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County Cork, Ireland Outdoor activities

Our most recommended County Cork, Ireland Outdoor activities

From Cork: County Cork Highlights Tour with Entrance Tickets

1. From Cork: County Cork Highlights Tour with Entrance Tickets

Discover the highlights of Co. Cork and explore the ancient battlements of Blarney Castle & Gardens. Take a journey through history and kiss the legendary Blarney Stone for the gift of the gab. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and shop tax-free at the adjacent woolen mills.  Visit Charles Fort and descend into the picturesque resort town of Kinsale. Soak up the atmosphere of this charming town and explore the winding, centuries-old streets with its colorfully painted shops, pubs, cafes, and houses. Stop for a pint of Murphy's Stout and a plate of trawler fresh seafood.  Nest, visit the historic port town of Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic. Stop by the Titanic Museum (optional) or explore the oceanfront to check out the colorful local architecture, St Colman's Roman Catholic cathedral, or spot some of the world's largest cruise ships. 

Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

2. Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

Visit Ireland’s most famous castle on a full-day tour from Dublin. Enjoy free time to explore the city of Cork and visit Blarney Castle. Stroll in the footsteps of St Patrick at the Celtic Crosses and Round Tower. Meet your guide at Paddy's Palace in Dublin and hop aboard a comfortable and climate-controlled van for a scenic drive through green fields and dairy farms of the Golden Vale of County Cork. Enjoy panoramic views of the Galtee Mountains and County Tipperary. Stop in Cork on banks of the River Lee and spend an hour of free time exploring the city at your own pace. Have the option to visit the historic English Market, or marvel at the architecture of St. Finbarre’s Cathedral. Drive on to Blarney Castle, home of the legendary Blarney Stone. It’s said that if you kiss the stone you will receive the “gift of the gab” for 7 years. Pucker up and kiss the stone or snap a picture.  Explore the castle grounds and gardens to discover the Witch's Cave. Take advantage of the tax free shopping at the Blarney Woollen Mills and craft shop. Step back in time at the evocative Celtic Crosses and Round Tower. Depart for Dublin on a path through the Golden Vale of County Tipperary and arrive back in the city at night. 

From Cork: Guided Full-Day West Cork to Mizen Head Tour

3. From Cork: Guided Full-Day West Cork to Mizen Head Tour

Immerse yourself in Irish culture on this day trip filled with fantastic photo opportunities. Starting in the historic city of Cork, travel by coach to Ireland’s most southwesterly point and view the dramatic cliff scenery of Mizen Head. As you drive through picturesque villages and towns, expect to see some awe-inspiring scenery as Ireland shows off its spectacular landscape. From the meeting point in Cork, travel first to Gougane Barra, home to Ireland's oldest National Forest Park and famous for St. Finbarr's Oratory, its stunning 19th-century church. Enjoy panoramic views of where the River Lee rises. Then, wander through Bantry, one of West Cork's most vibrant market towns, and do some shopping or sit down to a traditional cup of Irish tea and perhaps a scone. The next part of the journey takes you to Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southwesterly point — the edge of Europe and a signature key discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way. Admire the cliffs of Mizen Head that rise high above the Atlantic Ocean, where the currents meet and the waves from the Atlantic crash into land. Before returning to Cork city, discover Clonakilty, an iconic Irish town. Visit a museum, an Irish pub for a pint of Murphy's, or simply wander the colorful streets. You'll return to the city of Cork in the evening, where you'll be dropped off at the original meeting point.

Cliffs of Moher and Blarney 2-Day Tour from Dublin

4. Cliffs of Moher and Blarney 2-Day Tour from Dublin

Experience the dramatic landscapes of the southwest of Ireland on a 2-day budget tour to the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, and more. Kiss the famous Blarney Stone, enjoy panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean, and stay in the historic city of Cork to enjoy the local life up-close. Day 1: Dublin - Rock of Cashel - Blarney - Cork Depart Dublin at 08:00 for a relaxing drive through scenic County Cork. The first stop will be the world famous Rock of Cashel. One of Ireland's most evocative sites, you can stroll in the footsteps of St. Patrick flanked by ruins, Celtic crosses and round towers and feel the soul of Ireland. The Rock of Cashel was the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster until they donated the complex to the Catholic Church almost 1,000 years ago for use as a cathedral. The site is one of the best examples of medieval architecture in Europe. The next stop is Ireland's second city, Cork. Here there is time to visit the English Markets recently visited by Queen Elizabeth II, that offer a wide range of local produce from artisan meats and cheeses and all that is good about Irish fine fare. This is an ideal place to enjoy lunch. In the afternoon you will go to the quaint town of Blarney to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone (optional) at the medieval stronghold of Blarney Castle. Learn the story behind the tradition as you explore the castle’s dungeons, caves and hidden bedrooms. Return to Cork, where you will spend the night. Day 2: Cork - Burren - Cliffs of Moher - Dublin Start the day with a drive through the beautiful Golden Vale, home to some of the best farm land in Ireland. Stop in Limerick to see the River Shannon and get some fine photos of King John's Castle. Continue west to County Clare, enjoying views of the wild Atlantic Ocean as you drive along the West Coast. Marvel at beautiful beaches of golden sand, looking out for dolphins and whales. Admire the lunar landscape of The Burren, where Alpine, Arctic and Mediterranean flowers grow side-by-side. Hear inspiring tales of how the Irish overcame the horrors of the Great Potato Famine of 1845-49, when over 1 million Irish fled to all 4 corners of the earth to escape. Upon arrival at the Cliffs of Moher, gaze in awe at the sheer majesty of the cliffs and crashing waves. See why world surf champ, Kelly Slater, came here for the award-winning surf movie “Wave Riders.” En route back to Dublin, enjoy a short photo stop at the 15th-century tower house of Bunratty Castle.

