Heritage and Leisure

Fota Island >> 10km from the city, Fota Island has Ireland's only wildlife park as well as Fota House and Gardens which opened to the public in 2002. The island's woodland golf course was awarded Golf Course of the Year in 2002 and has featured in the European PGA tour. 

Cork Museum >> One of the area's primary cultural attractions. Cork City Council recently added an extension, doubling the display area. Amongst many fascinating exhibits is a collection of letters that documents the correspondence between Irish freedom fighter Michael Collins and his sweetheart Kitty Kiernan. 


Jameson Heritage Centre >> Located in the east Cork market town of Midelton about thirty minutes drive from Cork City. This exhibition tells the story of Irish whiskey via the world's largest pot still and a huge waterwheel built in 1825.

Bantry House >> Occupies a magnificent setting overlooking Bantry Bay. Climbing the 100 steps in the elegant terraced gardens will reward you with a spectacular view of the Cork & Kerry mountains.  

Blarney Castle >> This castle is famed for the Blarney Stone perched atop its battlements. Visitors hope to acquire the gift of the gab by planting a kiss on the slab.

The Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills >> This heritage centre explains the delicate and dangerous manufacturing process transporting the visitor back to the beginning of the industrial age when Cork was a major manufacturer of gunpowder for the Napoleonic Wars.

Cobh Heritage Centre >> Cobh Heritage Centre tells the story of the Irish diaspora. Today, Cobh is an attractive cathedral town and a bustling port of call for international cruise liners. But it was once the departure point for thousands of Irish emigrants. For many, it was the last piece of Irish soil they ever set foot on.