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Blarney is an excellent area
from which to visit other areas in the South of Ireland. Its proximity to
other tourist attractions in both Cork, Kerry and Tipperary makes it an
ideal location in which to base your holiday. The following are some
suggested day tours by car from Blarney:
Head East
Dunkathel House
This is a classic late Georgian Mansion with Italianate printed walls,
Adam Fireplaces and one of the finest staircases in Ireland.
Barryscourt Castle, Carrigtwohill
Dates from the same period as Bunratty and Dunguaire Castles. Built in
1206, it was the seat of the Earl of Barrymore until 1700. The castle was
opened to the public after extensive renovations
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The Jameson Centre, Midleton
Experience the history of Irish Whiskey, see the world's biggest Pot
Still and after your tour enjoy a sample of Irish Whiskey.
Fota Wildlife Park, Fota Island
Here you will see over 70 species of wildlife from all 5 continents, |
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roam freely past bird-filled lakes, monkey
islands and flamingo parks. A great family day-out.
Fota Gardens Arboretum and Fernery
Why not take a relaxing stroll through these gardens and explore the 150
year old world famous Arboretum
Cobh (pronounced Cove)
Previously known as Queenstown, was the centre of Irish emigration, the
last port of call of the Titanic, and the place to which survivors of the
Lusitania were brought. Visit the
Queenstown Story - a multimedia exhibition
at Cobh's Victorian Railway Station
Shanagarry
A village renowned for its superb pottery. Visit the potters at work
at Stephen Pearse's emporium
Ballymaloe Gardens
Created by the Strangman Family in the early 1800's and impeccably
maintained until the death of Lydia Strangman in 1952. A programme of
restoration began in 1983, when Tim and Darina Allen established their
famous Cookery School. Gardens are open April to September.
Beaches
There are 3 beautiful beaches in the area (approx. 30 minutes from
Blarney): Ballycotton, Garryvoe and Youghal
Youghal
The ancient town of Youghal was occupied by the Danes and Normans and was
also part of the great tract of land that was granted to Sir Walter
Raleigh. His home, Myrtle Grove, still stands today and is open to the
public. Tradition has it that it was here he planted the first potatoes.
The main street is spanned by the Clock Gate built in 1777.
Ballycotton Sanctuary & Wetlands
A bird sanctuary of international importance stretches from Ballycotton
around the bay to Ballymacoda.
Head West
Farran Forest Park
This is only 8 miles from Blarney and is ideal for nature trekking.
The park contains a wild life refuge and picnic areas. Open all year round
Royal Gunpowder Mills, Ballincollig
Experience a taste of what life was like working in a gunpowder factory
during the 19th century. A guided tour will take you through the canal and
tree lined complex leading to a full working 'Incorporating Mill' powered
by a water wheel. Open Easter to September. Tel +353 021-874430
Kinsale
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One of Ireland's oldest and picturesque
towns. This town prides itself on the quality of its environment and
has been a winner of Ireland's Tidy Town Competition on a number of
occasions. It has also established itself as one of Ireland's leading
gourmet centres, with a wide variety of restaurants offering top
quality dishes. |
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Charles Fort, Kinsale
Constructed in the 1680's in honour of King
Charles, Charles Fort is a classic example of a star-shaped fort. In use
until 1921, it was destroyed in 1922 during the Civil War. Open mid-April
to mid-September. Tel +353 021 - 772263
Desmond Castle, Kinsale
Desmond Castle built in 1500 AD as a custom house, has a varied history,
ranging from being occupied by the Spanish to use as both a French and
American Gaol, and also as an auxiliary workhouse tending to the starving
during the Great Famine. Opening times vary so Tel +353 021 -774855 to
avoid disappointment.
Castle Gardens, Timoleague
Just outside the village these Castle Gardens include a sunken formal
garden, herbaceous borders, lawns and terraces around the ruined 13th
century Ballymore Castle. Open weekends from May to September
Model Village, Clonakilty
The Model Village depicts in miniature life an industry in West Cork
during the 1940's. The theme is enhanced by the miniature working railway,
a model of the long closed West Cork Railway. For further information and
opening times Tel +353 023 - 33224
Castletownsend
The old world village of Castletownsend is situated between Glandore and
Skibbereen on the south coast. This is the village where Sommerville and
Ross Sisters lived and wrote the 'Irish RM' stories. St. Barrahane Church
and graveyard is well worth a visit, housing 3 stained glass windows by
Harry Clarke.
