Bantry Bay

Begin your Wild Atlantic Way journey in Cork and head west to the awe-inspiring beauty of Bantry Bay. This 35km bay is studded with several picturesque villages, including Castletownbere and Glengarriff. The Bay is associated with the Rebellion of 1798 and is rich with local history.

• Address:

  Bantry Bay, Cork

Bishop Lucey Park

Bishop Lucey Park is a public green area in Cork's city centre. Past the picturesque entrance archway, you can admire old city walls, assorted statues, and a bronze fountain commemorating the 800 years in which Cork was a chartered Norman town. With many local eateries nearby, this is an ideal spot to picnic or just take some time to relax.

• Address:

  Bishop Lucey Park, Cork

• More info:

  Bishop Lucey Park hosts the month-long "Glow" Christmas Festival & Markets each December.

Blackrock Castle Observatory

Stargazers will no doubt find inspiration at this unique observatory. The castle was built in 1582 and has been home to merchants, smugglers, and pirates, as well as researchers and scientists. While worldly exhibits focus on the history of the castle, there are plenty dedicated to the cosmos, and life in outer space.

• Web:

  www.bco.ie

• E-mail:

  info@bco.ie

• Address:

  Castle Road, Blackrock, Cork

• Phone:

  +353 21 432 6120

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 10am–4pm, Mon closed

Blarney Castle & Gardens

At the summit of this 15th-century castle lies the world-famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone will receive "The Gift of the Gab" — eloquence and charm. The lesser-known Poison Garden features a collection of deadly and dangerous plants from around the world, while the Rock Close and numerous outdoor statues and artworks inspire a broader view of history. You'll also stumble upon a fern garden with the atmosphere of a tropical jungle deep in the woods. The castle is a short bus journey or drive from Cork City and one of Ireland's most iconic landmarks.

• Web:

  blarneycastle.ie

• E-mail:

  info@blarneycastle.ie

• Address:

  Monacnapa, Blarney, Cork

• Phone:

  +353 21 438 5252

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–4:30pm

Butter Museum

This quirky museum explores the history, folklore, and economics of butter — one of the most important Irish exports. Learn about the importance of agriculture in Irish society and even enjoy some freshly-made butter at the daily demonstration.

• Web:

  thebuttermuseum.com

• E-mail:

  info@thebuttermuseum.com

• Address:

  O'Connell Square, Shandon, Cork

• Phone:

  +353 21 430 0600

• Opening hours:

  Wed–Sun 10am–4pm, Mon & Tue closed

Cobh

Just a short train journey from Cork City, Cobh, once known as Queenstown, is a seaside heritage town praised for its picturesque buildings and local cultural activities. It's best known as the Titanic's last port of call before its tragic sinking in 1912. To learn more, visit Titanic Experience Cobh, as well as the Cobh Heritage Centre.

• Web:

  www.titanicexperiencecobh.ie