Fly into Cork city and spend a few hours walking around the city and along the River Lee.\u00a0 There are huge churches everywhere and a few museums and galleries.\u00a0 Most of the stores in the downtown area are big chain stores, so save your shopping for later.\u00a0 Then jump in the car and head to Kinsale.\u00a0 It is about a 40 minute drive to this small and incredibly scenic seaside town.<\/p>\n
Things to do in\/ near Cork City and Kinsale<\/p>\n
- \n
- English Market!\u00a0 If all you do is walk around and take in the smells and the people watching it is worth it.\u00a0 If you are planning on doing some picnicking on your trip (which I highly recommend), pick up some supplies here (the smoked salmon from Frank Hederman<\/a> is super yummy).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/EnglishMarket.MP4.Still004.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n- \n
- Charles Fort<\/a>.\u00a0 Even if you are not into 17th Century military architecture, this fort is pretty amazing.\u00a0 It is a fairly long walk from Kinsale, but the views of Kinsale harbor along the way are really lovely and there is a pub <\/a>along the route where you can stop and refresh if you need.<\/li>\n
![\"DSC_0462\"](\"http:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/DSC_0462-1024x225.jpg\")
<\/a><\/li>\n- Harbor Tou<\/a>r by boat.\u00a0 The tour is relatively inexpensive and especially after you have seen the fort from the inside, it is cool to see the fort from the water.
![\"DSC_0473\"](\"http:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/DSC_04731-1024x225.jpg\")
<\/a><\/li>\n- Accomodations.\u00a0 We only spent one night in Kinsale (after we took the long bike road there), as it was pretty close to our home.\u00a0 We stayed at Tierney’s Guesthouse<\/a> and it was an affordable and comfortable spot.\u00a0 The breakfast is pretty good.\u00a0 In fact, I would recommend the Lemon Leaf Cafe<\/a> for lunch if you are looking for a spot.\u00a0 For dinner, the Fishy Fishy cafe<\/a> was a standout for us.\u00a0 The fish was fresh and delicious!\u00a0 You’ll definitely want to make a reservation, but here are a ton of good restaurants in Kinsale if you don’t get in.
![\"DSC_0463\"](\"http:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/DSC_0463-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIf you have an extra day…<\/p>\n
- \n
- Ballymaloe<\/a>.\u00a0 This is actually about a 40 minute drive from Cork City, but if you have an extra night<\/a> (and some $$$. It is spendy), it is worth the drive.\u00a0 The farm is a pretty renown foodie destination.\u00a0 An early adopter of the locavore movement, the food is delicious and it is worth an extra hour or two to explore the manor.\u00a0 Also, drop by the nearby town of Ballycotton.\u00a0 It is a lovely seaside town and if you don’t want to stay at Ballymaloe overnight, there are several hotels and b&bs in Ballycotton.
![\"DSC_0449\"](\"http:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/DSC_0449-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nDay 2: Drive to Glengariff<\/strong><\/p>\n
The drive along the south coast of Cork is very scenic.\u00a0 There are several small towns that dot the way and a few places you’ll want to stop and take in rural Ireland.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Definitely stop at Drombeg Circle.\u00a0 It is a neolithic stone circle that is pretty amazing.
