The five west-pointing fingers (the five peninsulas of County Kerry and West Cork) contain nearly half the mountains of Ireland. Pride of place must go to the Iveragh Peninsula; here are the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, with the highest mountain in Ireland, Carrauntoohill (1039 metres high) and half a dozen more nearly as high, all offering fine walking for the experienced. Further west is a wilderness mountain area of crags and lakes, glacial cirques and waterfalls.

Plenty of other mountains form a long backbone that the experienced walker can walk, perhaps, in two days As you move south, the mountains get smaller, but the third peninsula, Beara, offers almost as much mountain walking as its two more famous neighbors. South again is the small Sheep's Head Peninsula, known only to a few discerning visitors, who keep quiet about its small-scale delights of seascape and hill. Finally there is the Mizen Head Peninsula, less mountainous but still worth a walker's interest for its variety of hill and coast. The Southwest is proud to have four Waymarked Ways, each taking a circular route round a peninsula. The Kerry (Iveragh) and Dingle Ways have long been popular with walkers from mainland Europe, but more recently Ways have been opened round both Beara and Sheep's Head.

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In December 1796 a formidable French armada left Brest, carrying almost 15,000 troops to help Wolfe Tone and United Irishmen liberate Ireland from British rule. Chaotic ship-to-ship communications and appalling winter weather dispersed the fleet, but 19 ships with 6,500 troops, including Tone were off Bere Island in Bantry Bay by Christmas Eve, ready to land the next day. To Tone's despair, a landing proved impossible; savage easterly gales blew the ships out to sea.

A supremely romantic garden: laid out largely in the early twentieth century and Robinsonian in style, it also incorporates elements of an earlier, eighteenth century 'ornamented glen' and landscape. Many of the rare rhododendrons in the extensive woodland garden were introduced through subscription to the Kingdom Ward expeditions. On sheltered slopes overlooking the River Awbeg magnolias, hoherias and eucryphias grow to unusual size. Behind the eighteenth century house, secretive paths wind down past limestone cliffs and offer glimpses of the river, lily ponds and wild meadow below. Riverside walks are bordered by giant foliage plants and naturalized day lilies, astilbes and primulas. Above the cliff, the walled garden offers a display of herbaceous color throughout the summer and a contrast of styles within compartments divided by hedges of box, beech and yew.

Among the tall trees and beech hedges of an old garden a series of new organic gardens is being created on an ambitious scale by renowned cook Darina Allen. Several of these compartments are appropriately on a culinary theme. There is an elegant potager or vegetable garden laid out on a strict geometric pattern and colorful with many exotic vegetables. A formal fruit garden has apples, pears, plums, peaches, almonds, figs and cherries, many trained on arches, as well as soft fruit. The herb garden is a delightful surprise, a great parterre of gravel and precisely shaped box-edged beds enclosing an array of culinary and medicinal plants. Beyond a wide lawn with specimen trees and shrubs leads to a small lake. In the old orchard extensive herbaceous borders have been planted leading up to the Shell House. A Celtic Maze in Yew has recently been planted.

Barryscourt Castle was the seat of the Barry family from the 12th century to the 17th century. The present Castle is a fine example of a 15th century tower house with 16th century additions and alterations and the bawn wall with 3 corner towers is largely intact. The ground floor of the keep now houses an exhibition on the history of Barry's and Barryscourt Castle. The ground floor of the Keep houses an exhibition entitled "The Arts in Ireland from the Invasion to the Plantation 1100-1600". The Orchard has been restored to an original 16th century design. Visitors are advised to wear suitable footwear due to uneven terrain. Facilities include an exhibition, toilets, public car park and restaurant/teashop with craftshop.

The history of Beamish & Crawford dates back over 200 years to 1792, when William Beamish and William Crawford formed a partnership to purchase an old brewery in Cramer's Lane in the city. Alfred Barnard, in his 1889 book on the noted breweries of Great Britain and Ireland said "the business of Be4amish & Crawford in Cork is a very old one, dating as far back as the 17th century and it is said to be the most ancient porter brewery in Ireland". The original Cramer's lane site still forms part of today's modern brewery. The Beamish Brewery Tour, which must be pre-booked and is limited to 15 people, includes a video presentation, tour of the brewing facilities and a visit to the Hospitality Room.

