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Cork Butter Museum
The Cork Butter Museum is a unique institution, celebrating one of the great success stories of Ireland, the butter trade. Located in the historic Shandon area of Cork city, the story begins with the central role of dairy culture in the Island of Saints and Scholars. The Museum goes on to describe the internationally important Butter Exchange in nineteenth century Cork, the traditional craft of home butter making and the modern success of the Kerrygold brand. In the course of this story, the commercial, social, and domestic life of Ireland is recalled.

LOCATION: O'Connell Square, Shandon, Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland.
OPENING TIMES: Open Daily 10am-5pm
PRICE: Full €4.00. Seniors/Students €3.00. School Students €1.50. Children under 12 (no charge).
CONTACT: Tel: 021 430 0600. Web: www.corkbutter.museum.

Cork City Gaol
About a mile west of the city centre, Cork city gaol received its first prisoners in 1824 and its last in 1923. This prison housed many of Irelands great patriots in the 19th century. Visiting this gaol is a very moving experience and the sound effects and lifelike characters inhabiting the cells re-create the social history of Cork.

Upstairs there is a new National Radio Museum. With a collection of beautiful old radios you can hear the story of Marconi’s conquest of the airways.

Open 7 days throughout the year.

LOCATION: Convent Avenue, Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland.
OPENING TIMES: Mar - Oct 09.30am - 5pm. Nov - Feb 10am - 4pm.
PRICE: Adults; EU7.00. Concessions; Student over 17 yrs with card EU6.00. OAP EU6.00. Child/second level student EU4.00. Family Ticket; (2 adults and up to 4 children) EU20.00
CONTACT: Tel: 021 4305022. Web: www.corkcitygaol.com.

Blackrock Castle Observatory
Blackrock Castle Observatory is a 16th century castle located about 2km from the heart of Cork city on the banks of the river Lee. Blackrock Castle has abundant free parking adjacent to the Castle and we are only 10 minutes by car from Cork city center.

LOCATION: Blackrock Castle Observatory, Blackrock Castle , Castle Road, Blackrock , Co.Cork.
OPENING TIMES:
PRICE: EU
CONTACT: Tel: 021 4357917. Web: www.bco.ie.

Cork Historic Walking Tours
Cork Historic Walking Tours offers tours of Cork city which are intended to give the visitor an understanding of the origins of Cork, and how it developed throughout its varied, and occasionally precarious, history.

There are several tours to chose from, visit the website to learn more. Tours take approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, on flat terrain, making them suitable for wheel-chair users. Scheduled Tours 2010 run from Mon April 5th to Fri Sept 24th.

LOCATION: All tours start outside the Cork Kerry Tourism Office on Grand Parade.
OPENING TIMES: 10am, 2pm and 6.30pm.
PRICE: EU
CONTACT: Tel: 085 100 7300. Web: www.walkcork.ie.

Cobh Heritage Centre
From 1848 - 1950 over 6 million adults and children emigrated from Ireland - over 2.5 million departed from Cobh, making it the single most important port of emigration.

This exodus from Ireland was largely as a result of poverty, crop failures, the land system and a lack of opportunity. Irish emigration reached unprecedented proportions during the famine as people fled from hunger and disease. Find out more at Cobh heritage park.

LOCATION: Cobh, The Queenstown Story, Cobh Heritage Centre, Cobh, Co. Cork, Ireland.
OPENING TIMES:
PRICE: EU
CONTACT: Tel: 04 813591. Web: www.cobhheritage.com.

Desmond Castle & the International Museum of Wine
CORK STREET, KINSALE (5 MINS WALK FROM TOWN CENTRE) The site opens from Easter-Late September from 10.00 - 18.00 hrs every day (last adm. at 17.15 hrs). The Castle and Wine Museum have self guiding exhibitions and there are regular guided tours. Guide leaflets are available in different languages.

LOCATION: CORK STREET, KINSALE (5 MINS WALK FROM TOWN CENTRE)
OPENING TIMES: Easter-Late September from 10.00 - 18.00 hrs every day (last adm. at 17.15 hrs).
PRICE:
CONTACT: Tel: 021 4774855.

