The Gunpowder Mills in Ballincollig are easily one of the most interesting historical buildings in all of Cork. The Mills were built and operated throughout the fluctuating period in Irish history that was 1794-1903. The Mills themselves have a noteworthy history that is well worth investigating on your next day off. The Gunpowder Mills were built on the south bank […]
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 […]
Killarney National Park is a unique and special place. Situated in south-west Ireland, close to the most westerly point in Europe, the National Park covers over 25,000 acres (10,000 hectares) of mountain, moorland, woodland, waterways, parks and gardens. The mountainous old red sandstone uplands support large areas of blanket bog, and the remoteness and relative inaccessibility of some of these […]
Experience a different kind of day out with the whole family at The Farm Grenagh. Teach the kids all about life in rural Ireland on the farm, and get a real experience of this very different way of life. The Farm is a very authentic experience, with chicks and ducks to be fed, cows to be milked and a collection of tractors […]
Mitchelstown Caves which are only a 10 minute drive from the town of Mitchelstown are said to be one of Europe’s major show caves, they are situated off the main Cork to Dublin road and is a must on your itinerary of the region. Take a fascinating guided tours with informative guides who will take you through three massive caverns […]
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 […]
Ireland has long been famous for both its story tellers and being an an ancient land, there are many great stories to be told. The medieval town of Kinsale with its stories of battles, pirates, lost love and sunken ships is our first ghost tour town. Brian O’Neill offers an exciting crazy Ghost Tour of fun and excitement for all during the […]
Visit and Fall in Love Come and visit the Donkey Sanctuary in Liscarroll outside Mallow and fall in love with the beautiful donkeys that live there! You are invited to explore our walkways and picturesque surroundings while meeting donkeys and mules that were rescued and are now enjoying sanctuary. There is no admission fee and free parking but you […]
You’ll be spoilt for choice shopping at Waterford Crystal. Here you will find the world’s largest display of Waterford Crystal as well as giftware, craft and jewellery collections. The retail store includes world famous names such as John Rocha at Waterford, Jasper Conran at Waterford, Stuart Crystal, Marquis by Waterford and Wedgwood and more. Visit www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com for more information. We […]
St Fin Barre’s Cathedral. This is without doubt one of the most striking buildings in the region with its history rooted in the people of Cork and of course its dramatic architecture. The location of the current Cathedral has been a place of Christian worship since the 7th century. This is said to be the actual location where St Finn Barre […]
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 […]
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 […]
Trabolgan Holiday Village offers a huge choice of fun in-door & out-door activities for all the family. Situated on a picturesque 140-acre estate in beautiful East Cork, Trabolgan Holiday Village is well known for its magical surroundings and excellent facilities. Trabolgan has 172 Self Catering houses and Apartments and a Touring Caravan Park with 35 sites. Both most of all […]
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 […]
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 […]
Gleninchaquin Park is an award winning family owned park and working sheep farm providing breath-taking landscapes and scenery in which it is a sheer delight to wander around over streams with log bridges, mountain paths with carved steps, through rock passages, along glens and lakes to higher altitude. Marvel at the view overlooking the lakes, delicate green meadows, a spectacular […]
The wonderful old Cork Opera House was originally built in 1855 and hosted many literary, musical, oratorical geniuses including Charles Dickens and Charle Stewart Parnell throughout its colourful history. In 1955, the grand old building burnt down and left Cork without any main theatre for the first time in 250 years. The current building (since 1963) has more than taken up […]
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 […]
10 Pin Bowling. Nothing beats a family game of bowling on a wet day. There are a number of locations where you can enjoy this great activity. East Cork Superbowl, part of Perks Entertainment Centre www.perksfunfair.com Leisureplex Cork, Cork city centre 00 353 (0)21 4505155 Mardyke Entertainment Complex, Cork City Centre www.mardyke.com Planet Leisure, Cork City www.planetleisure.ie
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 […]
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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