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Dunlough Castle © Stefanovalerigm | Dreamstime
The southwest of Ireland, encompassing the city and counties of Cork and Kerry, offers charming villages, historic sites and dramatic natural scenery. From coastal drives and rugged islands to lively markets and peaceful peninsulas, this region is rich in experiences for families and friends visiting any time of year. -
© Madrugadaverde | Dreamstime
Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city, is celebrated for its food scene, historic sites and welcoming pubs. Stroll through the famous English Market to sample local produce, visit the 19th-century Cork City Gaol for a glimpse of the past, enjoy traditional music and dance performances, and relax in one of the city’s craft breweries or historic pubs. -
© Upthebanner | Dreamstime
The Skellig Islands, including the dramatic Skellig Michael, were founded by early Christian monks and are now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The rocky outcrops rise from the Atlantic and reveal the remains of monastic beehive huts, gardens and ancient cisterns, creating a powerful sense of history and isolation. -
© Hel080808 | Dreamstime
Kinsale is a picturesque port and fishing town known for excellent seafood, narrow streets lined with boutique shops and lively pubs. Overlooking the harbor are 17th-century fortresses, while a regional museum housed in the old courthouse presents local history, including maritime stories such as the sinking of the RMS Lusitania. -
© Kevin George | Dreamstime
The Beara Peninsula, on the Cork–Kerry border, offers a quieter alternative to the busier Ring of Kerry. It features coastal roads, scenic walking routes and historic sites such as Dunboy Castle and Puxley Mansion, along with welcoming villages and the long-distance Beara Way trail for walkers and cyclists. -
© Stefanovalerigm | Dreamstime
Killarney National Park spans over 25,000 acres of lakes, mountains, woodlands and castle ruins. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park supports diverse wildlife and plant life and offers scenic drives, boat trips and walking routes around its iconic lakes and mountainous landscapes. -
© Upthebanner | Dreamstime
The Burren, a vast karst landscape framed by the Atlantic and Galway Bay, covers more than 61,000 acres of limestone pavement. Its cracked rock surfaces host an unusual mix of Arctic, Mediterranean and Alpine plants. The area also contains numerous megalithic tombs and ancient ring forts that reflect its long human history. -
© Madrugadaverde | Dreamstime
Cobh, the historic seaside town that served as Titanic’s last port of call, played a major role in Irish emigration during the 19th and 20th centuries. The Cobh Heritage Centre explores emigration and local history, while the town’s cafés, galleries and pubs provide a lively atmosphere for visitors.
