Cork, Ireland (Cobh - For Blarney Castle)
Founded in the 7th century by St. Fin Barre, Cork is your gateway to romantic Ireland. Stroll down narrow country lanes or see the Lakes of Killarney. The intrepid visitor may scale the narrow passages of Blarney Castle to kiss the Blarney Stone. The region around Cork is also home to one of the densest concentration of prehistoric monuments in Western Europe. And, in a land where fable and fact blend to become folklore, it was near Cork that the great Tuatha De Danaan, a race with magical powers, was driven underground by the conquering Celts.
Cobh was the single most important port of emigration from Ireland.
Note: Your ship will dock in Cobh which is about 15 miles from Cork.
Points of Interest
- Blarney Castle
- Blarney Woolen Mill Shop
- Kinsale
- St. Fin Barre's Cathedral
- House of Waterford Crystal
- St. Colman's Cathedral
- Killarney National Park
- Muckross House
More about Cork, Ireland (Cobh - For Blarney Castle) Points of Interest
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Blarney Castle -
Set in a sprawling park, this romantic ruin was the stronghold of the McCarthy clan, and features thick stone walls. Those who kiss the Blarney Stone are said to be gifted the power of eloquence.
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Blarney Woolen Mill Shop -
This converted mill is Ireland's largest Irish gift store selling traditional Irish goods, including Waterford crystal, Irish linen, hand-loomed Donegal tweed, knitwear, bone china and Celtic brooches.
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Kinsale -
Kinsale is a historic fishing port featuring a pretty harbor, along with many well-preserved, 18th-century houses. It was off the coast here that the Lusitania was torpedoed by a U-boat during World War I.
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St. Fin Barre's Cathedral -
This French, Gothic-inspired cathedral designed by William Burgess was built on the site of Fin Barre's 7th-century monastic settlement. It boasts mosaics, rich carvings and medieval gargoyles.
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House of Waterford Crystal -
The manufacture of glass has a long history in Ireland. Ireland's famed Waterford Crystal dates from 1783.
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St. Colman's Cathedral -
Built in 1868 and completed in 1915, ornate St. Colman's Cathedral is made of granite and limestone, and features elaborate stained glass windows. It boasts views of Cobh harbor and also has 49 bells.
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Killarney National Park -
Killarney National Park boasts stunning views of the countryside set against a backdrop of rugged mountain peaks, and covers 26,000 acres, while the lakes of Killarney are famous for their beauty.
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Muckross House -
This delightful 19th-century manor house features a gorgeous sunken garden, folk museum and crafting workshop. The interior of the house features beautiful hand-made Victorian furnishings.
