The Southwest including Cork and Kerry.

The county of Cork shares with Kerry the south-western corner of Ireland. Washed by the warm Gulf Stream and the mild moist southerly winds , palm trees and bamboo flourish. The whole South West of Ireland is one of the most poplar vacation areas in Ireland and is a region of scenic contrasts. Magnificent scenery has attracted visitors to the region since Victorian times. Rocky headlands jut out into the Atlantic and colorful fishing villages nestle in the shelter of the bays. County Kerry offers dramatic landscapes and a wealth of prehistoric and early Christian sites, whereas County Cork gentle charm has enticed many a casual visitor into becoming a permanent resident.  

This region is steeped in ancient history and folklore. There are over 100 heritage and cultural sites of significance in the region and these sites cover many diverse aspects of Ireland's heritage and culture.  Cork is the largest of all the Irish counties and Cork City, the European Capital of Culture 2005, is Ireland's third city( after Dublin & Belfast) and is alive with the cultural richness of a truly modern city-annually featuring the world-renowned film and jazz festivals.

The north kerry area bordering the Shannon Region has a rich history and numerous ancient castles and monuments that bring the area's colorful past to life. No matter from which direction the county of Kerry is approached, the great mountains of MacGillycuddy's Reeks draw the eye of the traveler, including Ireland's highest mountain range, Carrauntoohil, at 1,039 metres. Whether on foot or by car, this county is well worth a visit.

Here are some of the main attractions.

1. Blarney Castle, Cork. Contains the Blarney stone-kiss it to receive the gift of eloquence.

2. Bantry House & Gardens, Cork. Beautiful gardens and a fine collection of tapestries, furntiture and art treasures.

3. Fota Wildlife Park & Arboretum, Cork. More than 70 species of exotic wildlife in open, natural suroundings.

4. West Cork Model Railway Village, Cork. A miniature world depicting Clonakilty, Kinsale and Dunmanway as they were in the 1940s. A model railway meandering through the four towns captures life in the past.

5. Crag Cave, Castleisland Kerry. Discovered in 1983 and thought to be over one million years old. Crag Cave is a wonderland of stalacities and stalagmites.

6. Muckross House & Gardens, Kerry. Period mansion set in Killarney National Park.

7. Ross Castle, Kerry. This fully restored 15th century tower house is a typical example of a stronghold of an Irish chieftian.

8. Cobh-The Queenstown Story, Cork. Housed in the restored Victorian Cobh railway station, this is a dramatic exhibition of the origins, history and legacy of Cobh. Last sailing port of the famous Titantic.

9. Jameson Heritage Center, Cork. Follow the old distillery trail and learn about the many steps in whiskey production.