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Cork area touring advice

Posted by on

Hello,

I will be in Cork with 2 and a half days to explore, no car, and was hoping for some advice. I'll get in on the bus around noon, check in, and then explore the city. Any must see spots around the city? Then, I'll have two full days, and am considering the following:
1. The paddywagon hop off tour that stops for about 2 hours each at Blarney, Cobh, and Fota. Is that enough time in theses places, or would I be better off taking a bus or train on my own? Are all 3 good stops?
2. This west Cork and Mizen Head tour: http://www.obriencoachtours.com/portfolio/tour-b-summer-tour-highlights-of-west-cork-mizen-peninsula/ Does this sound like a worthy day trip? I will be doing a Giants Causeway tour out of Dublin later in my trip, so I'm not sure if the sights would be similar?
3. A public bus to explore Kinsale and Charles Fort.

I know I can't do it all, so any help narrowing it down, or suggestions on things I should see instead would be greatly appreciated!

Posted by
11 posts

That sounds like a great trip but if I knew a little more about what excites you, you could get more opinions. Do you like old castles, gardens, rough coastlines, shopping, pubs, food,museums, stone age sacred sites, history, music? Are you on your own or traveling with others who might have differing needs? 2 hours is enough for Blarney castle but if you like wandering in gardens you might like more time. Fota has a hunting lodge, a zoo and a garden, again time depends upon your personal priorities. I love Cork and I don't know why it isn't featured more in RS books. If you stay walking distance from downtown there is guaranteed to be something fun happening in town.
Hope this helps, have fun!

Posted by
7 posts

Hello,

Thanks for the response. I'll be alone for this leg of my trip, so have only myself to worry about! Everything you listed sounds great, but highest on my list would probably be music, castles and historic buildings, scenic views, exploring local towns and sights, etc... I love animals, but am wondering if the zoo at Fota would be different enough from what I see in the states to make that a worthwhile stop if I have to cut things out. I'm also on the fence about the Mizen Head tour because I'll already be spending a lot of time on busses getting from place to place on the trip. If it is a great area to see, then it would be worth it, but if it isn't highly recommended, I might be better off with some of the closer options.

Thanks again!

Posted by
7 posts

Oh, and I am staying right in Cork, near Patrick's Quay, so any restaurant or music recommendations in that area would be great, too,

Posted by
28 posts

Cork has some great places just walking around. I would skip Blarney castle unless you love seeing tons of "shell" castles and cathedrals; I would much being in Kinsale. Cohb has the historic ships but small town not much to see or do in my opinion.

Posted by
106 posts

Kelly,
Kinsale is an easy bus ride and it sounds like you would enjoy Charles Fort which is magnificent.
Kinsale also has lovely pub music but it is in the evening and might not work with bus schedules. Have great fun!
Pam from Bath

Posted by
7 posts

Thanks! I'll look to see if there are any later busses that may allow for music, too!

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