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County Cork - The Rebel County

County Cork – both east and west - is a favourite for artists with a large influx of Dutch and Germans during the 80s and many actors including the late Oliver Reed and Jeremy Irons loved it so much they bought homes there.

The compact and thriving City of Cork is built on the river Lee. It is easy to get around on foot – although it is hilly - and sports three impressive Gothic cathedrals and a Huguenot quarter that is now a pedestrianised area teeming with boutiques and artisan fare.

The City's indoor English Market is the best farmer’s market in the country – offering superb fresh local produce as well as food from abroad.

Points of Interest

Beara Peninsula
Beara Peninsula is shared with County Kerry and offers an incredible coastal drive of wilderness ending at Dursey Island which is connected to the mainland by Ireland's only cable car. In the other direction try the Glengarrif to Kenmare Road – the valley views are spectacular.

Gougane Barra Forest Park (St Finbar's Hollow)
Nestled in the red sandstone Derrynasaggart Mountains is the romantic lake of Gougane Barra, the source of the River Lee. At the centre is a tiny island accessible by a causeway with a church and the ruins of St Finbar's monastery. Further up the valley is the national park with 254 hectares of woodland.

Knockboy and the Priest’s Leap
Knockboy is West Cork's highest point and on a clear day offers a panoramic view of the surrounding region including the Priest’s Leap, where legend has it a priest being chased by soldiers spurred his horse to jump off the mountain and land several miles away in Bantry Bay.

Mizen Head and Sheep's Head
Two rugged and altitudinous headlands offering a windswept climb to visitors with spectacular coastal views as a reward.

Sherkin Island
A unique offshore retreat accessible from Baltimore. Safe and sandy beaches, a Franciscan friary and great diving for those who fancy it.

Cape Clear Island
Ireland's most southerly island, 45km from Baltimore or Schull. A Gaeltacht island with 120 inhabitants, it offers a magnificent relaxing respite from the hubbub of daily life.

Patrick's Hill in Cork City
A steep climb for the walker this but the rewarding panoramic view of Cork and the affluent villas of St Patrick's Hill conservation area are worth it.

Fota Wildlife Reserve
A wilderness crossed with a zoo. A joint project between University College of Cork and the Zoological Society of Ireland, this nature reserve lies on an island close to Cork, accessible via a short bridge. It also has its own train station. Where possible, animals have been chosen that do not live in cages – although some such as the penguins, giraffes, ostriches are in low fenced enclosures. Otherwise wander through this amazing wilderness and see the swans, eagles, storks and a multitude of other free birds and animals. Watch out for the Cheetah Run where every day a dead rabbit is thrown into a lane to give the cheetahs exercise and, of course, to feed them.