Fota Wildlife Park and Arboretum Park
Fota Wildlife Park and Arboretum Park is one of Europe's most progressive Wildlife Parks with over 90 species of wildlife from five continents. It is set on 70 acres of open countryside, with many of its species wandering freely around the park's natural and attractive environment. FOTA Wildlife Park has achieved international success in breeding cheetahs and aims to be a leading contributor to the conservation of wildlife worldwide. It supports conservation initiatives in Namibia, the South Atlantic, Columbia, Madagastcar and Central America.

LOCATION: Fota Wildlife Park, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, Ireland.
OPENING TIMES: Monday-Saturday 10.00 a.m. Sundays 11.00 a.m. Last entry 5.00pm every day. Gates closed 6.00pm
PRICE:
CONTACT: Tel: 021-4812678. Email: info@fotawildlife.ie. Web: www.fotawildlife.ie.

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Cork Sea Safari
Cork Harbour is one of the finest natural harbours in the world. It is one of which lay claim to the title of "second largest natural harbour in the world by navigational area" after Sydney. Our islands and tranquil river estuaries are some of Cork’s most beautiful attractions & offer a wide variety of interesting and appealing sights. Our history spans centuries, examples of which are plentiful throughout our harbour. This combined with our scenic coves, beaches and bays as well as our marine and bird life makes Cork Sea Safari a unique and unforgettable experience. We offer fun and informative Sea Safari tours of Cork harbour and its many attractions, combined with the unique opportunity to experience high adventure and pure exhilaration.

LOCATION: Cork Sea Safari departs several times daily from a central city location on Lapps Quay. Only a 3 minute walk from the city centre, ideal for those visiting or staying in Cork City.
OPENING TIMES: Various times see website.
PRICE: Various prices, see website.
CONTACT: Tel: 086 8208565. Web: www.safari.ie.

The Jameson Experience Midleton
The Old Midleton Distillery is a very large distillery in the town which produces the bulk of Irish whiskey and gin. An interpretative centre, depicting the history, methods of distillation and other aspects of the industry, is open to the public.

LOCATION: The Jameson Experience Midleton, Midleton distillary, Midleton, Cork.
OPENING TIMES:
PRICE: EU
CONTACT: Tel: . Web: www.jamesonwhiskey.com.

Westcork Model Railway Village
Take a trip to the Model Railway Village for a fun and memorable day out on your visit to Clonakilty and West Cork.

Walking into the model village you step back in time and see life as it was in the 1940's. See the old West Cork railway line portrayed in delightful miniature serving the towns. The models and figurines are handmade at the model village to a scale of 1:24.

Depicting busy market days, this is a joyful discovery for young and old alike. Relax in our unique tea room set on one of our authentic train carriages with a view of Clonakilty bay.

LOCATION: West Cork Model Railway Village, "The Station", Inchydoney Road, Clonakilty, West Cork, Ireland
OPENING TIMES: Open daily from 11am to 5pm
PRICE: EU
CONTACT: Tel: (023) 8833224. Web: www.modelvillage.ie.

Crawford Art Gallery
The Crawford Art Gallery is housed in a building which was used partly as the Old Customs House of 1724. It was also used by the Cork School of Art of 1884. There are displays of sculptures and handcrafted silver and glass works. However it is the excellent permanent collection of works by Irish artists such as Jack Yeats, Sean Keating, Nathaniel Grogan, William Orpen, Sir John Lavery, James Barry, and Daniel Maclise. The gallery now has an excellent café and bookstore. In 2000 it received a dramatic facelift and a great new extension.

LOCATION: Emmet Place, Cork.
OPENING TIMES: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
PRICE: Free
CONTACT: Tel: (021) 4273377. Web: www.crawfordartgallery.ie.

Lifetime Lab
Open to the public. Visitors of all ages will enjoy a visit to the Lifetime Lab with its modern interactive exhibition, steam plant, beautifully restored buildings, children's playground and marvellous views over the River Lee.