This historic Castle is situated near Cork in the village of Blarney and is world famous for the Blarney Stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. The word "blarney" was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth I who used it to described pleasant and entertaining conversation that was possibly not all true. To kiss the Blarney Stone, set beneath the battlements wall, one has to lean backwards, from the parapet walk. Facilities at Blarney Castle include souvenir shops, a bureau de change and refreshments.

Constructed in the late 17th century on the site of an earlier coastal fortification, Charles Fort is a classic example of a star-shaped fort. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham, Dublin and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with designing the fort. As one of the largest military forts in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. The most significant of which include the Williamite War in 1690 and the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Charles Fort was declared a National Monument in 1973. Across the estuary is James Fort, an earlier structure, which was designed by Paul Ive in 1602.

A dramatic exhibition of the origins, history and legacy of Cobh, a unique Irish port town, which recalls the many historic events associated with the town. From 1845 to 1960 over 2.5 million adults and children emigrated from Ireland via Cobh on coffin ships, early steamers and finally on the Great Ocean Liners. Convict ships first sailed from Cobh in 1791 bound for Australia and when Queen Victoria first stepped ashore there on her visit to Ireland in 1849, the town was renamed in her honor. Relive the dramas of the ill-fated Lusitania and the Titanic which called at Queenstown - her last port of call. Facilities at the heritage center include a restaurant, toilets, a gift shop and a Blarney Woollen Mills shop. New Genealogical service also now available.

Cork City Gaol housed prisoners from 1824 to 1923. Now extensively restored, visitors step back in time to see what 19th/early 20th century life was like in Cork - inside and outside the prison walls! Amazingly lifelike figures, each representing their particular period in Irish history from pre-famine times to the foundation of the State, furnished cells, sound effects, fascinating exhibitions and a spectacular audio visual show depict the contrasting lifestyles of 19th Century Cork. Also at Cork City Gaol is "The Radio Museum Experience" which incorporates the RTE Museum Collection. Located in the original broadcasting studios - once the Governor's House, this permanent interactive exhibition deals with many aspects of radio, including Marconi, the Italian genius synonymous with radio itself. In June, July and August, following a guided tour of the Gaol, visitors can enjoy Irish Music, Song, Dance and Stories with Sean O'Shea and Guests at "Night Tour Extra". The Gaol is also an ideal venue for incentive groups and banquets. Facilities at Cork City Gaol include a shop, refreshment area, coach and car parking facilities.

This is an enclosed market with entrances off Grand Parade, Patrick Street and Princes Street. The origin of the English Market may be traced back to James 1st in 1610 but the present building dates from 1786. Long recognized by locals as a place to meet, eat and shop, visitors can savor the atmosphere and choose from the wide range of foods that 42 traders have to offer in this unique market. A "must see" when in Cork.

Built as a custom house by the Earl of Desmond in circa 1500, Desmond Castle has had a colorful history. It was occupied by the Spanish in 1601 and used as a prison for captured American sailors during the war of Independence. The castle was also used as a borough jail from 1791 to the onset of the Great Famine when it was used as a workhouse. Desmond Castle was declared a National Monument in 1938. Today Desmond Castle is host to the International Museum of Wine. This exhibition, which opened to the public in 1997, documents the intriguing story of Ireland's wine links with Europe and the wider world.

Doneraile Wildlife Park consists of 160 hectares of parkland with mature groves of deciduous trees and a number of deer herds. Pathways through the park are generally accessible for people with special needs. An information leaflet is available for visitors and other facilities include a car park, picnic areas and toilets.

Located in the sheltered harbor of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, Ilnacullin is a small island of 15 hectares (37 acres) know to horticulturists and lovers of trees and shrubs all around the world as an island garden of rare beauty. The gardens of Ilnacullin owe their existence to the creative partnership, some 80 years ago, of Annan Bryce, then owner of the island and Harold Peto, architect and garden designer. Access to the island is by small ferry boats and licensed 60 seater water buses. Please not that the boat operators impose a separate charge in respect of the boat journey to and from the island.

