http://www.discoveringcork.ie/
Historic Cork is one of Ireland’s loveliest cities. Only Dublin beats it in size, and Cork has a strong character and sense of identity, celebrating Irish poetry, theater, song and dance.
The city is on Ireland’s south coast in the province of Munster, 252 km (156 miles) south-west of Dublin. Limerick lies to the north, with Waterford further along the coast to the east.
Cork’s Georgian-era city center is on an island formed by the River Lee, with the harbor and port on the eastern stretch of the Lee. Shopping and food are celebrated here, and there’s stand-out sightseeing at St Finbarre’s Cathedral, pedestrianized St. Patrick’s Street, the English Market and the medieval Red Abbey.
Cork is only 8km (5 miles) from medieval Blarney Castle, famous for the Blarney Stone – few visitors miss the opportunity to hover upside-down to kiss the legendary stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence to those who pucker up. The castle is surrounded by lush gardens and hidden rock formations like the Druid’s Circle and Witch’s Cave.
You can easily visit both Cork and Blarney Castle on a day trip from Dublin, including intercity travel by train. Further west from Cork is the fabled Ring of Kerry, a famously scenic circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula and taking in Killarney, Kenmare and Sneem. Walkers can follow the parallel Kenny Way, or you can combine Cork, Blarney and Kerry on a two-day tour from Dublin .
For a longer excursion from Dublin, spread your sightseeing over four days. Along with time in Cork, you’ll take in the Dingle Peninsula, the Ring of Kerry, the Burren and the stunning Cliffs of Moher – on a clear day you can glimpse the Aran Islands in Galway Bay from atop the cliffs.
More info:http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/galway.htm
