Written as a travelblog for a hotel client. Oul guff about Cork. . .
When you’re staying in one of their hotels in Cork there’s plenty of fun for all the family within easy travelling distance. Whether you’ve got the kids with you or you’re there for a golfing break with your pals or a romantic retreat the delights of the City are waiting to be uncorked!
Blarney Castle
The famous Blarney castle was built by Cormac MacCarthy around seven hundred years ago. It is now one of Cork’s major tourist attractions and few visitors leave the landmark without having kissed the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that if you do you’ll never be lost for words, although the act itself requires you to lean backwards over a dizzying but safe drop to land a smacker on the famous rock!
Take a Trip to Cobh
Cobh, as it is now known, was previously known as Queenstown and it is famous as the last port visited by the Titanic before its ill-fated maiden voyage. The town’s maritime heritage is well preserved and displayed for visitors. Cobh was also the embarkation point for the notorious coffin ships carrying Irish emigrants to the new world in the USA and for Convict vessels heading for Van Diemen’s land. The visitor centre allows you to experience the conditions aboard one of the cramped coffin ships or one of the convict vessels. Cobh is also associated with the passenger ship the Lusitania, sunk by a German torpedo during the First World War off the Cork coast resulting in the loss of 1,198 passengers and crew and leading in part to the United States entering the First World War
Tee Off at the Old Head of Kinsale
Ireland boasts many famous Golf courses but the Old Head of Kinsale is surely one of the most spectacular and daunting. On some of the holes you’d think the Atlantic itself was the water hazard as the great blue yonder sprawls in front of you. A wayward tee shot means your golf ball sleeps with the fishes. Afters you can head into the picturesque fishing village of Kinsale for some wonderful local seafood and a pint of Murphy’s or Beamish.
Fota Wildlife Park
Not many people know there are Cheetahs in Cork. All the more reason to visit Fota Wildlife Park where there is a tailor made cheetah run. Animals are central to everything that happens at Fota, There’s loads to do for the children aside from seeing the wild animals. There are play areas dotted around the Park and a host of activities on site including arts and crafts, face painting and African drumming. Visitors can see animals feeding and foraging for food while they enjoy a walk around the beautiful surrounds of Fota Island itself.