![\"DSC_0437\"](\"http:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/DSC_0437-1024x225.jpg\")
<\/a><\/li>\n- Glengariff is nice little town at the base of the Beara peninsula with a few hotels and several Irish sweater shops.\u00a0 If you are thinking about taking an Irish Knit sweater home, this is a good place to look—\u00a0 but be sure to read the tags, many things are made in Ireland, but they also slip in some items that are not made in Ireland.\u00a0 We never stayed in Glengariff, so I can’t recommend a spot, but it would be a convenient jumping off place for exploring the Beara.\u00a0 We did stay at this hostel<\/a> that is a little further out.\u00a0 It was inexpensive and the hosts are so nice! Also, Airbnb probably has some nice options if you take our recommendation and stay a few days here.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Day 3 and 4: Take in the Beara Penninsula!<\/strong><\/p>\n
We highly recommend spending a couple days.\u00a0 Take one day to circumnavigate the peninsula.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Be sure to give yourself time to take the tram over to Dursey Island at the tip on the peninsula.\u00a0 You’ll want to check the timetable <\/a>and make sure it is open when\u00a0 you arrive.\u00a0 If you are adventurous, do the loop hike around the island (3-4 hours hike with a little elevation gain\/loss) and have a picnic.<\/li>\n
- Go for a day hike on the Beara Way<\/a>.\u00a0 DO IT!\u00a0 It is worth a little planning, the views are so amazing.\u00a0 There are several places that you can access it.\u00a0 We were able to shuttle cars, to we did a stretch from just outside of Glengariff to Adrigole<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Have a walk or a picnic at the Glengariff Nature Reserve<\/a>. Take the walk up to Lady Bantry’s Lookout, the view is really amazing.<\/li>\n
- Bike around the peninsula.\u00a0 I wish that we had been able to do this, but we just ran out of time…\u00a0 next trip \ud83d\ude42\u00a0 You can rent a bike (and grab lunch) here<\/a>.
![\"DSC_0421\"](\"http:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/DSC_0421-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/li>\n![\"DSC_0373\"](\"http:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/DSC_0373-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nDay 5: Drive through Killarney National Park to Adare.<\/strong><\/p>\n
The drive from the Beara to Killarney along the N71 is a little harrowing.\u00a0 Very large tourist buses and very skinny , curvy roads.\u00a0 However, the views of the Macgillycuddy Reeks<\/a> are amazing.\u00a0 Killarney National Park is the oldest national park in Ireland and it has been largely untouched.\u00a0 There are old forest, mountains, lakes.\u00a0 It is really pretty.\u00a0 You’ll want to take your time with the drive and get out of the car and take in the views at least a few times.\u00a0 Muckross House<\/a> is a nice place to take a walk and\/or have a picnic.\u00a0 Adare is a nice town that is about halfway from the Beara to Galway.\u00a0 We only actually stopped there once, for a nice lunch, but if you are going to check the Cliff of Moher and the Burren on day 6, you’ll need a break from driving along the way.\u00a0\u00a0 I have also heard good things about Adare from friends that spent more time passing through.\u00a0 You could also stop in Limerick or have a long day in the car and try to get closer the Cliffs of Moher.\u00a0 There is also a ferry <\/a>that cuts a chunk of the drive out if you want to skip Adare.
![\"DSC_0203\"](\"http:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/DSC_0203-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"DSC_0217\"](\"http:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/DSC_0217-1024x225.jpg\")
<\/a>\u00a0![\"DSC_0224\"](\"http:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/DSC_0224-1024x225.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDay 6:\u00a0 The Cliff of Moher and the Burren<\/strong><\/p>\n
It is pretty hard not to include the Cliffs or Moher as a must-see.\u00a0 It is VERY touristy so expect some crowds, but the reason for its popularity is apparent as soon as you take your first peak over the edge of the cliffs.\u00a0 Perhaps better known as the Cliffs of Insanity<\/a>, from the Princess Bride, they are a pretty amazing sight.<\/p>\n
The Burren is a really unique landscape in Ireland.\u00a0 It is a rocky limestone landscape that is teeming with endemic species (75% of Ireland flora are found in the Burren).\u00a0 It is worth at least driving through (maybe stop at this Chocolate Factory<\/a> en route).\u00a0 If you are interested in hiking, there is a great 2-3 hour hike,\u00a0 Mullaghmore-Blue-Loop-Walk<\/a>, that takes you through the heart of the Burren.\u00a0 It was a little difficult to find the trail and appropriate parking, but it is definitely worth the effort.\u00a0 I think as long as you are not blocking access to the road, you’ll be good to go even if you don’t get a spot in the designated parking area.<\/p>\n
