Blarney
The one everyone knows: climb the keep and lean back to kiss the Blarney Stone for the gift of the gab. What surprises people is the grounds, the gardens, the eerie Poison Garden and the ancient stones of the Rock Close are worth as much as the castle. Go early, the queue for the stone builds fast by midday in summer. The full history is on our Blarney Castle page.
Cobh
A short train ride down the harbour to one of the most photographed towns in Ireland. Cobh was the Titanic's last port of call, and the Titanic Experience stands where the final passengers boarded; above the town, St Colman's Cathedral looms over the famous Deck of Cards terrace. Easy to do in a half day. The full story is on our Cobh page.
Spike Island
From Cobh's Kennedy Pier a ferry runs out to Spike Island, a star-shaped fort and former prison on its own island in the harbour, once called Ireland's Alcatraz. The guided visit covers a thousand years of monastery, fortress and jail, and the crossing itself is part of the day. Sailings are limited, so book ahead in season. Pair it with Cobh for a full day. The full story is on our Spike Island page.
Kinsale
A pretty harbour town about forty-five minutes south, with a decades-old name for food: narrow streets of restaurants, wine bars and brightly painted fronts. Beyond the plate, the coast is the draw, with the huge 17th-century Charles Fort at the harbour mouth and a clifftop walk out to it. Give it a full day and time lunch for the town. The full story is on our Kinsale page.
Youghal
Further east along the coast, Youghal is an old walled port with a long sandy beach and a starring role in film history, its main street stood in for New Bedford in the 1956 Moby Dick. It's a longer trip and quieter than the others, good if you want the sea and a bit of space. The full story is on our Youghal page.
Out on the harbour
If you'd rather see it all from the water, seasonal harbour cruises run from Cobh and take you past Spike Island, the old naval base at Haulbowline and the mouth of one of the world's great natural harbours. A relaxed couple of hours and a different angle on the whole area. Check what's sailing before you travel, as operators run seasonally.
Not sure which to pick? The weekend plan lines the trips up against the forecast, and your guide can point you at the one that suits your day. See the walk.