Destination Ireland - County Cork Guide

County Cork is Ireland's largest county and has a wealth to offer the visitor. Cork has a history that goes back for hundreds of years and there are traces of civilisation that date back to the Stone Age. In many ways it can be seen as a microcosm of the history of rural Ireland. It is in an excellent location for your stay in Ireland as the prime tourist attractions of the Lakes of Killarney and Blarney Castle are all nearby. Cork can be roughly divided into five areas;

North Cork - centered along the lush green valley of the Blackwater River valley, stretches from Millstreet (Eurovision Song Contest 1993), through Mallow and Fermoy.
Touring North Cork - Ballyhoura and Duhallow
Mid Cork - again centered along river valleys which run from west to east, this time the Lee and the Sullane. Dotted with many small towns and villages, interspaced with beautiful scenery. The main route from Cork to Kerry passes through these valleys.
Exploring The Lee Valley
South Cork - Miles and miles of coastline stretch between Cork Harbour a composite of golden beaches, quite coves and rugged cliffs. Many towns with a long sea-faring tradition are to be found here such as Kinsale.
A Tour through South Cork
Cork City - Cork City located at the mouth of the River Lee has just celibrated both its Millennium and its 150th anniversary as a University City. Cork City is the second largest city in Ireland with a population of 128,000 and many Corkonians believe Cork should be the real capital of Ireland!
A Walking Tour of Cork City
East Cork - East Cork stretches from the River Blackwater to Cork Harbour. It is an area of fertile farmland between the Galtee mountains in the North to the golden sands of Youghal and Garryvoe beaches in the South.
A Tour through East Cork

With a major International Airport just south of Cork City, getting to County Cork could not be easier. Fishing, golf, horse riding, biking, hiking and an endless variety of all season activities are just a few minutes walk or a short drive from your accomodation. Your holiday in County Cork can be as full of adventure and excitement as you could wish for. But for those desiring a holiday of peace and quite away from the mad rush of cities, it is a place of quiet roads, a haven of peace and relaxation in an unspoilt enviroment. Within minutes you can be totally alone in the rolling green countryside along side beautiful clean rivers with not a sound of traffic to be heard or another person to be seen.