From Dublin: 3-Day Cork, Ring of Kerry & the Cliffs of Moher

5. From Dublin: 3-Day Cork, Ring of Kerry & the Cliffs of Moher

Day 1 Check in Dublin Heuston (Customer Service Desk) for 07:00 departure of InterCity train (breakfast available) to Cork. Transfer by road to Blarney Castle and kiss the famous stone. After time for lunch and shopping and a flavor of Cork City, visit Cobh Heritage Centre, home of the "Queenstown Story," where the Titanic made its last port of call, and from where 3 million Irish people emigrated. Depart Cobh by train to Killarney, where you will be taken to your bed & breakfast accommodation, with en-suite facilities. There are numerous restaurants in Killarney, as well as traditional pubs-many with live traditional Irish music. Day 2 Embark on the famous Ring of Kerry tour, which is a largely coastal drive around the Iveragh Peninsula, with lots of stunning mountain and coastal scenery, including the famous Lakes of Killarney. After the day's touring, the evening is free in Killarney. Day 3 Leave Killarney for Limerick, to join the Cliffs of Moher tour. Take a short city tour of Limerick, and then visit Bunratty Castle, before lunch at a traditional pub at Doolin. You will have plenty of time to see the majestic Cliffs of Moher, before taking the coastal route around Galway Bay, with stops for photos. Return to Dublin by InterCity train, arriving at 20:45. * Prices are per person sharing Single Room Supplement applies

