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Cork & Kerry
Ireland’s
most popular region in the spectacular southwest of Ireland
offers the perfect blend of cityscapes and rural landscapes,
historic and modern, exceptional outdoor activities from golf
to sailing, and experience the unique culture and heritage
of the region with some of Ireland’s most unique festivals
and events.
The South West
of Ireland provides unlimited stimulation for all the senses.
The amazing
panoramas that are revealed around every turn of the Ring
of Kerry, the quality of the seafood restaurants in Kinsale
and the ultimate relaxation of its four and five star hotels
and spas are only a few examples of what the region can deliver.
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And if you tire of the quiet life, Ireland’s second
city, Cork, is overflowing with ways to inject a little excitement
into your break.
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Why
Cork & Kerry?
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Experience
the very best that the region has to offer – castles,
manor houses, luxurious hotels with spectacular views,
offering exceptional service and the warmest of Irish
hospitality. And enjoy the quality local produce at one
of the many award winning restaurants throughout the region. |
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Play a
round of golf in the footsteps of championship greats
or luxuriate in one of the regions many spa’s. |
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For thrill
seekers, experience abseiling, kayaking or rock-climbing
– an action-packed way to enjoy the natural beauty
of the region. |
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Immerse
yourself in the regions’ unique culture at one of
the many festivals, theatres and shows which take place
throughout the year. |
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The region
offers everything from state of the art conference centers
to meeting rooms which transform into glittering gala
settings in the evenings. |
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| Activities
View
Activities Map
Below is just a selection of activities
to be found in the South West region. For more information click
here
| 1. |
Buggy Tours, County
Cork
Experience the unique thrill and challenge of riding an All
Terrain Vehicle around a specially designed cross-country course.
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| 2. |
Cycling
There are about 715km of cycle routes in this region, so relax,
enjoy the local entertainment and explore the scenery and historical
sites |
| 3. |
Fishing
The Cork/Kerry Region is a fisherman’s paradise whether
your line is deep-sea fishing, shore fishing, game fishing or
coarse fishing. |
| 4. |
Horses for courses
Enjoy top class racing at Mallow and Killarney and show-jumping
at Millstreet, County Cork. |
| 5. |
Horse riding
With miles of sandy beaches, beautiful coastline, spectacular
scenery and countryside, the Cork/Kerry Region is perfect for
an equestrian holiday. |
| 6. |
Sail away
The Royal Cork Yacht Club is the oldest yacht club in the world
and was established back in 1720. It offers a safe and sheltered
harbor for sailing vessels of all sizes. |
| 7. |
Walking
There are more than 1,000km of marked ways in the South West
region. Explore quiet valleys, mountains and the wild Atlantic
coastline. |
| 8. |
Water sports
The long indented coastline makes this region an ideal water
sports destination. Surfing, canoeing, water-skiing, sailing
and diving are all available |
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Culture View
Culture Map
Below is just a selection of cultural
attractions to be found in the South West region. For more information
click here
| 1. |
Cork Choral Festival,
County Cork
One of Europe’s premier choral festivals, held annually
in Cork City Hall, it attracts around 5000 participants each
year, and takes place over the four days preceding the first
Monday in May. |
| 2. |
Cork Film Festival, County Cork
A major showcase for Irish film production taking place in October
each year. It also offers an eclectic mix of film from around
the world. |
| 3. |
Cork Jazz Festival, County Cork
Every year this festival entertains around 40,000 revelers with
a host of local and international artists. |
| 4. |
Crawford Art Gallery, County
Cork
The city art museum, located right in the heart of Cork city
in a stunning building, welcomes more than 200,000 visitors
a year. |
| 5. |
European Capital of Culture
2005, Cork city
Year long celebrations will encompass a wide range of events
and festivals to suit all ages and tastes. |
| 6. |
Gaeltacht areas www.forasnagaeilge.ie
www.gaelsaoire.ie
" Gaeltacht" is the word used to describe those parts
of the country where Irish is still the primary language. Two
are in the South West area: Baile Bhúairne in Cork and
An Daingean (Dingle) in Kerry. |
| 7. |
Killarney Summer Racing Festival,
County Kerry
The Killarney Race meeting provides a great opportunity to sample
all the passion that the Irish have for horse racing. |
| 8. |
Rose of Tralee, County Kerry
More than 200,000 visitors flock to Tralee for the annual arts
festival and, most importantly, the crowning of the Rose of
Tralee. |
| 9. |
Siamsa Tire (The National Folk
Theatre), Tralee, County Kerry
Founded in 1974, the Theatre’s mission is to present Ireland's
wealth of music, dance and folklore drawing on traditions and
a rich cultural past. |
| 10. |
Triskel Arts Centre, Cork City,
County Cork
Presents a broad range of exhibitions from poetry to photography
and has a wide-reaching community and outreach program. |
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Golf View
Golf Map
Below is just a selection of Golf
courses to be found in the South West region. For more information
click
here
| 1. |
Ballybunion Cashen,
County Kerry |
| 2. |
Ballybunion Old Course, County
Kerry |
| 3. |
Dingle Links, County Kerry |
| 4. |
Dooks, County Kerry |
| 5. |
Fota Island Golf Club, County
Cork |
| 6. |
Monskstown Golf Club, County
Cork |
| 7. |
Ring of Kerry Golf & Country
Club, County Kerry |
| 8. |
The Old Head of Kinsale Golf
Club, County Cork |
| 9. |
Tralee Golf Club, County Kerry
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| 10. |
Waterville Golf Links, Waterville,
County Kerry |
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History View
History Map
Below is just a selection of historical
attractions to be found in the South West region. For more information
click here
| 1. |
Beara Way, County
Kerry
The Beara Way is a long distance walking route (five days and
more) around this spectacular peninsula, with a large concentration
of historical and archaeological sites. |
| 2. |
Blasket Centre, County Kerry
This centre in Dun Chaoin on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula
celebrates the Irish language and the people who once inhabited
the Blasket Islands. |
| 3. |
Charles Fort, Kinsale County
Cork
Constructed in the late 17th century this is a classic example
of a star-shaped fort. The magnificent fortress of 1677 is the
largest military citadel in Ireland. |
| 4. |
Cork City Gaol, Cork City
Unlock the past in a wonderfully preserved old gaol, with life-sized
wax figures representing different periods in Irish history. |
| 5. |
Dingle Marine Eco Tours, County
Kerry
A two- hour tour of the Dingle Peninsula incorporating archaeology,
geology, history, birdlife, wildlife and local folklore. |
| 6. |
Ross Castle, Killarney, County
Kerry
A perfect example of a 15th Century Chieftain’s stronghold.
