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County Cork, Ireland Outdoor activities

Our most recommended County Cork, Ireland Outdoor activities

From Cork: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip

1. From Cork: Ring of Kerry Guided Day Trip

Explore the mystical Ring of Kerry on a full-day guided tour from Cork. See the picturesque village of Waterville, Killarney National Park, panoramic views of Dingle Bay, and other famous areas of ancient Ireland. After meeting your guide, enjoy a scenic drive to one of Ireland's most colorful and charming villages. You will see two village squares and a beautiful bridge in the village center. Pass through Killorglin, the home of the ancient Celtic festival known as the Puck Fair.  Next, take in the amazing views of Dingle Bay, famous Inch Beach, and on a clear day, possibly even the Blasket Islands off the wild Atlantic coast. You will admire the picturesque little village of Waterville that sits overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay and the Skellig Rocks with their early Christian monastery. Charlie Chaplin loved Waterville and was a frequent visitor. See the statue in his honor, unveiled in 1998. Continue to the most beautiful and admired national park in Ireland, and take in the views of the Lakes of Killarney and the Black Valley during stops at Molls Gap and Leprechaun Crossing. Your next stop will be at the lovely 18-meter-high waterfall that cascades through the wooded Friar's Glenn and admires this site of natural beauty. Finally, take some time to relax in Killarney and grab some refreshments before departing for Cork.

From Cork: County Cork Highlights Tour with Entrance Tickets

2. From Cork: County Cork Highlights Tour with Entrance Tickets

Discover the highlights of Co. Cork and explore the ancient battlements of Blarney Castle & Gardens. Take a journey through history and kiss the legendary Blarney Stone for the gift of the gab. Stroll through the beautiful gardens and shop tax-free at the adjacent woolen mills.  Visit Charles Fort and descend into the picturesque resort town of Kinsale. Soak up the atmosphere of this charming town and explore the winding, centuries-old streets with its colorfully painted shops, pubs, cafes, and houses. Stop for a pint of Murphy's Stout and a plate of trawler fresh seafood.  Nest, visit the historic port town of Cobh, the last port of call for the Titanic. Stop by the Titanic Museum (optional) or explore the oceanfront to check out the colorful local architecture, St Colman's Roman Catholic cathedral, or spot some of the world's largest cruise ships. 

Kerry: Guided Horse Riding Tour in Killarney National Park

3. Kerry: Guided Horse Riding Tour in Killarney National Park

Arrive at the riding stables located just outside Killarney town and meet your horse riding guide and gear up for your ride. Your guide will lead the group following the riding trail into the Knockreer Estate north of Lough Lein, taking in the essence of Killarney National Park. Your trail will take you past Lough Lein, the largest of the three lakes in Killarney and across areas of stunning natural beauty. Expect amazing views of soaring mountains, and rolling hills with a unique ecosystem including numerous species of fauna and flora. The park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981, and forms part of a Special Area of Conservation.

Ring of Kerry: Full-Day Tour from Killarney

4. Ring of Kerry: Full-Day Tour from Killarney

Spend the day in one of Europe’s finest coastal areas on a full-day tour of the Ring of Kerry. Travel in an air-conditioned coach and discover sweeping panoramic views, strolls around enchanting villages, and historic sights.  Depart Killarney in a spacious coach and drive to the Iveragh Peninsula, the official name for the Ring of Kerry. Get insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland from your guide along the way. See stone forts and standing stones in a breathtaking landscape. Drive through the home town of the Puck Fair, an ancient Celtic festival which is held in the charming town of Killorglin. Take in panoramic views of Dingle Bay and Inch Beach. Weather permitting, see the Atlantic waves crashing on the Blasket Islands.  Head to the picturesque village of Waterville which overlooks Ballinskelligs Bay. See the misty Skellig Rocks which are known for their early Christian monastery. Find out why there is a statue of Charlie Chaplin in the village.  Stop in the charming village of Sneem, one of Ireland's most colorful villages. Explore its 2 squares and a beautiful bridge where the River Sneem meets the currents of Kenmare Bay. Enter Killarney National Park. Admire magnificent views of the Lakes of Killarney and Black Valley from the stops at Molls Gap and Ladies View (Leprechaun Crossing). Marvel at the cascades of the Torc Waterfall in the woods of Friers Glenn.

Killarney on Horse & Carriage: 1-Hour Jaunting Car Tour

5. Killarney on Horse & Carriage: 1-Hour Jaunting Car Tour

Be transported back to 15th-century Ireland with stories of the legendary stronghold of the O’Donoghue Chieftains and the ancient Castle’s tragic fall to the Cromwellian Army on their conquest of Ireland, the legend of the Lake, and much more. Learn more about the nature of the Park as well as its famous wildlife inhabitants including the Irish Red Deer. Take this unique opportunity to capture those special holiday moments as your guide pauses at some of Killarney’s most dramatic scenic locations before reaching the shores of Ross Castle, where you will be invited to explore the grounds of the 15th-century stronghold with breathtaking views across Lough Léin. And because your tour takes you through areas where no motor traffic is permitted, you can enjoy your jaunting ride in absolute paradise. As the tour comes to its end, you will be returned to the town center or your hotel with memories to last a lifetime.

County Cork: Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

6. County Cork: Whale & Dolphin Watching Boat Trip

Enjoy seascapes and the rugged Irish coastline as you cruise through the water spotting marine animals on this adventurous boat excursion. Catch sight of sunfish and even basking sharks with the help of a local skipper. Set off from the North Pier of Baltimore and head out to see offshore islands and marine wildlife. Walk around the deck for a panoramic experience. Sit to watch the wildlife in comfort and shield yourself from the wind when it's cooler. Learn about the wildlife from your expert guide.

