Bus
Bus Eireann provide services to County Cork from Dublin, Waterford, Limerick and other counties.
For further information on bus services telephone: 01 8366111

Rail
The Dublin / Cork line serves Co. Cork with stations at Charleville, Mallow, Cork, Fota and Cobh. The Dublin / Tralee line serves Charleville, Mallow, Banteer, Millstreet and Rathmore.
For further information on rail services, telephone: 01 8266222

Sea
The Port of Cork operates seasonal Ferry services to Swansea, Le Havre, and Roscoff. Ferries from Britain (Fishguard and Pembroke) and France ( Le Havre and Cherbourg) serve Rosslare all year. All year ferries also serve Dublin from Holyhead. The driving time from Rosslare to Cork City is approximately 3.5 hours; Dublin is approximately 4 hours from Cork City.

Airports
Cork Airport is located just outside the city, and operates daily flights to and from Britain and all other major European cities. It is backed by Aer Rianta, which also operates Dublin and Shannon airports.Cork Airport is now run on a 24-hour basis. Airlines using Cork Airport, include Aer Lingus, Ryanair, BritAir, KLM City Hopper, Air South West and British Airways. 021 4313131

Car Rental Agencies

Hertz ( Cork Airport)	Cork Airport	021 4310111
Alamo	Cork City	021 4318636
Thrifty Car Rentals	Cork Airport	021 4318644
Euro-Dollar Rent-a-Car	Cork City	021 4344844

Taxi Companies

Aircraft Hire

Hotels

Flat Rental Agencies

Office Rental Agencies

 RURAL

Fota Wildlife Park
This is just 10 miles from Cork on the Cobh road, and is among the most modern wildlife parks in Europe. It was established in 1983 with the primary aim of conservation. It has more than 70 species of exotic wildlife in open natural surroundings with no obvious barriers. Giraffes, zebras, ostrich and antelope, monkeys, kangaroos, macaws, cheetahs and lemurs can be found in the park. Fota Wildlife Park is the world's leading breeder of cheetahs. Just beside the Wildlife Park is the internationally renowned Fota Arboretum, which has a collection of trees and shrubs from all over the world including China, Japan, Australia and the Himalayas. There is no additional charge for entry to the Arboretum.


Glengarriff State Forests
Glengarrif is a beautiful deep valley, situated across from Bantry Bay, backed by mountains dotted with rocks. A variety of plants and shrubs cover this wild region.


Gougane Barra Forest Park
Gougane Barra's deep valley and steeply sloping hills are part of a forest park with magnificent scenery.


Gearagh National Nature Reserve
This is an ancient forest outside the town of Macroom.


Farran Forest Park
This is a scenic woodland located beside the hydro-electric reservoir formed from the River Lee.


Liss Ard Gardens ,
This ‘new age’ garden founded in 1924 has grown naturally since to create a place popular with artists. A feature at Liss Ard is the Sky Garden designed by James Turell.


Valleys
The valleys of the Lee, Bandon and Blackwater rivers provide rich grassy scenery.


Mountains
The Caha and Sheehy Mountains provide spectacular scenery surrounding Bantry Bay, with viewpoints at Hungry Hill and Sugarloaf Mountain, and peaks at Knockaboy and Nowen Hill. The Slieve Miskish Mountains stretch onto the Beara Peninsula. The Ballyhoura Mountains sneak into the north of the county and the Boggeraghs, inland, provide popular walking trails through its moorland.


Innishanon Woods
Located on the River Bandon.


Clash na Cróna Forest
This forest is situated near Dunmanway

 COASTAL

Dursey Island
This island is connected to the Beara Peninsula by cable car. It is popular for birdwatching and contains a ruined castle.

Mizen Head
The most southerly point in the country, Mizen Head has a lighthouse reached by means of a suspension bridge. Its steep cliffs and views make it a popular walking spot.

The Blackwater
This river is in the north of the county and flows through Mallow, Fermoy, Lismore, Cappoquin and Youghal. The lower river carves a succession of deep valleys on its way to the sea and there is beautiful scenery here on the Cork / Waterford borders. The upper valley of the River is on the verge of rich agricultural land to the north, called Duhallow country, and the Derrynasaggart and Bogeragh Mountains to the south.

The River Lee
This river which flows through Cork City, rises in Gougane Barra and runs eastwards through Inchigeelagh Lakes, through Ballingeary, Ballyvourney and Coolea.

The Bandon
The Bandon River flows through the south of the county, and passes through the towns of Dunmanway and Bandon.

Beaches
Garryvoe,
Inchydoney, Clonakilty
Owenahincha, Clonakilty
Long Strand, Clonakilty
Barleycove, near Bantry
Mizen Head Peninsula
Beara Peninsula

Cape Clear & Sherkin Island
Sherkin is a beautiful island with the ruins an O’Driscoll castle and a Franciscan Abbey. Clear island hugely popular for birdwatching, with an observatory at the North Harbour. Both islands are accessible by boat from Baltimore.

