Blarney Castle: Only 20 minutes from Cork by car, Blarney Castle is a medieval ruin built by Dermot MacCarthy, the King of Munster. For the last few hundred years, visitors have flocked to this castle to see its majestic tower and the Blarney Stone that lies at the top. Legend has it that those who kiss the Blarney Stone will never be lost for words.
The Lakes of Killarney: Just under two hours away, the Lakes of Killarney and the surrounding mountains are some of the most beautiful scenery in Ireland. The Lakes are a great place to hike and to experience the mystical Irish countryside. If the weather is not working in your favour, take a look around Muckross House (a 19th-century mansion) or head into the town of Killarney to enjoy the pubs and independent shops.
Mizen Head: Take a drive south-west to the Mizen Peninsula. When people talk about travel, many say, ‘it is not the destination but the journey’, and that is what this trip is all about. It will take a little over two hours to arrive at the Mizen Peninsula; however, your effort will be rewarded by dramatic cliffs, charming fishing villages, ancient ruins and windswept beaches. On a clear day, you can see Fastnet Rock, the last piece of Ireland emigrants would see when they sailed to the New World.