![\"DSC_0182\"](\"http:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/DSC_0182-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nStay the night in the Kinvarra or Galway.\u00a0 Kinvarra is a small town about 30 minutes south of Galway.\u00a0 There is good food and several decent spots to stay the night.\u00a0 Including this crazy hostel <\/a>you can find through Airbnb and this B&B<\/a>.\u00a0 Both are walking distance to town.\u00a0 There is great pizza at the Tide Full Inn<\/a> if you are starting to crave something other than fish and chips or beef and Guinness stew.\u00a0\u00a0 If you are ready for some city time, stay in Galway.\u00a0 It is compact, but the downtown area is nice to wonder around and people watch.\u00a0 There are also plenty of restaurants and places to stay.<\/p>\n
Day 7, 8, and 9\u00a0 Connemara, Westport, and Achill Island<\/strong><\/p>\n
Drive west from Galway along Galway Bay through the town of Spiddal into Connemara and get yourself a little lost.\u00a0 This area is so quiet and scenic.\u00a0 I can’t even express how much I loved the landscape and the general vibe in this area.\u00a0 We stopped in Clifton to stretch our legs and wonder around, but it would have been really nice to stay the night there and linger longer in this area.\u00a0 The Twelve Bens<\/a> offer some impressive vistas and would be great to hike around.\u00a0 We did not get a chance to do so, but if I could go back that would top the list.\u00a0 Wesport is the largest town you’ll pass through between Connemara and Mayo and it is definitely worth a stop.\u00a0 While Mayo is not quite as scenically impressive as Connemara in general, Achill Island is worth the trip a little further north.<\/p>\n
- \n
- \u00a0Westport is a really nice small town.\u00a0 There are a bunch of nice pubs and we had a couple of notably delicious dinners there (here<\/a> and here)<\/a>.\u00a0 We also found some really unique handmade gifts at the Craft House<\/a>.\u00a0 There are several pubs in town that sell locally made beers that are definitely worth trying.<\/li>\n
- We had a really lovely stay at the Elephant Guest house <\/a>in Westport.<\/li>\n
- The Bervie Guest house<\/a> in Keel on Achill Island was SOOOOOO LOVELY.\u00a0 I only got to stay a night there, but it was definitely on my list of places to get back to.\u00a0 It is a quaint inn with very sweet and kind owners and an incredible restaurant.\u00a0 You won’t regret a night or two at this place.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"DSC_0543\"](\"http:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/DSC_0543-1024x225.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"DSC_0550\"](\"http:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/DSC_0550-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"DSC_0560\"](\"http:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/DSC_0560-346x1024.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDay 10:\u00a0 Drive back to Shannon or Cork.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Other notable destinations<\/p>\n
If you have more than 10 days to go visit Ireland.\u00a0 Here are some other places we really loved!<\/p>\n
- \n
- Schull-\u00a0 If you want to spend an extra day on the south coast of Cork, go to Schull and stay at the Grove house<\/a>.\u00a0 It is a very quaint little town that is a bit out of the way.\u00a0 We went there on several recommendations from local Corkers.\u00a0 Grove House is a beautiful B&B, the owner is so nice, and the food was delicious.<\/li>\n
- Cahersiveen\/ Valencia Island<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0 Rent bike<\/a>s and ride around Valencia Island (visit this crazy candle maker<\/a> he is super nice, but don’t try to take his picture).\u00a0 There are two pretty amazing old dwellings in different states of disarray, Ballycarbery Castle<\/a> and Cahergall<\/a> circle fort.<\/li>\n
- Dingle-\u00a0 We visited Dingle three times.\u00a0 It was fairly convenient to get to from Cork and had a good variety of fun things to do.\u00a0 We hiked the tallest peak outside of the Macgillycuddy Reeks, we biked, we took a boat tour to the Blasket Islands<\/a>, we listened to wonderful traditional music<\/a> at a local music shop (and at a lot of the pubs if you can stay up past 10pm).\u00a0 It is a little more on the beaten track, so expect things to book out. If you go, get dinner at the Goat Street Bistro<\/a> and\/or An Canteen<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Giant’s Causeway-\u00a0 And the North coast of Antrim (Northern Ireland).\u00a0 The Giant’s Causeway is a pretty cool geologic formation-\u00a0 definitely worth and afternoon of exploration and hiking about.\u00a0 We stayed in Bushmills both visits, once at a hostel, which was a little dirty, but otherwise ok and once at a Pub<\/a> which was great.\u00a0 Save some time to do the Bushmills tour and have dinner at Tartine<\/a>, it was very nice.\u00a0 The drive north from Belfast to Bushmills is pretty great, the views get more scenic around each corner.<\/li>\n