Whiddy Island
Located at the tip Bantry Bay, this island is used as a terminal for oil tankers although most of its inhabitants make a living from farming.

Spike Island
Located in Cork Harbour, this island, previously used as a prison, is now an Irish Army coastal defence station.

Ilnacullin, Garinish Island.
An island garden of rare, exotic beauty situated in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay. A Grecian Temple has been built here and there are spectacular views from a Martello Tower. Access to the island is by small ferry boats and water buses.

Lough Hyne
This salt lake is situated near Skibbereen is almost entirely surrounded by land apart from a minor channel to the ocean. The lake and surrounding hills constitute a nature reserve.

Bantry and Dunmanus Bays
Two very scenic peninsulas encompass these bays - Sheep's Head and Mizen Head Bantry is at the head of Bantry Bay, and Mizen Head, 20 miles away is the most southerly point in Ireland.There are some beautiful long sandy beaches in this area. The picturesque villages of Durrus, Ballydehob, Schull, and Goleen all lie in the area between the two bays. Sheep's Head offers magnificent panoramas over Dunmanus Bay to the east and Bantry Bay to the west.

Roaringwater Bay
Situated north of Baltimore, this bay area is filled with islands, the largest being Long, Hare and Castle islands. Many of these fertile islands are populated only by grazing animals although in the summer, boats operate around the islets.

Beara Peninsula
Partly covered by the Caha and Slieve Miskish Mountains, this rugged scenery is good for hiking and fishing by the coast. The ‘ Beara Way’ walking trail offers great views and opportunities for swimming.

Seven Heads Peninsula
This beautiful coastline from Timoleague to Clonakilty is a popular hiking and birdwatching location.

 HISTORICAL

Blarney Castle
This 15th century castle, situated in Blarney five miles outside Cork City, is the location of the famous Blarney Stone. Blarney House and Gardens, next to the castle, has attractive gardens and lake views. The House dates from 1874 and contains a collection of early furniture, family portraits, tapestries and works of art.


Cork City Gaol
This prison housed 19th Century prisoners often in terrible conditions. In the prison the cells are furnished, and also have lifelike characters, sound effects and fascinating exhibitions which allow the visitor to experience day to day life for prisoners and gaoler. Incorporated in the goal is a spectacular sound and image presentation showing contrasting lifestyles in 19th century Cork and why some people turned to crime.


Charles Fort, Kinsale
This is a military, star-shaped, fortification dating from the late seventeenth century and has a spectacular location on the cliff’s edge.


Timoleague Abbey
Located at Courtmacsherry Bay are the ruins of this 13th century Franciscan Friary, noted especially for its well preserved lancet windows.


Kilnaruane Carved Pillar Stone
This is an early Christian Pillar Stone situated outside Bantry.


Drombeg Stone Circle
Dating from approximately 150BC, this is a circle of 17 standing stones. Each winter solstice the sun shines on the altar stone.


Donerail Court and Forest Park
Located in Donerail, and built in 1725, the house is a magnificent example of a period residence.


Dun an Oir, Clear Island
On an island scattered with historic ruins, Dun an Oir stands out. The O’Driscoll ‘fort of gold’ stands dramatically on a shaft of rock, best viewed from the high cliffs.


Timpleogue Castle
There are beautiful gardens adjoining this castle.


Ballycrovane Ogham Stone
Ardgroom.


Hexagonal Round Tower
Enniskean, Bandon.

 INTERIORS

Bantry House
This stunning house overlooks Bantry Bay with views of the Caha Mountains and Whiddy Island. The elaborate interior includes the Rose Room containing large hanging tapestries, the Dining Room with a Spanish chandelier and Royal portraits, and the Anteroom with 18th century artefacts, prints and china. The house is set within beautiful gardens with intricately designed flower beds.


Dunkathel House, Glanmire.
An imposing Georgian House with splendid friezes, built in 1790, and located on the outskirts of Cork City. The house is best known for its charming interior. The hall retains its 19th century decoration with marbled walls and the ceiling depicting a sky scene. There is also a magnificent stone staircase. Other rooms of the house are decorated with simple plasterwork and woodwork.


Blarney House
This is one of the most elegant and gracious of the great houses of Ireland. A family house now restored, it was built in 1874 and overlooks Blarney Lake. It contains a collection of early furniture, family portraits, tapestries and works of art. There are conducted tours of the house. It is opened from June to mid-September, Monday to Saturday.


Myrtle Grove
This Elizabethan manor house was the home of Sir Walter Raleigh from 1588. It has a gabled façade and an elaborately designed interior.


