flying into Cork airport...stay in Cork or head elsewhere??

Sorry, I can see where I was not very clear...I meant city of Cork. Thanks for any help.

While I agee that Kinsale is infinitely more pleasant than Cork's traffic-filled streets, Cork would make a good base for day trips as it's very near to Blarney, Cobh, Cahir, the Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny, and Waterford. I had a car, though, and was able to stay at a wonderful B&B on a horse farm south of Cork in Ballinhassig. I have also stayed at a nice place in Blarney. Cork might have more options for locating day tours than Kinsale might, as Kinsale is a bit more remote than Cork.

All very helpful...I was thinking Cork may offer more in the line of day trips too. Now if I could find a B & B in the city that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and is accessible without a car! Anyone help? Thanks for all the input..so appreciated.

Try the www.discoverireland.com website. You can get B&B listings there. They also have information about tours. Cork itself was declared European City of Culture a couple of years ago (not sure what year) for its many cultural attractions, so I'm sure you'll find lots to do in Cork itself. Make sure you check out the English Market.

Margaret, You can take the bus from the Cork Airport to Kinsale for a couple of days then take it back to Cork and use Cork as a base for day trips. Kinsale is nice but there is not enough to keep you occupied for several days. I believe Bus Eireann's new schedule will be out in 2-3 weeks and you can check on bus times then.

Thanks for the advice about Kinsale. I was afraid it was not a two day stop for me so I have decided to stay in Cork (city) for two days and day trip around the area before moving on to Killarney/Galway. Love Galway! Then we are going out the Aran Islands. Except for Cork area....this is all something I have done before but not my grand daughter and it has been 10 years for me so doing it all again will be fun seeing it through her eyes. All the advice on this forum has been most helpful. The websites have been a great resource. Figure at Cork airport even if I can't find easy public transportation a cab...not something I do...couldn't be too expensive to go ten miles into the city. Will break my budget travel rules this time. :-))

Margaret,----There are two different bus companies that run from Cork Airport into the city on a regular basis. Go to www.corkairport.com and you can find info. on the buses.

A taxi will cost about 20 Euro minimum.

Thanks Pat. Hate to spend $$ on cabs unless there simply is no bus/public transportation available. I'll check the great sites you sent. Thought there MUST be some public transport to the city, only makes sense. You have been a terrific resource! Now I am searching for a B & B I saw before I had to shut down last night, nice courtyard patio, and it said a step away from town. Think I can find it?? Been trying 45 minutes! I'll get this nailed down before I go to bed tonight. I am also going to Tokyo in April so trying to nail down reservations for arrival on that trip too. Once arrival and departure nights are secure, I will put it away and let the trip take on a life of it's own. :-))Again, many thanks.