A visit to the Jameson Heritage Center - Old Midleton Distillery in Midleton will take you right to the heart of the cherished whiskey making tradition. Visitors are invited to take a 60 minute tour of this beautifully restored 18th century self contained industrial complex, unique in Britain and Ireland. Delight in the fully operational water wheel and be amazed by the copper pot still of 32,000 gallons which is the largest in the world. An audio-visual presentation, available in 6 languages, breathes life into the Irish Whiskey legend. After the history comes the tasting where visitors are invited to relax in the atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub and sample Ireland's finest whiskey. Afterwards visit the craft shop, restaurant and coffee shop at Jameson Heritage Center - where you can lose yourself in the charm of another age.

This Rural Museum brings the visitor back over the past 150 years and mores, as they browse around old type farm buildings, horse drawn equipment, old type rural post office, famine soup kitchen, carpenter's shop, forge and circular working vintage railway. Ancient stones with religious and cultural associations are on display and visitors can also follow the heritage and nature trail and enjoy the secluded park and gardens. The museum, which is open all year, also has a coffee shop on site.

Step back in time at Lios-na-gCon, the only Ringfort in Ireland reconstructed on its original site. Venture underground in the original Souterrain, sit by the camp fires, rest in the thatched central round house and visit the 10th century defended Farmstead.

Millstreet Country Park is a 500 acre park at the foothills of Musheramore Mountain, where ancient sites have been made accessible, gardens, walks and stone bridges developed and lakes, waterways and waterfalls created. Among its attractions are archaeological sites, a 700 strong herd of red deer and many species of wildlife. Visitors can tour the park in a special internal transport system or browse in the gardens. Millstreet Country Park visitor center has an audio visual theatre, shop and restaurant and has wheelchair access for the disabled.

The Mizen Head Visitor Center at Irish Lights Signal Station located at Ireland's most south-westerly point! The Mizen Head Experience, The 99 steps, The Arched Bridge, spectacular coastal views, displays and exhibits in the Keeper's old quarters. The Mizen Head Visitor Center has been developed near the car park with ticket office, toilets, exhibits and displays on the themes of Safety at Sea, Modern Navigational Aids, the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse and an Automatic Weather Station feeding data into Met Eireann. Mizen Caf‚ with exhibit is about the Irish Lights. Shop@themizen specializing in West Cork, Lighthouse and Marine themes. This is an exhilarating, authentic experience. In any weather The Mizen is spellbinding. Awards: 1996 Ford Ireland Environmental Award; 1999 Regional Winner AIB Better Ireland Award and National Winner AIB/Irish Farmer's Journal Rural Tourism Award.

Mizen Head Fog Signal Station is open to the public for the first time since it was completed in 1910. A visit to the Mizen visitor center in the Keeper's House and the Engine Room, the famous Suspension Bridge, the 99 steps and views up the south and west coast, combined with the exhilaration and excitement of the wild Atlantic waves and ancient tortured rocks, guarantee a unique and authentic experience. In an weather the magic of the Mizen is spellbinding.

The Nano Nagle Center is a place of great natural beauty between Mallow and Fermoy and is the birthplace of Nano Nagle who was the foundress of the Presentation Sisters and the pioneer of Catholic education in the 18th century. In the shelter of the Nagle Mountain, this wildlife sanctuary is bounded by the Blackwater river and generates a peace and tranquility which is associated with sacred places. The center relates the story of Nano Nagle and the Presentation Sisters in broad historical and religious context. Facilities include parking for cars and coaches and wheelchair facilities.

A tour of the Old Midleton Distillery is a journey through the story of Irish whiskey by means of an audio-visual presentation (available in 7 languages). Follow the old distillery trail through mills, maltings, corn stores, stillhouse, warehouses and kilns - some of these buildings date back to 1795. View the largest pot still in the world prior to sampling the internationally renowned Jameson Whiskey in the bar (minerals for children) - perhaps have the opportunity of becoming a qualified Irish whiskey taster with presentation of certificate before browsing in the exclusive Jameson merchandise outlet and crafts shops or relaxing in the elegant restaurant on site.

Rambling House Folk Park and museum houses 35 full life-size figures that demonstrate the crafts and skills of the area during the years 1900-1950. The exhibition includes a harness-maker, blacksmith, dressmaker, poteen maker, tinsmith, seannachai, an old style kitchen, bedrooms and a special attraction of an Irish Wake Stone. Outside is a full display of farm machinery and tools of bygone days. Other attractions include a pet center which houses various birds and animals e.g. peacock, golden pheasants, pigeons, rabbits, guinea pigs and pot-bellied pigs.