Cork Museum
The museum is located in a magnificent Georgian house, once known as the "shrubberies" and is surrounded by the beautifully landscaped Fitzgerald Park at the western end of Cork city. The museum contains wonderful geological and archaelogical displays, including the world famous Cork Helmet Horns of Iron Age date and the Garryduff Gold Bird of the Early Medieval Period; there are also many excellent models depicting the Early Medieval and Medieval periods. The medieval exhibits show the many artifacts that have come from excavations within the city. There is a wide range of Civic Regalia including the Silver Oar, the Grace Cup and the Silver Maces of the City. The importance of Cork's industries in the 18th and 19th centuries is reflected in the magnificent collections of Cork Silver, Cork Glass and Youghal Lace. Cork in the historic period is well represented with special emphasis on local historical events and personalities. Archives of photographs and documents relating to Terence McSwiney, Thomas MacCurtain and Michael Collins are also on display.

 URBAN

Other Villages
Interesting and colourful villages around the county include Ballydehob, Schull, Leap. Ballinspittle, Allihies and Eyeries.


Cork City
This city is situated at the place where the River Lee meets Cork Harbour. The city owes its origin to St. Finbarr who in the 6th century founded a monastery on the south bank of the River Lee. Cork is mostly Georgian in style and has narrow winding streets. Some notable sites around Cork City and harbour include St. Anne's Church with Shandon Bells, Blackrock Castle, Cork City Gaol, University College Cork, Bishop Lucey Park, Blarney Castle, Barryscourt Castle.


Bantry
One of the principal towns on the south-west coast of Ireland, Bantry is sheltered by a backdrop of mountains at the head of Bantry Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in Ireland. There is a very mild climate in this area due to the presence of the Gulf Stream.


Blarney
Six miles from Cork city is the town of Blarney, famous all over the world for the Blarney Stone located within the castle.


Kinsale
The seaport of Kinsale is reputed to be Ireland's oldest town where inhabitants settled, and is situated on the south coast of Cork. Kinsale harbour is one of Ireland's most scenic harbours. The town is full of character and some attractions include Mother Hubbard’s café, The Blue Haven restaurant, The Old Courthouse and Desmond Castle. The coastline from Cork to Kinsale is popular for birdwatching and fishing.


Crosshaven
This pretty village is situated 12 miles from Cork city and 20 minutes from the Car Ferry in Ringaskiddy. The town has a harbour which is always full of yachts at anchor.


Clonakilty
In Clonakilty there is a Model Village, which is Ireland's first themed Model Village, located off the Inchydoney road outside Clonakilty will depict in miniature, life and industry in West Cork as they were 50 years ago. There is also a miniature working replica of the long closed West Cork Railway which served as the economic and social lifeline of the area.


Cobh
This town is situated on Great Island in Cork Harbour and is joined to the mainland by a causeway. Its large natural harbour is lined by terraced houses. Saint Colman's Cathedral is the most famous building in the town. At Cobh there is also a multi-media exhibition at Cobh's Victorian Railway Station, named The Queenstown Story.


Castletownbere
The main town on the Beara Peninsula, Castletownbere is a pleasant fishing town located in a large harbour. It is a popular area with climbers and anglers.


Innishannon
Innishannon village is located on the banks of the River Bandon, 14 miles from Cork City. The surrounding countryside is covered in woodlands and parks.


Glengarrif
A village, located 10 miles from Bantry, at the foot of the Caha Mountains. Nearby scenic areas include Healy Pass, Mizen Head, the Ring of Kerry, Gougane Barra, Lakes of Killarney. The landscape around the area of Glengariff includes unlimited mountain tracks, sheltered vales, natural forests, woodlands, waterfalls, pools and lakes. Gairinish Island is just off the coast of Glengariff, and is famous for its Italian Gardens and Martello Tower.


Skibbereen
Known as the Capital of West Cork, the bright little town of Skibbereen is situated on the River Illen. The nearby coast is full of little bays and beaches.


Youghal
This fishing port is located at the mouth of the Blackwater River. The picturesque main street is divided by a 1771 arched clock tower and has numerous side streets winding off it. A town wall runs through the town adding to the medieval atmosphere. The Church of St. Mary is Ireland’s largest medieval parish church.


Baltimore
From this small harbour town, ferries are available to Clear Island, Sherkin Island and Schull. A 16th century O’Driscoll fortification looks over the town. The coastline along here is rocky and rugged.


Mallow
Set amongst rich agricultural land along the Blackwater River, Mallow is popular for horse-racing and angling. There are some fine 18th century Elizabethan buildings in the town notably the Clock House in the centre. The ruins of a 13th century Franciscan friary are close by at Buttevant.


Fermoy
Built on a wide point on the Blackwater River, Fermoy has the appearance of a planned military town. Historical sites in the area include Labbacallee Hill Dolmen and burial chambers, and the ruins of a 13th century Dominican Abbey.

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