LOCATION: Old Cork Waterworks, Lee Road, Cork.
OPENING TIMES: Oct - May: Monday to Friday 09.30 - 17.00 (not incl. bank holidays). June- Sept: Mon - Fri: 09.30 - 17.00 Sat + Sun: 11.00- 17.00 (including Bank Holidays).
PRICE: Family (2a+2c) €7, Adult €3 ,Child/Student/OAP €2
CONTACT: Tel: (021) 4941500. Web: www.lifetimelab.ie.

Everyman Palace Theatre Tour - Rolling Back The Years
Fridays at the Everyman Palace Theatre. The tour provides visitors to the Palace with a special insight into the workings of the theatre, following its history from the late 19th century to the present.

LOCATION: Everyman Palace Theatre, MacCurtain Street, Cork.
OPENING TIMES: 2.30pm.
PRICE: EU5
CONTACT: Tel: 021 4501673. Email: info@everymanpalace.com. Web: www.everymanpalace.com.

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CORK CITY & SUBURBS

St. Fin Barre's Cathedral
St. Finbarre's Cathedral is one of the major landmarks of Cork. Built in the 19th-century and dedicated to the patron saint of Cork, St. Finbar / Finnbarre / Finn Barr (gaeil Fionn Barra). This impressive structure was creation of victorian architect William Burges.

The origional monastic settlement was founded in the 8th Century and a church has stood on this site ever since. It is from this site that the city of Cork grew. This cathedral is Cork's Church of Ireland cathedral. It is a gothic style cathedral and its impressive interior is well worth a visit.

LOCATION: Sharman Crawford Street, Cork.
OPENING TIMES: Apr-Sept Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm and Oct-Mar Mon-Sat 2-5:30pm
PRICE: Free; All donations welcome
CONTACT: (021) 4963387

Cork Public Museum and Fitzgerald Park
This museum occupies a magnificent Georgian building in Fitzgerald Park on the western edge of the city. The ground floor is mostly dedicated to Cork's role in Ireland fight for independence. There is an archive of photographs and documents relating to Cork-born Irish patriots such as: Terence McSwiney, Thomas MacCurtain, and Michael Collins.

The first floor has archaeological displays. Exhibits include models depicting early medieval times; artefacts recovered from excavations in the city, some dating as far back as 4,000 years; and a working model of an early flourmill with an unusual horizontal water wheel. Antique Cork silver, glass, and lace are on display. An extension to the museum has recently been completed. Be sure to also take a walk around the park. From here you can visit Cork’s famous Shaky Bridge overlooking the River Lee. Entrance to the museum and park are free.

LOCATION: Fitzgerald Park, Cork.
OPENING TIMES: Mon-Fri 11am-1pm and 2:15-5pm; Sun 3-5pm (until 6pm July-Aug)
PRICE: Sun EU1.30, EU2.50 family; Mon-Fri free
CONTACT: (021) 4270679

St. Anne's Church, Shandon
The northside of Cork is dominated by this 18th century church and its curious steeped tower. The church was built in 1722 and its tower is faced with two limestone and two sandstone walls. From these the colours of the Cork hurling and football teams are taken. You can climb the tower and ring the bells of the cathedral or simply admire the amazing view of Cork city and the Lee Valley from this spectacular vantage point. Also the view of the interior of the Cathedral and its collection of 17th century books is well worth a visit. These include letters by the poet John Donne.

Virtually no matter where you stand in Cork city you can see the Shandon Bells as the cathedral is also known. It was also known for some time as the four faced liar, due its four clock showing different times, except on the hour, when they all managed to synchronize.

Around the area of St. Anne’s Cathedral is the Shandon Craft Centre, which was once the Cork Butter Exchange. Opposite the cathedral is the round Firkin Crane Centre, this used to house the weighing scales for the butter-casks (firkins) and is now home to a hot venue for contemporary dance and theatrical performances.

