Nestled in the sheltered harbor of Glengarriff in West Cork, Garnish Island – also known as Ilnacullin – is a hidden gem that is known (but not by many) for its breathtaking beauty, unique microclimate, and serene landscapes. This 15-hectare island is home to a diverse collection of exotic plants and trees, and the gardens…
Picture a stunning glacial lake wrapped in lush green hills and thick woodlands – a dream for nature lovers and anyone craving some peace and quiet. In this enchanting, hidden gem in County Cork, you’ll find the Gougane Barra Forest Park, full of scenic trails, and right in the heart of Gougane Barra is the charming St….
Growing up in Ireland, I’m well-used to cold, rainy weather and how to dress for it. But it’s not always that way – sometimes you’ll get all four seasons in one day or even in the space of an hour. And although that’s cool, you need to be prepared and pack appropriately for it (layers…
Kinsale is one of the most famous towns in Ireland, renowned for its brightly painted buildings and excellent restaurant scene. In fact, Kinsale is often labelled the ‘foodie capital of Ireland’. It’s also the starting point for the famous Wild Atlantic Way drive. And despite its popularity, Kinsale remains one of my favorite spots in…
From Cork City, Kinsale is an easy and pretty uneventful 35-minute (27 km) drive. There are a few routes you can take, but the most popular and easiest route takes you past Cork International Airport. This route follows the N40 and N27 motorways in the beginning and then changes to the R600 (a regional dual-lane…
From Cork City, it’s an easy 30-minute (21 km) drive to colorful Cobh. The route follows the East Cork Parkway – a motorway that does get busy at peak hours. Along the drive, you could make a couple of stops in places like Glounthaune and Fota Wildlife Park, if you have the time. Alternatively, you can…
Blarney Castle in County Cork is one of the most-visited tourist sites in Ireland, attracting over half a million tourists every year. And so, it’s highly likely this gorgeous spot is on your Irish bucket list – and rightly so. However, I may be biased as I’m a local! I grew up right here in…
I’ve visited Killarney National Park over 10 times so far, and I’m not bored with it yet! In fact, each time I visit, I uncover something new that makes me realize why this park (although popular) is one of the most special parts of Ireland. This huge park in Killarney, County Kerry, is a whopping…
The drive between Cork City and Killarney is around an hour and 15 minutes (87 km) without stopping. And it follows the N22 for most of the way. It’s a very easy drive for the most part, but the detours I suggest below (Beal na Blath and Gougane Barra) are on two-lane rural roads. From…
Seeing as I was raised in Cork, I believe I’m the best person to tell you all about the best hidden gems in Cork. All of these places are off the beaten tourist path and offer what I think is an authentic Irish experience. I mean, Ireland has no shortage of beautiful, quiet towns and beaches,…
