Things to do in Southwest Ireland

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Southwest Ireland

Types of activities

Where to stay

Southwest Ireland travel guide

St. Finbarr\'s Cathedral showing heritage architecture, religious aspects and heritage elements

Torc Waterfall featuring a river or creek and forest scenes

Glucksman Gallery showing modern architecture

Bantry House and Garden featuring a park

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Top places to visit

1. Killarney National Park

Stretching over 25,000 acres, Ireland’s first national park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982, an award given to areas that demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature.

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Muckross Abbey featuring heritage architecture, château or palace and heritage elements

2. Blarney Castle

Visit Blarney Castle to see dungeons, towers and ramparts of a fortress dating back to the 15th century. Marvel at the colorful flower displays of the perfectly groomed gardens and enjoy picnics on pristine lawns. Climb to the Blarney Stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it. Today’s Blarney Castle is the third structure on the site and was established in 1446 by the then King of Munster.

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Blarney Castle showing a castle, heritage elements and heritage architecture

3. University College Cork

Cork University College is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland and was founded in 1845 as one of three Queen’s colleges located in Belfast, Galway and Cork. The university won international acclaim when it was named Irish University of the Year by the Sunday Times in 2011.

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University College Cork showing a river or creek and a small town or village

4. Ross Castle

Whether arriving by boat after your trip through the Gap of Dunloe or by land along the Kerry Way, find historic Ross Castle standing serenely over beautiful Lough Leane. See a very well-preserved example of a medieval castle from outside and in.

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Ross Castle which includes a river or creek, chateau or palace and heritage architecture

5. Muckross House

At Muckross House visit a beautiful aristocratic home, wander through extensive gardens and learn about traditional farming culture. Explore a grand estate with many different perspectives of Ireland’s history.

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Muckross House which includes heritage elements, a castle and heritage architecture

6. English Market

Visit Cork’s English Market to encounter the infectious sights, sounds and smells of a centuries-old food market. Discover everything from organic fruits and vegetables to artisanal ice cream, fresh seafood and locally produced cheeses. Try typical Cork fare while watching the bustling market activity from the comfort of a café or restaurant. The English Market dates back to 1788. Today its more than 50 traders form an integral part of Cork’s culinary scene.

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English Market showing interior views and markets as well as a small group of people

7. Blarney Stone

Embedded into the moss and lichen-speckled battlements of Blarney Castle, in the small village of the same name, kissing the Blarney Stone is no easy feat. This is particularly true for anyone with a fear of heights as kissing the stone involves leaning backwards over the castle walls to reach it with one’s lips. Nevertheless, this has not stopped countless individuals from doing so over the centuries, in their quest for the gift of the gab.

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Blarney Stone showing chateau or palace, heritage elements and building ruins

What to do in Southwest Ireland

Popular places to visit

Muckross Abbey which includes flowers, a cemetery and heritage architecture

Killarney National Park

5/5(45 reviews)

Establishedin 1932 to protect one of Ireland’s most precious natural habitats, KillarneyNational Park is home to the country’s highest peaks, ancient woodlands,shimmering lakes and a rich variety of wildlife.

Blarney Castle

4.5/5(40 reviews)

Walk in the footsteps of ancient kings, wander amid mystical gardens and kiss the venerated Blarney Stone at this centuries-old castle.

University College Cork

5/5(19 reviews)

Situated by the banks of the River Lee, University College Cork is a gorgeous, ornate gothic structure with a rich reputation for academic excellence.

Ross Castle

4.5/5(18 reviews)

Standing guard over the lake, this silent ruin provides a glimpse of life in an Ireland that was often a land of warring clans.

Muckross House

4.5/5(21 reviews)

Enjoy varied delights on this splendid estate, which offers a look into daily life in the past, both inside a luxurious home and on a busy farm.

English Market

4.5/5(70 reviews)

Shop for fresh produce from around the world and sample traditional Cork dishes at this historic food market inside a grand Victorian building.

Blarney Stone

4.5/5(35 reviews)

While County Cork is not short on medieval history, you will only find one Blarney Stone. Located roughly five miles northwest of Cork, the stone is said to have mythical qualities. Legend has it that the Blarney Stone grants the gift of eloquence to anybody who kisses it.

Dingle Harbour

4.5/5(4 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Dingle with a trip to Dingle Harbour. While you're here, you can savour the lively bars.

Cork Opera House

4.5/5(7 reviews)

Get tickets for a show at Cork Opera House, a popular theatre in Cork. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.

Areas of Southwest Ireland

English Market which includes markets, food and interior views

Cork City Centre

4/5(22 area reviews)

Cork is officially Ireland's second city, but it is affectionately known by locals as the 'real capital of Ireland'. It is a city made for discovering on foot, thanks to the River Lee which flows around its centre, creating a compact island that is jam-packed with grand Georgian streets, intersected by medieval alleys and modern architectural triumphs such as the opera house.

Killarney which includes landscape views, mountains and a lake or waterhole

Killarney City Centre

If you're spending some time in Killarney City Centre, Killarney National Park and Cinema Killarney are top sights worth seeing.

Glucksman Gallery featuring modern architecture

South Parish

If you're spending some time in South Parish, Cork City Hall and Elizabeth Fort are top sights worth seeing.

Victorian Quarter

4/5(33 area reviews)

Victorian Quarter is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Everyman Palace Theatre and Leisureplex while you're in town.

Dromhale

While there might not be top attractions in Dromhale, you can explore the larger area and discover places like The Kerry Way and Killarney Race Course.

Ballycasheen

While Ballycasheen isn't home to many top sights, Killarney House Gardens and Cinema Killarney are some notable places to visit nearby.

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