Although there's been a changing of the guard recently in Cork City, where a more international flavour has come into play, traditional Irish fair like bacon and cabbage, full Irish breakfasts and beef stew are still hugely popular across the rest of Ireland's South West. Some of Ireland's best restaurants can be found in Cork, it is also seen by many as having the best chipper food, per square mile, compared with any other county in Ireland. There is also no shortage of pubs in Cork or Kerry, with Cork topping a recent poll by having 543 people for every pub!
Renowned for its excellent food and world-class service, the restaurant industry in Ireland's Southwest has maintained its high standards over the past two decades through innovation and a reluctance to rest on its laurels. Seafood, beef and poultry from the region are not only enjoyed by the locals but also shipped to global markets. Specialities such as black & white pudding, spiced beef, and Kerrygold Butter all have their origins in this region.
With the highest pub per person ratio in the country, one pub for every 543 people, Cork has an endless variety of watering holes. The counties of Kerry and Limerick are not far behind, meaning the 3 counties of the Southwest are well supplied with a wide variety of pubs, from small local spots to large 'super pubs' open until the wee small hours.
In a seemingly endless war of attrition, the chippers of Ireland, more so than any other Irish establishment, are pitched against each other for supremacy by their patrons. It's not a case of liking one slightly more, it's a case of my favorite chipper being the greatest, all others are worthless! Nowhere is this more noticeable than in Cork, where the author can attest to having tried all the chippers on this list and can safely say they are all great in their own right.
For decades, KC's of Douglas and Jackie Lennox's of Bandon Road were the 2 main chippers in Cork. Long before pizzas and kebabs became the more popular fast-food options, it was a case of 'KC's or Jackies?' as your fast-food treat. The rivalry has stood the test of time but is now mentioned more so in jest than in spite. The other chippers of the region are amazing also, with the towns of Tralee and Killarney in County Kerry as well as Limerick City and it's surroundings being Meccas of the trade... but, please, if you find yourself in a reasonable distance from either Douglas or Bandon Road in Cork, try KC's or Lennox's. The queues are usually very long, from 5 pm till around 9.30 pm, but move quickly and are well worth the wait.
Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.
Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.
Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.
The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.
Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.
About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.
Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.
Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.
Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.
The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.
As a local Irish company, we at My Ireland Tour are passionate about our country and our local community. We're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the place we call home. That's why we put together this definitive travel guide for anyone who wants to come to Ireland and discover this amazing place for themselves.
This is a completely free resource covering everything from top tourist attractions to the nearest yoga centre. We hope it helps!