Ireland: 5-Day Escape to the Southwest Tour

6. Ireland: 5-Day Escape to the Southwest Tour

Discover the scenic splendor of southwest Ireland on a comprehensive 5-day tour of The Burren, the Dingle Peninsula, and the fabled Ring of Kerry. Stop at historic castles and monasteries, and wander the colorful fishing villages to sample fresh seafood. Enjoy dramatic views from the Cliffs of Moher, and stroll along the vast stretch of Inch Beach watching the local surfers. Transportation is by small minicoach, with accommodation in quaint bed and breakfast guesthouses for a more intimate experience. Day 1: Depart Dublin and head west through the farmland and peat bogs of Kildare and Offally counties. Stop at Locke’s Distillery, reputedly the oldest legal distillery in the world. Sample the local whiskey to experience the true spirit of Ireland. Continue west to the mighty Shannon River, and vist the early Christian site of Clonmacnoise. Admire its collection of churches, stone crosses, and round towers. After an afternoon stop in a traditional pub in one of the attractive villages, travel to Galway City to check into your base for the night. This lively student town has no shortage of good pubs and restaurants to enjoy in the evening. Day 2: From Galway City it’s only a short drive along the coast to The Burren, one of Ireland’s great natural treasures. Marvel at the limestone pavements, barren hills, and rare flora. See Christian settlements and ancient stone monuments. You will spend most of the morning exploring this unique area, stopping in Kilfenora for lunch. Known as the “Town of the Crosses,” there will also be time to visit the old cathedral before driving to the Cliffs of Moher. Marvel at this natural beauty, where the cliffs drop almost 700 feet into crashing Atlantic Ocean waves. Take a walk along one of the cliff top trails, and watch the seabirds at work. Alternatively, visit the award-winning environmental exhibition to learn about the region’s ecology. Then, travel south through County Clare, passing the famous golf course and beach at Lahinch to catch the ferry across the Shannon Estuary and into County Kerry. Go to the beautiful lakeside town of Killarney, your base for the next 3 nights. The pubs here are great for food and most have live music in the evenings. Day 3 Today, you will explore the Dingle Peninsula, one of the most scenic parts of Ireland. Your first stop in this heartland of Gaelic culture will be Inch Beach, a vast expanse of sand facing the Atlantic Ocean popular with surfers. From here, increasingly narrow roads lead onto the peninsula itself, through the town of Dingle and out to Slea Head. This is an area of ancient forts and dwellings that date back thousands of years. Visit some of the best examples along the way. Enjoy views of the Blasket Islands as they rise dramatically from the sea. Marvel at the mountains of the famous Ring of Kerry to your south. Weather permitting, time will be allotted for a walk on the beach or along the cliff tops. Learn why the area is important in Gaelic literature. Then, head back to Dingle town with its brightly colored buildings and busy harbor. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, before returning to Killarney. If the weather is good you could enjoy an evening walk in Killarney National Park, just on the edge of town. Day 4: Today, you will take one of the world’s classic routes, the 100-mile Ring of Kerry. Depart Killarney and enjoy the views to Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain. Join the coast road through Glenbeigh and Kells to Cahersiveen. Possible stops along the way include Daniel O’Connell’s birthplace, and the ring fort of Cahersiveen. Go to the little fishing village of Portmagee for a lunch of local seafood. Alternatively, cross to the island of Valencia and visit the Skellig Experience to learn about the small community of monks who once lived on the nearby rock island of Skellig Michael. In the afternoon, stop in picturesque Waterville, a favourite holiday destination for Charlie Chaplin. Stop again at the top of the Coonmakista Pass for one of the best views in Ireland. From here, the road drops down to sea level, where you will visit Derrynane House, the family home of Daniel O’Connell. You can stroll in the gardens and down to the beach, as well as look inside the house itself. Continue around the Ring, stopping at Moll’s Gap and Ladies View. There will also be time for a short walk to the Torc Waterfall before returning to Killarney. Day 5: The final day of your tour heads east through the mountains of West Cork and the market town of Macroom. Then, drive along the Lee Valley to Blarney Castle. Visit the castle and take one of the woodland walks to the mystical Rock Close. Explore the village of Blarney, stopping for lunch and a bit of shopping. There may even be time to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, although in peak season it can be very busy. In the afternoon, head to the Rock of Cashel to see the medieval monastery complex high above the town. Finally, go to Kilkenny, a bustling city with a fine castle and park, as well as some lovely riverside walks. Visit the National Craft Centre, or just hang out in one of the pubs for a last Guinness. Hit the road again for the final leg of your journey, arriving back in Dublin at approximately 19:30.

Dublin: Blarney Castle Small Group Tour

7. Dublin: Blarney Castle Small Group Tour

Depart from Dublin in the morning from a selection of leading hotels. Climb into a luxury Mercedes-Benz touring vehicle, with a maximum of 25 passengers on a small group tour led by a professional guide. Travel through the picturesque midlands of Ireland, the Golden Vale agricultural plains of counties Tipperary and Cork. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Galtee Mountains as the tour passes fields with grazing stallions and dairy cows. Arrive at the world famous Rock of Cashel in Tipperary where you will have the opportunity to stroll in the footsteps of St. Patrick flanked by ruins, Celtic crosses, and round towers. Feel the soul of Ireland as you admire the Catholic Church one of the best examples of medieval architecture anywhere in Europe. Next, head to Blarney Castle which is famous is songs and stories. Kiss the Blarney Stone situated on the battlements and receive the “gift of the gab” - 7 years of eloquent speech. Enjoy a stroll around the fabulous gardens of the Blarney Estate or take the beautiful Lake Walk. Visit the Witches Cave in the castle grounds before having plenty of time to indulge in the tax-free shopping haven of the Blarney Woollen Mills and craft shop. Return to Dublin at around 7:45 PM in time for refreshments and evening dinner reservations.

Best of Ireland 6-Day Backpackers Economy Tour

8. Best of Ireland 6-Day Backpackers Economy Tour

Discover the highlights of Ireland’s 4 corners, including all the sights of Northern Ireland. Enjoy a night at a traditional Irish pub, plenty of opportunities to dance the night away, hikes through bogs and castle ruins, and much more.  Day 1: Dublin - Belfast Visit Belfast and discover Titanic Belfast and the historic downtown quarter. Spend the night in Belfast. Day 2: Belfast - Derry Explore the Antrim Coast with visits to Dunluce Castle and Giants Causeway and photo opportunities at the Dark Hedges and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Enjoy a historic walking tour in Derry. Spend the night in Derry. Day 3: Derry - Galway Depart Northern Ireland and road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way to Galway. Stop in surfing hotspot Strandhill for lunch and enjoy a walk on the beach. Enjoy a free walking tour in Galway. Spend the night in Galway. Day 4: Galway - Dingle Head to Annascaul via the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Spend the night in Annascaul on the Dingle peninsula. Day 5: Dingle - Killarney Enjoy a full day of touring on the Dingle Peninsula, one of Europe’s most spectacular road trips. Spend the night in Killarney. Day 6: Killarney - Dublin Depart Killarney for Dublin. Enjoy a tour of the Killarney National Park and a visit to Blarney Castle in Cork. The tour ends in Dublin by the early evening.

