the church of St Anne is built over an older church that dated until the 12th century. Let everyone you know you have arrived by playing the bells (tunes are on numbered cards) for all to here and […]
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 […]
‘Coosheen’, situated on the estuary of Cork harbour, houses a unique collection of plants which provide interest and colour from spring to late autumn. Of this remarkable plant collection, snowdrops, hellebores, dactylorhizas, agapanthus, and glorious late-season grasses, hedychiums and salvias are a speciality. Hester’s insatiable appetite for collecting plants makes this a must-see garden for the plant enthusiast. A series […]
Cork City Gaol and Radio Museum is a significant part of Corks historical & cultural heritage. It is easily accessible as it just 2KM’s from the city centre and is both fun and informative. This magnificent castle-like building built in 1824 once housed 19th century prisoners! Visitors get a fascinating insight into day-to-day prison life at a time when the […]
This most colourful garden is situated in the beautiful scenery of West Cork in the South-West of Ireland, with wonderful views west to the Shehy mountains and Nowen Hill. Over 1000 varieties of flowers ,shrubs and trees and bulbs can be seen. The staggering amount of beautiful flowers make this the ‘must see’ garden of West Cork. Briefly, the acre contains an informal […]
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 […]
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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