LOCATION: Church Street, Cork.
OPENING TIMES: Mon-Sat 8:30am-6pm
PRICE: EU5 adults, EU4 seniors and students, EU9 family
CONTACT: (021) 4501672.

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NORTH CORK

Blarney, Fermoy, Mallow, Millstreet, Mitchelstown

North West of Cork lies Blarney. This village is renowned for Blarney Castle, Blarney Stone and Blarney woollen Mills. Tourism is a major aspect of the town. You will find many pleasant restaurants and pubs as well as the main attraction; Blarney Castle.

Blarney Castle is said to one of the most striking castles in Ireland. Dating from 1446, the castle is a tower house built on solid limestone in wonderful grounds. Whilst visiting the castle you can kiss the blarney stone! Bending over backwards to kiss the sacred rock required a head for heights. By kissing the stone you are said to receive the gift of the gab! Near to the castle is Blarney woollen mills where every type of Irish souvenir can be purchased and some fantastic woollen garments.

Another town in North Cork is Fermoy. This is a small town located on the River Blackwater. There is a great deal of fishing to be done in this town. There are also a great number of restaurants. The town hosts a Fishing Festival in the week straddling May and June.

Mallow is twice the size of Fermoy and is a prosperous town in the Blackwater Valley. There is great fishing, golfing and horse riding in the area. The Mallow Racecourse hosts Corks best horse racing. A visit to Mallow Castle is a must, this castle dates back to 1185.

Millstreet Country Park, Millstreet, Co Cork.
Tel 029 2970810. www.millstreetcountrypark.com. info@millstreetcountrypark.com.
Millstreet Country Park which extends to 500 acres is a major tourist attraction. It is located approximately 6 kilometers from Millstreet town. The park is an ideal venue for group visits and offers excellent value for a special day out. Discover the many amenities, enjoy the scenery, and the Park's environmental heritage in all its facets. We pause here to remind you that the Park is large with many miles of trails. Some are short and can be covered quickly by even the most reluctant rambler! Others are more extensive and can involve a climb up the Park so you may choose to ride them in part on the Park Transport Vehicles. These comfortable open sided vehicles driven by friendly local guides make frequent trips along preplanned trails and visitors may alight or embark from various points in the Park. By this process it is possible to explore the entire Park on wheels. There is no unseemly haste, visitors can elect to wander off to explore a particular sector on foot in the knowledge that transport will be at hand for the return journey in due course. Open 7 days 10am - 5.30pm. Gates close at 7pm. Group discounts available. EU15per car exit charge, EU50 season ticket.

Mitchelstown, just 30 miles from Cork City. The town is set at the foothills of the Galtee Mountains. Surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Ireland's Blackwater Valley. There is an extensive river network offering a wide variety of game and coarse fishing. There are also many equestrian centres, offering riding tuition, trail riding and pony trekking. The town is an important example of a planned town. It was laid out primarily by the 1st and 3rd Earls of Kingston in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Mitchelstown is situated in the blackwater valley between the Galtee and Knockmealdown Mountains. There is spectacular scenery offering fantastic walks. Also around the area are the Mitcelstown Caves.

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SOUTH CORK

Kinsale
Kinsale offers so much to the visitor. Without doubt the gourmet capital of Ireland. It is also a town of great historical significance. There are so many things to do in Kinsale: Sailing, Harbour Trips, Fishing, Golf, Horse Riding, Shooting, Archery, Paintball, Windsurfing and many more watersports. Also kinsale caters for Walking and Historical Visits. There are Leisure Centres, Pottery Workshops, Taxi and bus tours.

Kinsale was the site of a battle in 1601 that was a turning point in Irish history. For over 300 years it was a garrison town and port of consequence, leaving a legacy of Georgian and Victorian architecture. The people of Kinsale take the preservation of their environment very seriously, and the town is noted for its successes in competitions such as Tidy Towns and the European Entente Floriale competition.

When you go to Kinsale be sure to visit the following places: Desmond Castle and International Museum of Wine, Charles Fort, St. Multose Church and Kinsale Regional Museum.

