
Holiday Homes in County Cork
Cork is the most southerly and largest county in Ireland at nearly 7500 square kilometres in area. It is nicknamed the Rebel County after many Corkmen defied national rule in various historic British and Irish civil disputes. The city of Cork is the capital of the province of Munster and the Republic’s second biggest city. It stands upon the River Lee at the point where the river branches into two adjacent wide channels. Recent and ongoing redevelopment of old quayside buildings now gives the city centre a clean and cosmopolitan feel. The city was the European capital of culture in 2005 and many cultural initiatives (such as the magnificent Opera House) still thrive today.
The region is served by a newly expanded and modernised airport located just minutes from the city centre by car. This city is home to a major university, UCC, and the Cork School of Music, so it has a lively student population. The most westerly areas of the county, known logically as West Cork, still retain a tangible remoteness and attract many tourists seeking out rural tranquillity or rugged coastlines.
Cork City
Find your ideal short stay rental in Cork City – whether strolling down historical streets, shopping, exploring the surrounding countryside, or simply basking in the City’s hospitality, Cork is an experience always to be remembered and cherished.
Cobh Cork
Find your ideal holiday rental in Cobh County Cork – a vibrant hub of activity and interest. A quaint town of narrow streets, winding up steep hills, Cobh has a number of old-fashioned pubs and good quality restaurants
Clonakilty Cork
Find your ideal holiday cottage in Clonakilty County Cork – a favourite amongst tourists both Irish and international. A vibrant nightlife encompasses a traditional music focus as well as contemporary entertainment
Castletownsend Cork
Find your ideal holiday cottage in Castletownsend County Cork – provides a sheltered harbour for inshore fishing boat and is a popular port of call for cruising yachts
Castletownbere Cork
Find your ideal holiday cottage in Castletownbere County Cork – situated on Berehaven harbour near the entrance to Bantry Bay this bustling town is the largest whitefish port in Ireland
Castlemartyr Cork
Find your ideal holiday rental in Castlemartyr County Cork – an historic village with a range of sites of archaeological interest, reflecting virtually every era in the country’s history
The Blarney Stone
For over 200 years, world statesmen, literary giants, and legends of the silver screen have joined the millions of pilgrims climbing the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence. Its powers are unquestioned but its story still creates debate.
Once upon a time, visitors had to be held by the ankles and lowered head first over the battlements. Today, we are rather more cautious of the safety of our visitors. The Stone itself is still set in the wall below the battlements. To kiss it, one has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk. The prize is a real one as once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence.
Spike Island
In the last 1300 years Spike Island has been host to a 6th century Monastery and a 24 acre Fortress that became the largest convict depot in the world in Victorian times! The island’s rich history has included monks and monasteries, rioters and redcoats, captains and convicts and sinners and saints.
Today the island is dominated by the 200 year old Fort Mitchel, the star shaped Fortress which became a prison holding over 2300 prisoners. Take the scenic ferry ride from Kennedy Pier, Cobh, and get captured in the history and mystery of this magical island.
The English Market
A civic space, a meeting place, a thoroughfare, and a bustling social hub of the city. With its variety of products, the pride of place accorded to small traders, the personalised service, the growing emphasis on organic products and reliance on small-scale producers, it is forever popular. A mix of traditional Cork fare and exciting new foods from afar, along with longstanding family-run stalls and newcomers from outside, all contribute to its unique appeal, which is celebrated widely, especially by visitors to the city.
Fota Island
Fota Wildlife Park, just 10 miles from Cork on the Cobh road, is among the most modern wildlife parks in Europe. Established in 1983 with the primary aim of conservation Fota has more than 70 species of exotic wildlife in open natural surroundings with no obvious barriers. Giraffes, zebras, ostrich and antelope roam together in 40 acres of grassland, much as they would in the African savannah, monkeys swing through trees on lake islands, while kangaroos, macaws and lemurs have complete freedom of the Park.
Cork City Gaol
Cork City Gaol is located 2km n/w from Patrick’s Street and while the magnificent castle like building is now a major and unique visitor attraction, this Gaol once housed 19th century prisoners. Visitors get a fascinating insight into day to day prison life at a time when the high walls ensured no escape and denied law abiding citizens the opportunity to see one of the finest examples of Ireland’s architectural heritage
Midelton Jameson Distillery
The New Midleton Distillery is next to the Old Midleton distillery, home of the visitors centre called the Jameson Experience. Like the visitors centre in Dublin at the Old Jameson Distillery, the tour explains the history of Jameson Whiskey. The story is told through a series of reconstructed scenes from the original distillery in Dublin, exhibition areas that show the seven stages of whiskey making, and a video that shows what the distillery was like when the creator John Jameson was alive. Small numbers of visitors can also participate in a taste test between Jameson Whiskey, Scottish whisky, and American whiskey to become a “Qualified Irish Whiskey Taster”.