The Mizen Vision
Mizen Head is the most southerly point in Ireland. Visit the Mizen
Visitors Centre in the Lighthouse Keepers House and view for yourself the
famous suspension bridge, the 99 steps and views along the south and west
coasts, combined with the exhilaration and excitement of the wild Atlantic
waves - guarantees a unique experience. Open mid-March to October. Tel
+353 028 - 35255
Bantry House
Built in the 17th century, this magnificent Georgian House contains
furniture, tapestries and other works of art collected by the Second Earl
of Bantry. The grounds have excellent views over Bantry Bay.
French Armada Centre, Bantry
This centre recalls the epic story of an ill-fated French Armada led by
Theobald Wolfe Tone to invade Ireland in 1796
Garnish Island, Glengarriff
This island, located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff, is renowned
for its richness of plant form and colour.
Gougane Barra National Park
This is a magnificent mountain - girt corrie - with a lake, which is fed
from many cascading streams from which the River Lee rises. It was on this
tiny lake island the St. Finbarr has his hermitage before he went to found
Cork City.
Macroom
A thriving market town, with many interesting features and pleasant walks.
Bealick Mill, Macroom
Beautifully restored and now open to the public
Beaches
There is a wealth of magnificent beaches speckled along the West Coast of
Cork. Enjoy a stroll along the beach or a swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
Head North
Millstreet Country Park
This consists of 500 acres of lakes, streams, wetlands, moorlands,
arboretum meadows, ornamental gardens and archaeological sites. See native
deer, birds and many types of wild life in their natural habitat. Allow
plenty of time to enjoy this park and for those who like to take the easy
way out, take a ride on one of the Park's transporters and just sit back
and enjoy.
Buttevant
This town is best known for its connection with horses. It is here that
the famous Cahirmee Fair has been held on July 12th for many centuries.
The first ever Steeplechase took place here from the steeple of the
Protestant Church to that of Donerail Church - 7 km away
Doneraile Wildlife Park
160 hectares of parklands with mature groves of trees including Redwoods,
Chusan Pine, Cork Oak and many more. A number of deer herds can be seen
living quite contentedly amidst these great trees.
Mitchelstown Caves
One of the finest caves in Europe for the dripstone formation of
stalactites and stalagmites. Guided tours 10am to 6pm daily, all year
round.
Annes Grove Gardens, Castletownroche
Dating from the 18th century theses gardens and woodlands are
described as being extremely romantic. Rhododendrons, Magnolia and many
more species of trees and plants. Open April to September. Tel +353 022 -
26145
SELF-DRIVE TOURS
The following self-drive tours can be used for scenic drives during your
stay in Blarney. They will take you through the beauty spots of Cork,
Kerry and Tipperary.
Tour 1
Cork, Midleton, Tallow, Lismore, Mount Mellary, The Vee (breathtaking
Scenery), Clogheen, Ballyporeen (ancestral house of former US President
Ronald Regan), Mitchelstown, Fermoy and Cork to Blarney via North Ring
Road.
Tour 2
Cork, Youghal, Dungarvan, Waterford (visit the crystal factory), Tramore,
Coast Road to Dungarvan, Cappoquin, Lismore, Ballyduff, Fermoy, Cork to
Blarney via North Ring Road.
Tour 3
Cork, Mallow, Mitchelstown, Cahir (Cahir Castle), Cashel (Rock of Cashel),
Tipperary via the Glen of Aherlow to Galbally, Kilfinnane, Ballyhea,
Buttevant, Mallow and Blarney.
Tour 4
Ballincollig, Macroom, Killarney (the Lakes and Muckross House), Kenmare,
Glengarriff (Garnish Island), Ballylickey, Gougane Barra, Ballingeary,
Inchigeelagh, Macroom, Coachford via the Lee Valley to Blarney.
Tour 5
Cork, Kinsale (Gourmet Restaurants), Charles Fort, Timoleague,
Courtmacsherry, Clonakilty, Rosscarbery, Glandore, Castletownsend,
Skibbereen, Baltimore (fishing and sailing), Ballydehob (stained glass
window by Sarah Purser), Schull, Crookhaven, Bantry (Bantry House and
Armada Centre), Drimoleague, Dunmanway, Bandon, Cork, Blarney. The
following two tours can be done in a half-day from Blarney
Tour 6
Cork, Douglas, Rochestown, Passage West, Monkstown, Car Ferry to Cobh,
Fota Estate (Wildlife Park), Cork to Blarney via the North Ring Road
Tour 7
Cork City, Shandon (Ring the Bells), Crawford Municipal Gallery,
Fitzgerald's Park (Museum), St. Finbarr's Cathedral, Cork City Gaol,
Blarney On the other hand, if you don't feel like driving, CIE operate a
number of sightseeing tours from Blarney during the summer months.
Bookings may be made at Blarney Tourist Office at Tel +353 021 - 381624
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