Gap of Dunloe: Guided Boat, Jaunting Car, and Bus Tour

7. Gap of Dunloe: Guided Boat, Jaunting Car, and Bus Tour

Get the full Killarney experience on this comprehensive tour. Visit the verdant lake district where you will find Kate Kearney's cottage. Then hop on a pony and continue on through the Gap of Dunloe. Enjoy lunch and a ride in a traditional open boat. Your 14-mile voyage goes across all 3 of Killarney’s lakes with a pony and trap journey through the famous Black Valley and Gap of Dunloe. Enjoy an unforgettable adventure and the ultimate Killarney experience. The journey begins mid-morning at the world-renowned Kate Kearney’s cottage. Here you take a 7-mile jaunt on a pony and trap through the Gap of Dunloe where you can view a spectacular glaciated valley. Your pony and trap ride ends at Lord Brandon’s Cottage where you can enjoy a light snack (not included in the price). After lunch, get into a traditional open boat for an approximately 2-hour tour of the three lakes of Killarney. Pass by Innisfallen Island, Bricin Bridge, Colleen Bawn Rock, Torc Mountain, Old Weir Bridge, the meetings of the waters, and more, ending at the 15th-century Ross Castle. The tour is the perfect way to see the rich and varied vegetation and scenery Killarney has to offer. Your tour will end in the mid-afternoon.

Lakes of Killarney: Boat Cruise

8. Lakes of Killarney: Boat Cruise

Discover the lakes of Killarney on this scenic cruise. Enjoy a voyage to Lough Léin with panoramic views of the lakes, islands, and castles of Killarney National Park. Relax as you watch the sights pass by from your modern, heated, glass-covered boat, guided by your local captain and guide. Depart from 15th-century Ross Castle, as you make your way past some of Killarney's most famous landmarks. Drift past the ruins of St. Finian’s 6th-century monastery on Innisfallen Island. Continue to the foot of the MacGillycuddy Reeks to view Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. Pass Ross Island as your captain points out the flora of the area, including the ancient oak and yew forests and learn about the unique ecosystem of the area.

Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

9. Blarney Castle Full-Day Tour from Dublin

Visit Ireland’s most famous castle on a full-day tour from Dublin. Enjoy free time to explore the city of Cork and visit Blarney Castle. Stroll in the footsteps of St Patrick at the Celtic Crosses and Round Tower. Meet your guide at Paddy's Palace in Dublin and hop aboard a comfortable and climate-controlled van for a scenic drive through green fields and dairy farms of the Golden Vale of County Cork. Enjoy panoramic views of the Galtee Mountains and County Tipperary. Stop in Cork on banks of the River Lee and spend an hour of free time exploring the city at your own pace. Have the option to visit the historic English Market, or marvel at the architecture of St. Finbarre’s Cathedral. Drive on to Blarney Castle, home of the legendary Blarney Stone. It’s said that if you kiss the stone you will receive the “gift of the gab” for 7 years. Pucker up and kiss the stone or snap a picture.  Explore the castle grounds and gardens to discover the Witch's Cave. Take advantage of the tax free shopping at the Blarney Woollen Mills and craft shop. Step back in time at the evocative Celtic Crosses and Round Tower. Depart for Dublin on a path through the Golden Vale of County Tipperary and arrive back in the city at night. 

Ring of Kerry Full-Day Tour from Limerick

10. Ring of Kerry Full-Day Tour from Limerick

The Ring of Kerry boasts some of the finest coastal scenery in Europe and provides insights into the ancient heritage of Ireland. See stone forts, standing stones, and a landscape carved out of rock by the last ice age, some 10,000 years ago. Your journey begins on the official Ring of Kerry driving route, where you’ll begin to see views of the famous mountains and lakes of Kerry. Pass through Killorglin, home to the ancient Celtic festival, when a goat is crowned king of the village. See the statue of King Puck as you cross the River Laune. As your drive continues, you’ll have amazing views of Dingle Bay. See the famed Inch Beach and you may even see the Blasket Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The picturesque little village of Waterville overlooks Ballinskelligs Bay, best known for the Skellig Rocks with their early Christian monastery. Charlie Chaplin loved Waterville and was a regular visitor. You’ll see a statue in his honor, unveiled in 1998. En route to Sneem you’ll make brief stops at some of the most famous viewing points in Ireland. Visit the colorful village before continuing on your Ring of Kerry route. Killarney National Park is considered by many to be the most beautiful national park in Ireland. Take in the magnificent views of the Lakes of Killarney and Black Valley during stops at Moll’s Gap and Ladies View. Torc Waterfall, 18 meters high, cascades through the wooded Friars Glenn. Enjoy a break here before continuing to Killarney. When you reach Killarney you’ll have time to relax and grab some refreshments before departing for Limerick, where you’ll arrive at around 7:30 PM.

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Other Sightseeing Options in County Cork, Ireland

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What people are saying about County Cork, Ireland

The tour was an hour long and a great mix of city and park tour. Paul, our tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. Blankets were provided to keep warm. Geppetto the horse was a great tour guide as well! Killarney is a great town and this experience made our day!

We had such a good time! We had 3 different guides, Brian jj and John. JJ was the best and was very funny! The b&b was the only downside of the whole two days!

Mac was wonderful and very interesting with facts about Ireland. The tour is great because it is not too long And you see it all! What a fabulous day

Absolutely fantastic opportunity for the first travel to the ring of Kerry

Johnny was a great tour guide. Very enjoyable tour