Overflowing with breath-taking landscapes, the Kerry & Cork staycation takes you to the furthest points of southern Ireland, to the heart of national parks, and to the depths of natural caves. Exploring picturesque towns and cities as well as a fort or two, this holiday includes a variety of things to see and do.
There are so many things to see, do, explore, and experience on the Dingle Peninsula . . . from almost 2,000 archaeological sites and more walking than you could fit into a year, to discovering the Blasket Islands and meeting Fungie, a bottlenose dolphin who's been living at the mouth of Dingle Harbour since 1984. Learn more about the history and heritage, as well as top Peninsula attractions at: http://www.dingle-peninsula.ie/index.php
Founded by the Franciscans in the 15th century, Muckross Abbey is a unique ruin that's in a remarkable state of preservation, with the original Cloister walls and associated buildings still complete. Access is all year round and admission is free. Read more at: http://www.killarney.ie/brief-history/muckross-abbey/
This nineteenth century Victorian mansion is set against the stunning beauty of Killarney National Park. The house stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake, one of Killarney's three lakes, famed world wide for their splendour and beauty. As a focal point within Killarney National Park, Muckross House is the ideal base from which to explore this landscape. Learn more and plan your trip at: http://www.muckross-house.ie/index.html
Mitchelstown Cave offers a peek at a unique natural world without sun or time. Tours explore three massive caverns in which you are surrounded by indescribable dripstone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites, with graceful calcite curtains hanging from sloping roofs and calcite crystals glistening like diamonds in the distance. Plan a visit at: http://www.mitchelstowncave.com/
Discover the dramatic sea cliffs of Mizen Head stretching into the swirling and crashing Atlantic Ocean. Cross the iconic bridge connecting the peninsula to the mainland and absorb the breath-taking views, delight in dolphin and whale sightings, and explore the signal station. Read more and plan a trip at: http://www.mizenhead.ie/
Nire Valley is a beautiful location in the heart of Comeragh Mountains, ideal for those wishing to adventure out into the Irish wilderness. There are a few trails to follow, as well as a Nire Valley Walking Festival in Autumn. Learn more at: http://www.nirevalley.com/
Ballysaggartmore Towers are imposing gothic style buildings situated near Lismore in pleasant woodland walking and picnic areas. The magical towers provide a fairy tale setting which does not reflect the sad period in Irish History where extravagance and starvation lived side by side. Read more at: http://www.discoverireland.ie/Arts-Culture-Heritage/ballysaggartmore-towers/49230
Cobh (formerly Queenstown) is a pretty seaside town in County Cork that's steeped in history and an ideal place to explore Cork harbour and beyond! The town's architecture and streetscape is distinctly Victorian and the impressive St. Colman's Cathedral dominates with a 49-bell Carillon. There is a myriad of things to see and do in the picturesque town, with an interesting maritime heritage, including a visit from the RMS Titanic before her ill-fated maiden voyage. Learn more and plan a visit at: http://visitcobh.com/
A trip to CIT Blackrock Castle Observatory is filled with fun and educational things to do for kids, families, school groups and science enthusiasts. Peruse the cosmos exhibition, take the Castle and Gunnery Tour, play the Comet Chaser, and more. Plan a trip at: http://www.bco.ie/
Garnish Island (Ilnacullin Garinish or Garnish) is located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, in Southwest Ireland. Garnish is world renowned for its gardens, with beautiful walks and stunning specimen plants, which are rare in this climate. Learn more about this island oasis at:http://www.garnishisland.com/
Charles Fort is a classic example of a late 17th century star-shaped fort. As one of the largest military installations in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. Read more information at: https://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-west/charlesfort/
On the River Lee, Cork offers a beautiful Irish city bursting with heritage, culture, arts, and more, from the City Gaol to Cork Opera House. Discover the English Market for food stalls and Merchants Quay for retail therapy, enjoy a drink at The Woodford on Daunt Square, or indulge in the mouth-watering menu of The Cornstore on Cornmarket Street - this city has plenty on offer! With Cork train station in the heart of the city and the airport situated just outside, transport is easily accessible to and from Cork. Learn more about Cork City's attractions at: https://www.jurysinns.com/hotels/cork/city-guide
Situated in lower Cork Harbour (the second largest natural harbour in the world), Spike Island has hosted a monastery, a fortress, and a prison within its 104 acres, all of which have left their mark. Explore the fort's convict cells, stroll the walkway around the fortress (affording unique views of Cork Harbour), or relax in the Spike Island Tearooms. Plan a visit at: https://www.spikeislandcork.ie/
South and west of the town of Killarney in Co. Kerry is an expanse of rugged mountainous country. This includes the McGillycuddy's Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. At the foot of these mountains nestle the world famous lakes of Killarney. The distinctive combination of mountains, lakes, woods and waterfalls under ever changing skies gives the area a special scenic beauty. Learn more at: http://www.killarneynationalpark.ie/
The Ring of Kerry (Iveragh Peninsula) is the trail of a mystical & unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. Overflowing with attractions, natural beauty, beaches, and ancient Irish heritage, the Ring of Kerry is the perfect adventure for staycationers! Learn more and plan a trip at: http://www.ringofkerrytourism.com/index.html#vhome
Our Cork hotel sits central to many of the attractions in the Kerry & Cork staycation, providing a convenient base to explore all the locations on offer. Start preparing your perfect staycation by browsing the below distances and approximate travel times to each attraction from Cork city centre. We've also included a rough guide on how much time you might expect to spend at each location to make planning your trip that little bit easier!
| Attractions | Aprx Time | Aprx Distance | Attraction Duration (excl travel time) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cork City | 0 hrs | 0 miles | 1 day |
| Killarney National Park | 1.5hrs | 54.3 miles | 1/2 day |
| Dingle Peninsula | 2hrs | 93.4 miles | 2 hours |
| Muckross House | 1.5hrs | 52.1 miles | 2 hours |
| Muckross Abbey | 1.5hrs | 51 miles | 1 hours |
| Ring of Kerry | 1.5hrs | 53 miles | 1 day |
| Mitchelstown Cave | 0.5-1 hrs | 38 miles | 2 hours |
| Nire Valley | 1.5 hrs | 69 miles | 1 day |
| Ballysaggartmore Towers & Lismore | 1 hrs | 33 miles | 2 hours |
| Cobh Town | up to 0.5 hrs | 13 miles | 1/2 day |
| Blackrock Castle Observatory | up to 0.5 hrs | 3 miles | 2 hours |
| Garnish Island | 1-1.5 hrs | 57 miles | 2 hours |
| Charles Fort | 0.5 hrs | 17 miles | 2 hours |
| Spike Island | 1 hrs | 13 miles | 2 hours |
| Mizen Head | 2 hrs | 78 miles | 2 hours |
Home
Cork City 
Killarney National Park
Muckross House
Blackrock Castle Observatory
Times & Distances