Rail Tour from Dublin: 6 Days All of Ireland

9. Rail Tour from Dublin: 6 Days All of Ireland

Day 1 Check in Dublin Heuston Station (Customer Service Desk) for 7:00 departure of InterCity train to Cork (breakfast available). We visit Blarney Castle, the Queenstown Story at Cobh, then train to Killarney for two nights B & B with en-suite facilities. Day 2 10.00 depart Killarney on Ring of Kerry tour. We have a wonderful day viewing some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery, including Dingle Bay. We also see the Macgillicuddy Reeks, Ireland's highest mountain Carrantuohill, Moll's Gap, Ladies View and the world famous Lakes of Killarney. Overnight in Killarney. Day 3 07.30 transfer from Killarney to Limerick, to join the Cliffs of Moher Tour, visit Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher, O'Connors Pub at Doolin, Galway Bay, overnight Galway City in 3 star Hotel (2 nights). Day 4 10.30am transfer to Connemara Airport for flight and tour of Inishmór, largest of the Aran Islands Day 5 10.00 depart Galway for tour of Connemara, including Kylemore Abbey after which we depart Galway by train, arriving Dublin Heuston 20.45 transfer by tram to three star hotel for two nights (room only). Day 6 Check in Dublin Connolly Station at 07.10 departure for the Giants Causeway tour. At Belfast we join our tour and head to the famous Antrim Coast Road crossing the lovely Glens of Antrim en route to Ballycastle and the Carrick-a-rede* rope bridge (Mid March - October only. Glimpse the Scottish coast on a clear day. We continue to the stunning Giant's Causeway next, seeing Dunluce Castle (photo stop only). We return to Belfast and our train to Dublin arriving at Connolly station at 22:20 for second night in three star hotel. Depart Monday/Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday (March to October only) * Price is per person sharing Single Room Supplement applies

5-Day Tour of West Ireland: Blarney Stone & Cliffs of Moher

10. 5-Day Tour of West Ireland: Blarney Stone & Cliffs of Moher

Spend five full days in Western Ireland, a landscape studded by breathtaking cliffs and seaside towns. Kiss the Blarney Stone and get the Gift of Gab, take the Ring of Kerry tour, stand on the majestic Cliffs of Moher, and explore the Aran Islands on this 5-day guided tour. Today, visit the famed Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the Blarney Stone for good luck. See the Queenstown Story at Cobh, then hop on the train to a charming bed and breakfast in the town of Killarney. Day 2: Ring of Kerry, Dingle Bay (Meals: B) Embark on the breathtaking Ring of Kerry tour, where you will get to view Ireland's most spectacular scenery along the Dingle Peninsula and bay. See the Macgillicuddy Reeks, Carrantouhill (Ireland's highest mountain), Ladies' View, and the world-famous Lakes of Killarney. Day 3: Cliffs of Moher, Galway Bay (Meals: B) Head down to Limerick to see the stunning Cliffs of Moher, jutting out over the Atlantic Ocean. Pay a visit to Bunratty Castle, then stop in at O'Connors Pub in Doolin before seeing Galway Bay. Day 4: Inishmór, Fort Dun Aengus (Meals: B) Fly to Inishmor and explore the largest of the Aran Islands. After lunch in Kilronan, enjoy a tour of the ancient fort Dun Aengus, admiring its sharp cliffs and dramatic seascapes. Day 5: Kylemore Abbey (Meals: B) Visit the district of Connemara, flanked by a coastline full of peninsulas, and tour Kylemore Abbey, home to a community of nuns that has resided there since 1920. Explore this site, the oldest benedictine abbey in Ireland, before departing for Dublin.

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What people are saying about County Cork, Ireland

The tour was well organized- our guides met us every step of the way and ensured comfort and safety. The planned days went smoothly. It can be hard to be on the bus when you would like to stop for more photos! Reserved first class train seats were appreciated. The chosen hotels were nice, clean, comfortable and well located. The food was good. We really enjoyed the other travelers in our group. This is a nice way to see Ireland for the first time.

You get approx 30 min at Cashel, 90 min in Cork, and 2 hours at Blarney Castle. It was the perfect amount of time in my opinion. 2 hours is more than enough to visit the park and the castle and kiss the stone if you want. We visited in November, so there was no waiting time for the stone. The guide was awesome! Told us some nice bits about Irish history.

We had such a good time! We had 3 different guides, Brian jj and John. JJ was the best and was very funny! The b&b was the only downside of the whole two days!

Fun tour stopping at rock of cashel, Blarney castle and a pub. Bus driver was entertaining. He helped make the dismally, rainy day fun!

Great tour! Our guide was what made it so special--thank you, Paul! We had ample time at each stop and learned a lot.