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EAST CORK

Cobh, Fota, Youghal, Midleton

Cobh is a beautifully picturesque town which was for many years the port of Cork. It always had a stong connection with Atlantic crossings. In 1838 the Sirius was the first steamship to cross the Atlantic, sailing from Cobh. The town was renowned for the last port of call of the Titanic. It is also near Cobh that the Lusitania was torpedoed in 1915. All these facts combined ensures the towns great maritime history. The town itself is dominated by the beautiful St. Coleman’s Cathedral. It is a French Gothic style of architecture. The cathedral is noted for its 47 bell carillon, the largest in Ireland. Other places of interest in the town are the Cobh Heritage Centre and Cobh Museum. There are also Harbour cruises and fantastic chances to play golf.

Fota Wildlife Park and Arboretum Park is one of Europe's most progressive Wildlife Parks with over 90 species of wildlife from five continents. It is set on 70 acres of open countryside, with many of its species wandering freely around the park's natural and attractive environment. FOTA Wildlife Park has achieved international success in breeding cheetahs and aims to be a leading contributor to the conservation of wildlife worldwide. It supports conservation initiatives in Namibia, the South Atlantic, Columbia, Madagastcar and Central America.
CONTACT: Web: www.fotawildlife.ie.

Youghal is 30 miles east of Cork city. It is located where the river Blackwater meets the sea. Sir Walter Raleigh was the towns first mayor from 1588-89. Tradition has it he planted the first potatoes here after bringing them back from the New World. The town is dominated by the old Clock Gate at the south end of Main Street. There is also the elegant red brick Town Hall on the seafront. Fox’s Lane Folk Museum, Tynte’s Castle and Red House are some other great attractions. It has a fine beach and its situation at the mouth of the River Blackwater makes it an excellent touring centre. Golf, tennis, fishing and boating are widely available.

Midleton, 17km. (12 miles) east of Cork City, is a 12th. century market town with a rich agricultural hinterland. A distillery town since 1825, it is situated in the centre of the East Cork region. This town, the home of Irish Whiskey, enjoys attractive shopping facilities, award-winning restaurants, quaint old pubs and luxurious accommodation. Other places of interest in Midleton are: Loughaderra Lake, Castlemartyr Castle & Carmelite Monastry, Garryvoe Blue Flag Beach, Bird Watching at Rostellan Lake, Medieval Cloyne, The Beautiful East Ferry, Barryscourt Castle and Trabolgan.

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WEST CORK

West Cork is known for its enticing and colorful towns. The entire area offers a multitude of towns with a variety of different things to see and do. Home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland and also offering the broadest range of activities, entertainment, cuisine and accommodation imaginable. Visiting West Cork provides you with a range of options that allow you to tailor your holiday to suit your personal taste.

West Cork offers a list of fantastic towns such as: Clonakilty, Rosscarbery, Skibbereen, Sherkin Island, Schull, Mizen Head Peninsula, Bantry, Beara Peninsula. Each town offering its own beauty and charm.

Make sure you do not miss some of the following highlights:

West Cork Regional Museum, Clonakilty.
Lisnagun Ring Fort, Clonakilty.
Birthplace of Michael Collins, Clonakilty.
Beaches and Canoeing in Rosscarbery.
12th Century St. Fachtna’s Cathedral, Rosscarbery.
Drombeg Stone Circle, Rosscarbery.
Castle Salem, N17 Skibbereen Road west of Rosscarberry.
Glandore Village, Glandore.
Liss Ard Experience, Skibbereen.
West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen.
Lough Ine and Knockomagh Woods, Skibbereen
Baltimore for Angling
Clear Island for Bird watching
Sherkin Island
Mizen Head Peninsula
Schull
The Planetarium, Schull
Road trip from Schull to Mizen Head
Bantry town and Museum
Bantry House and Gardens
Glengarriff and Glengarriff Woods
Castletownbere
Dunboy Castle and Puxley Mansion, Castletownbere
Fantastic Walks in the Beara Peninsula
Cable car to Dursey Island
Allihies and the Copper Mines, Castletownbere

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