- Donegal-\u00a0 I LOVED Donegal<\/a>, the Slieve League mountains and Glenveagh National park are excellent places to hike, and there is plenty more to do.\u00a0 The ONLY reason Donegal didn’t make the list is because it is a little further out and should be a destination on its own (maybe combined with Northern Ireland flying in\/ out of Dublin).<\/li>\n
- The Wicklow mountains.\u00a0 if you are going to fly in\/out of Dublin, the Wicklow Mountains are nearby and really accessible for hiking, waterfalls, etc.\u00a0 Definitely worth checking out.<\/li>\n
- Dublin-\u00a0 Speaking of which, if you are going to go there, make a reservation and have dinner at the Winding Stair<\/a>… super yummy.\u00a0 We loved it and everyone we sent there had excellent meals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
So, this is it.\u00a0 The final post.\u00a0 We’ll be archiving this site to ireland.bretandemily.com in a couple weeks if you ever want to relive all this excitement.\u00a0 Don’t worry, we’ll keep you up to date on our adventures.\u00a0 After all, Oregon isn’t too shabby either and now there is Oval to entertain us \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n
![](\"http:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/DSC_000001-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"We’ve been back for a month and a half now and I am slowly settling back into life stateside.\u00a0 Bret was thrown back to the wolves a couple weeks ago and is forging the path for the next year of his postdoc back here while still finishing up the work he started in Ireland. We […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_s2mail":"yes","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2801","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2801","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2801"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2801\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2945,"href":"https:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2801\/revisions\/2945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2801"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2801"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bretandemily.com\/ireland\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2801"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- Cahersiveen\/ Valencia Island<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0 Rent bike<\/a>s and ride around Valencia Island (visit this crazy candle maker<\/a> he is super nice, but don’t try to take his picture).\u00a0 There are two pretty amazing old dwellings in different states of disarray, Ballycarbery Castle<\/a> and Cahergall<\/a> circle fort.<\/li>\n
- We had a really lovely stay at the Elephant Guest house <\/a>in Westport.<\/li>\n
- Go for a day hike on the Beara Way<\/a>.\u00a0 DO IT!\u00a0 It is worth a little planning, the views are so amazing.\u00a0 There are several places that you can access it.\u00a0 We were able to shuttle cars, to we did a stretch from just outside of Glengariff to Adrigole<\/a>.<\/li>\n
- Glengariff is nice little town at the base of the Beara peninsula with a few hotels and several Irish sweater shops.\u00a0 If you are thinking about taking an Irish Knit sweater home, this is a good place to look—\u00a0 but be sure to read the tags, many things are made in Ireland, but they also slip in some items that are not made in Ireland.\u00a0 We never stayed in Glengariff, so I can’t recommend a spot, but it would be a convenient jumping off place for exploring the Beara.\u00a0 We did stay at this hostel<\/a> that is a little further out.\u00a0 It was inexpensive and the hosts are so nice! Also, Airbnb probably has some nice options if you take our recommendation and stay a few days here.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Definitely stop at Drombeg Circle.\u00a0 It is a neolithic stone circle that is pretty amazing.
- Charles Fort<\/a>.\u00a0 Even if you are not into 17th Century military architecture, this fort is pretty amazing.\u00a0 It is a fairly long walk from Kinsale, but the views of Kinsale harbor along the way are really lovely and there is a pub <\/a>along the route where you can stop and refresh if you need.<\/li>\n