Day 1 in Cork

Welcome to Cork! Arrive at your hotel, check in and then head north of the city center to the Church of St. Anne, built in 1722. Announce your arrival in Cork by ringing the famous Shandon Bells as you wind your way up the stone steps of the tower for panoramic views over the city. Sheets of music are available to show you how to play classics like 'The Bells of Shandon' as well as other tunes. Following your musical debut, make your way to the Crawford Art Gallery with its impressive collection of Irish and European art.

Next, stop for lunch at the world renowned English Market where you will find stalls of locally sourced meat, seafood and produce as well as International fare. We recommend the Farmgate Café, located upstairs, since all the meat and fish is fresh from the market stalls below. If you are feeling adventurous, try local specialties like tripe and onions with drisheen, which is variety of black pudding made with beef and sheep's blood and poached in milk or crubeens, pigs' trotters, cooked long and slow to a gelatinous tenderness then crisped in the oven. Also available are staples like Irish stew, fish chowder, shepherd's pie, smoked salmon, lamb and rock oysters.

After lunch, head to St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, located on the site that was the entrance to medieval Cork, before continuing to Fitzgerald Park for a leisurely stroll along the River Lee. Grab a scone and some coffee from the café at the Cork Public Museum and then don't miss your chance to cross Cork's most famous footbridge - the Shakey Bridge (Daly's Bridge) across the river to Sunday's Well. Finally, make your way to Cork City Gaol, where rebels were incarcerated during the Irish Civil War. Finish the evening with dinner at a local pub and shopping along St. Patrick's street in the city center.

Day 2 in Cork

Wake up early this morning and head to the nearby town of Blarney, home of the famed Blarney Stone. For more than 200 years, world statesmen, literary giants and movie stars as well as millions of visitors have climbed the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone and be granted the gift of eloquence. The stone is set in a wall atop one of Ireland's most romantic castles and surrounded by beautiful gardens, including a poison garden, and a rock close where ancient druids once performed their archaic rituals. Not only are the grounds of Blarney Castle a magical place with many sights to explore, but located next door is Blarney Woollen Mills, the largest craft store in Ireland, a magical shopping destination if you're still looking for that special souvenir!

Following a morning visit of Blarney Castle, head to Bantry Bay, offering stunning views of the Beara Peninsula with the Slieve Miskish and Cava Mountains. Bantry itself is a historic town with Bantry House as its highlight. Be sure to stop for a bite to eat in its famed tearoom. Nearby, Glengariff is a tourist town that has preserved its Victorian splendor and offers extensive woodland walks away from the crowds. Later, return to Cork for a delicious dinner and a show at the Cork Opera House or enjoy a pint of Guinness and folk music in a traditional Irish pub.

Additional Days in Cork

Should you be able to spend additional days in Cork then you should consider a trip to Cobh. This coastal town was the last port of call for the Titanic on its doomed maiden voyage and you can learn more at the Titanic Experience, which is found in the former ticket office building. The Cobh Heritage Center and Saint Colman's Cathedral are also nice stops. Time permitting, you may want to visit the Fota House Arboretum and Gardens as well as the Fota Island Wildlife Park to see rare and exotic species from around the world. At the Jameson Experience Midleton, you can learn about the ancient process of distilling whiskey and maybe even taste a sample or two, or discover one of the world's most advanced research facilities at Blackrock Observatory, housed in an ancient castle.

Alternately, you can head to Kinsale, Ireland's culinary capital, for its exceptional seafood restaurants; although the town is most famously known as the site of one of the most important battles in Ireland's history. Charles Fort was built after the Battle of Kinsale and is one of the Europe's largest and best preserved star forts. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Kinsale Harbour from the battlements.

Your Last Day In Cork

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. Please remember to leave enough time to return your rental car before your flight out.