Located in the Munster province of Ireland, Cork is the second largest city in the island. It is also the third largest by population. With an affluent population and a quaint charm, the city is a great place to visit.
Blarney Castle
Located in the town of Blarney in County Cork, Ireland, Blarney Castle is one of the best places to see in the area. The famous Blarney Stone is housed within the castle walls. In addition to this, the castle is also home to numerous gardens, which are open to the public.
There are several legends associated with the Blarney Stone. One story is that the stone was brought to Ireland in the 15th century. The stone is said to give its bearers the gift of eloquence. This power is said to be acquired by kissing the stone.
Another legend is that the stone was brought to Ireland by the prophet Jeremiah. During the crusades, the stone was transported from the Holy Land to Ireland. The Blarney stone is now believed to be a 100% Irish product.
English Market
Among the many attractions in Cork, one of the most popular is the English Market. This is a place where you can buy local, artisan, organic and imported foods, gifts and souvenirs. It is also a great place to people watch.
There are 130 stalls in the market. These include fishmongers, butchers, bakers, takeaway food and even spices. Some of the best things to buy are local produce, fresh fruit and veg, cured meats, cheeses and speciality meats.
A number of stalls are set up by local families who have been trading in the area for generations. These stalls offer a variety of traditional Cork delicacies such as drisheens (blood sausage) and buttered eggs. The market also has an award-winning stall by the Alternative Bread Company. They sell a variety of gluten free and sugar free products.
Blackrock Castle Observatory
Located on the River Lee in Cork, Blackrock Castle Observatory is a great place to see the night sky. This is one of the oldest surviving structures in Cork. It is a 16th century castellated fortification originally built to defend the city from pirates. It was later redeveloped into a castle. It was also used as a lighthouse, signalling station and admiralty court.
The tower at the Blackrock Castle Observatory is home to a large telescope. It has an enclosure to hold the telescope and a cylindrical tower that rises above the main structure.
On a typical night, the tower will be open to the public for 60 nights a year. The observatory will offer daily tours, lectures, scientific workshops and special events.
Gougane Barra hotel
Located in a scenic and romantic glen in Ireland, Gougane Barra hotel is a small family run hotel. It's perfect for travelers who want to see the beauty of the Beara Peninsula. The surrounding unspoilt countryside is ideal for hiking or cycling. It's also an excellent base to explore the scenic areas of West Cork.
The Gougane Barra Hotel is a family run, small hotel that offers simple, clean rooms. It's a great refueling stop on your way to the Beara Peninsula. You can take a boat out onto the lake to fish for Brown Trout. The hotel's location provides access to a number of places to eat and shop.
Garnish Island
Located in the Bantry Bay, County Cork, Garnish Island is a 37-acre nature and heritage site. It is a popular destination for tourists. It is known for its beautiful botanical gardens. The floral displays on the island include exotic plants such as heather, palm trees and hundreds of climbing plants. The island produces a microclimate for subtropical species to thrive.
The Bryce family bought the island in 1910. They were well-known in academic and political circles. They were responsible for developing the botanical garden on the island. They also hired a gardener, Murdo MacKenzie, to work on the garden.
The gardens were designed by the architect Harold Peto. He created a series of gardens on the island. The Italian Garden is the most impressive, with bright and fragrant flowers. A still and beautiful pool also stands in the Italian pavilion.
Wildlife Park
Located in Cork, Ireland, the Fota Wildlife Park is one of the largest attractions in the country. It is a non-profit organization that helps protect and preserve the habitats of animals. It is also involved in research and promotes conservation.
There are several types of species that you can find at the Fota Wildlife Park. Some of them include giraffes, lemurs, and a large variety of birds. It is also home to a number of primate species, such as spider monkeys and gibbons.
The park has a range of educational activities and tours to help you learn about the animals. It is a great destination for families with children. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, and cafes.