The castle sits on the shores of Lough Leanne and was one of
the last in the country to hold out against Cromwell. |
| 7. |
The English Market, Cork
City
This Victorian market building is worth its own visit, but you
can’t miss the fresh local produce including meat, poultry,
fish and a range of cheeses and delicatessen items. |
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Luxury View
Luxury Map
Below is just a selection of luxury
attractions to be found in the South West region. For more information
click here
| 1. |
Aghadoe Heights
Hotel
Located on the edge of Killarney with enviable views out over
the lakes, this five-star property is also home to the Aveda
Concept Resort Spa. |
| 2. |
Hayfield Manor Hotel, County
Cork
Voted AA Irish Hotel of the year 2003/2004, this five star hotel
is in the heart of Cork City, and has the look and feel of a
large period house. |
| 3. |
Killarney Park Hotel & Spa,
County Kerry
Set in the heart of Killarney town, this five-star family hotel
is renowned for its elegance and its luxurious spa. |
| 4. |
Killarney Plaza Hotel &
Spa, County Kerry
This elegant hotel enjoys a wonderful location in Killarney
and is home to the Molton Brown Spa. |
| 5. |
Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare,
County Kerry
A privately owned, five-star country house hotel in Kenmare,
set in 300 acres of beautiful woodland, which provides a luxurious
setting for fishing, walking or horse riding. |
| 6. |
The Brehon, County Kerry
A new four-star hotel situated across from Killarney National
Park is home to the first European Angsana Spa. |
| 7. |
The Dingle Skellig Hotel County
Kerry
Situated on the most westerly peninsula in Europe, this hotel
and spa has a longstanding reputation for comfort, hospitality
and service. |
| 8. |
The Park Hotel Kenmare and Samas
Spa, County Kerry
Set in a heavenly location overlooking Kenmare Bay, this five-star
country house hotel is home to a deluxe destination spa. |
| 9. |
Walton Court Country House Retreat
& Spa, County Cork
Set on Oysterhaven Bay this Georgian house is a private country
retreat and spa with a unique "club" atmosphere. |
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Scenery View
Scenery Map
Below is just a selection of scenic
attractions to be found in the South West region. For more information
click here
| 1. |
Bantry House and
Gardens, County Cork
Home to the White family since 1739 and one of the finest stately
homes in Ireland. The views out over the bay are simply spectacular.
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| 2. |
Beaches
There are beaches that stretch for miles and secluded little
coves all along this stunning coastline of more than 1,000km.
Eight of the beaches in this region have blue flag status. |
| 3. |
Carrauntoohil, County Kerry
The highest mountain in Ireland gives walkers a great opportunity
to see the color and grandeur of the spectacular scenery in
the Cork and Kerry region. |
| 4. |
Gap of Dunloe, County Kerry
The Gap of Dunloe is wild and rugged, formed by forging ice
flows during the last ice age. You can explore it on foot or
by pony and trap. |
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Garnish Island, County Cork
Situated in the harbor of Glengarriff, Bantry Bay, Garnish Island
covers 15 hectares and is a garden of rare beauty. Its sheltered
location and the Gulf Stream have allowed exotic plants to flourish. |
| 6. |
Killarney National Park, County
Kerry
Internationally renowned for its scenic beauty and scientific
interest, this 10,000 hectare estate encompasses the three lakes
of Killarney and the mountains and woods which surround them.
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| 7. |
Kinsale, County Cork
Kinsale is one of the most picturesque, popular and fashionable
towns on the south-west coast of Ireland. Justly famous for
its yachting, sea angling, gourmet restaurants and golf. |
| 8. |
Mizen Head, County Cork
The Keeper's House and Engine Room, the Suspension Bridge and
the 99 Steps are just some of what make the lighthouse at Ireland’s
most south-westerly point magical. |
| 9. |
Muckross House
Situated close to the shores of Muckross Lake, in the beautiful
surroundings of Killarney National Park, the house is a magnificent
Victorian mansion and one of Ireland’s leading stately
homes. |
| 10. |
Ring of Kerry, County Kerry
A magnificent tour through 120 miles of narrow roadway through
forests, past lakes, over mountains, through valleys and along
the coast. |
| 11. |
Skellig Islands, County Kerry
The Skelligs rise abruptly from the sea and are home to a remarkable
cluster of ecclesiastical ruins including six distinctive beehive
cells in which monks of the Dark Ages lived. |
| 12. |
West Cork Garden Trail, County
Cork
This annual event allows you to view the beautiful and diverse
gardens of West Cork, some of which are only open to the public
only during the Trail. |
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