When the Italian stuccodores Paolo and Filippo Lafrancini came to Ireland in 1734 their first and most important early work was for Jemmett Browne, later Archbishop of Cork. In the 1730's Dr. Browne enlarged and remodeled the original 1602 Riverstown House. The Lafrancinis adorned the ceiling of the dining room with allegorical figures and also its walls with classical figures and exuberant rococco flowers and foliage. The house remained in the Browne family under the present century but by the 1950's the house was empty and decaying. It was bought in 1958 by Mr. And Mrs. John Dooley.

Schull Planetarium is one of only two planetariums in Ireland (the other being in Armagh). Visitors to the planetarium can experience the night sky under it domed ceiling where all but the most southerly stars of the heavens are visible. There are also video and slide facilities and many outdoor events.

Erected in 1722, Shandon, one of the city's best known landmarks, stands on the site of an older church. The pepper pot top to the steeple is notable as is the fact that two sides of the tower are in limestone and two in sandstone. The tower contains the famous Shandon Bells, which visitors may ring and the view from the steeple (120 feet high) is well worth the effort in getting to the top. Shandon Church also contains a collection or rare books.

St. Colman's Cathedral is a Gothic Revival building. The architects were Pugin, Ashlin & Coleman. It took 47 years to build (1868 - 1915). The spire is 100m high and its tower houses a carillon of 49 bells - the largest in Ireland. Recitals of the bells take place each Sunday afternoon in Summer. The interior of the Cathedral is highly decorated with carved panels of Bath stone and displays some beautiful stained glass. St. Colman's Cathedral also includes a shop.

Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, one of the most beautiful and interesting cathedrals to be found in this country, was completed in 1870. It was the last in a series of places of worship located on the site where Saint Fin Barre is said to have founded his school of learning in the 7th century. The Cathedral is filled with highly ornamented, beautiful mosaic work, rich carvings, fine stained glass and over 1,260 sculptures which are built into the fabric of the building. On street coach parking is available adjacent to the cathedral & guided tours can be arranged at any time.

The West Cork Model Railway Village offers a miniature representation of West Cork Towns during the 1940's period. Numerous animated scenes and a fully automated model of the West Cork Railway are sure to captivate the visitor and the atmosphere is further enhanced by a craft shop and tea rooms on authentic railway carriages. Experience outstanding miniaturization of Clonakilty, Bandon and Kinsale at the West Cork Railway Village.

The Great Famine Commemoration Exhibition uses the latest multimedia technology to bring this period of Irish history to life. Visitors can also take a historical walking tour of the town. The Lough Hyne Visitor Centre offers a fascinating audio and visual insight into Ireland's first Marine Nature Reserve. Also features salt water acquarium with species found in the lake. All situated in a beautifully restored historic riverside building with feature on the Old Gasworks and it's history.

A monastery was reputedly founded her by St. Brendan' The Navigator' in the 6th century. There are three medieval churches on the site today. The earliest building is the cathedral which dates from the 12th - 17th centuries. It has a fine Romanesque west doorway, a magnificent 13th century east window and a spectacular row of nine lancets in the south wall. The battlements were added in the 15th century. The pre-13th century masonry is clearly visible in the north wall. One of the two smaller churches is a fine example of late Romanesque and the other is a plain 15th century structure with an interesting carving of a wyvern on one of the windows. Access for visitors with disabilities to the restored south transept, exhibition and the cathedral.

A unique, all weather visitor attraction at the gateway to Co. Kerry. Crag Cave is formed of limestone, it is a colorful wonderland of stalagmites and stalactites. Discovered in 1983 and throught to be over one million years old, this natural attraction has dramatic sound and lighting effects. A visit to Crag Cave will delight and enthrall all ages and our friendly guides will be pleased to explain the origins of the Cave, describe its many beautiful formations and introduce visitors to a world older than mankind.

Mara Beo - Dingle OceanWorld Aquarium is set overlooking the scenic Dingle Harbor, in County Kerry. OceanWorld reveals the fascinating species that live in the waters around the magnificent Dingle Peninsula but this experience is also a journey through the Peninsula's ancient sea culture and it's people's interface with the sea from the pre-Christian era to the present time. Highlights of a visit to OceanWorld include experiencing the deep Atlantic, in a walk through the Tunnel Tank and a shark tank. OceanWorld also boasts multi-media interactive screens where you can follow in the footsteps of St. Brendan the Navigator and experience some of the trials of Time Severin's epic voyage. We also have on display some Artifacts from the Spanish Armada.

A unique opportunity to observe hundreds of species of underwater wildlife from Tralee Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Here you can explore the haunted timbers of an actual shipwreck and experience a recreation of the half-lit ocean floor where the habitat is both accessible and astonishingly natural. Species in the aquarium include rays, conger eels, tope sharks and octopus. Caf‚ and shop.

The Blasket Center in Dun Chaoin, on the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, celebrates the story of the Blasket Islanders, the unique literary achievements of the island writers and their native language, culture and tradition. Sadly the Great Blasket was abandoned in 1953 as a result of the decline of its once vibrant population. Ask the guide on site about discounts to other non-Duchas sites in the area. The center is fully accessible for visitors with disabilities.

The National Park comprises over 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) of beautiful lake and mountain scenery. The park is famous for its native natural habitats and species including oakholly woods, yew woods and red deer. The National Park Visitor Center (located at Muckross House) and the Information Point at Torc Waterfall provide information on all aspects of the park. Access for visitors with disabilities to the Visitor Center. The Education Center, located at Knockreer House, provides a range of courses related to nature conservation and the ecology of the National Park for school children, students and other groups.

Within the National Park is Muckross House - a magnificent Victorian Mansion and one of Ireland's leading stately homes. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyle of the landed gentry, while downstairs in the basement once can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the house. The gardens at Muckross House are renowned worldwide for their beauty. In particular they are noted for their fine collections of azaleas and rhododendrons, an extensive water garden and an outstanding rock garden hewn out of natural limestone. Muckross House is also home to a number of skilled craft workers who can be viewed using traditional skills in the crafts of weaving, bookbinding and pottery. The Muckross Traditional Farms preserve in real life the farming traditions of rural Ireland in the past. Three separate working farms, with a range of animals including poultry, cattle and traditional farm machinery will help you relive the past. Muckross Traditional Farms take you for a stroll down memory lane, to a time before the advent of electricity when all work was carried out using traditional methods. Meet and chat with the farmers and their wives as they go about their daily work in the houses, on the land and with the animals. A complimentary Vintage Coach operates around the Traditional Farms for the benefit of elderly and physically challenged visitors.

Home of the Leslie family since 1690, Tarbert house is a Queen Anne/Georgian period building dating from 1690. It is still preserved in its original form with furniture and pictures from the same period. It is a heritage house recognized by Irish and European authorities. Notable visitors included Benjamin Franklin who visited Sir Edward Leslie after 1776, Lord kitchener, Winston Churchill, Charlotte Bronte, Daniel O'Connell and Dean Jonathan Swift. Woodland walk through the estate.

Come aboard the Valentia Ferry and you're on your way to the wonderful Valentia - a famous island measuring seven miles by three, just half a mile off the ring of Kerry Road. Aboard the ferry you'll enjoy the visual feast of Valentia Harbor with the island laid out before you on the five minute sailing. The picturesque village of Knightstown - with its famous clock was one of Ireland's first planned villages - superbly designed by British architect Nimmo and built in the early 1800's.

Bantry House and Gardens has been home to the White family since 1739, and is one of the finest stately homes in Ireland. The house contains Russian icons, 18th century French, Flemish and Irish furniture and Gobelin tapestries, collected mainly by the second Earl in the 19th century. The craft shop has a selection of Irish-produced crafts and the tearoom, housed in the old kitchen, provides light snacks and homemade cakes during the day. The gardens, originally designed to be a reflection of all that was best in European design and style, are being restored and are now home to sub-tropical plants and shrubs. At the top of the 100 steps (the Stairway to the Sky), over the 120 year old Wisteria Circle (in bloom in May) is one of the most beautiful views anywhere in the country, looking across Bantry Bay to the Cork/Kerry Mountains.