Ireland Cork

Southern Ireland

Ireland is just a short hop from Southampton airport and many other UK airports. Cork is a Irish gem set in stunning southern Ireland it boasts a modern airport with easy road access. Flights are cheap and quick and daily.

We travelled over to Cork staying at The Kingsley Hotel situated on the River Lee to the west of the city. The Hotel is very impressive. The welcome we received was amazing the women at the 3 stations situated inside the foyer were really pleased to see us. Booking in was quick and informative we were pleasantly surprised when we were given an upgrade to a room with a river view. Check out the video of the room and view in our Facebook group kevstours. Please feel free to join this group. The Kingsley boasts its own pub bar and 2 restaurants. We had meals in all 3 venues the food was always fantastic. The staff in all areas of the hotel were very attentive and were clearly well-trained in hospitality.

The jewel in the crown to this recent renovated hotel is the fitness and spa facilities including a large indoor swimming pool and an impressive outside hot tub boasting views across the river Lee.

The Kingsley has ample parking on site with 2 car parks. The hotel is a great base for anyone wishing to tour the area as it has direct links with the main carriageway which will take you east or west to all the areas worth visiting.

COBH pronounced Cove

Famous for its connections with cruising. Especially that the Titanic last stopped at Cobh before tragically sinking after hitting an iceberg. We travelled for a day trip from Cork the journey was about 40 minutes and took in some amazing sights on route. See pictures of our travels below. We visited the Heritage Centre at Cobh where there were several references and displays to the Titanic and other vessels which sailed from the area taking Irish immigrants to the USA. The passengers lived in terrible conditions on these ships. The Titanic was luxury compared to older vessels.

Titanic Experience Ireland

From the Heritage centre we walked up the road to the Titanic experience  we booked our tour which is guided (we would recommend booking before hand as queues build up at peak times). The tour is informative and fascinating. On entry to the tour you are given a star line ticket with 1 of the passengers names on it. At the end of the tour you can check if you survived or not. Luckily i survived as i was a good swimmer (phew). The tour which is based at the Old original Star line booking office in front of the jetty that took the passengers to the Titanic which had been moored around the harbour.

After our visit to the Titanic experience we had a look around Cobh Ireland taking in some stunning scenery and the Cobh cathedral. we also visited the Titanic memorial along the coast a glass structure set in a memorial garden near to the lighthouse. after our informative and interesting day we had a nice meal at the Titanic restaurant.

We travelled back to Cork early evening via a small river ferry which took us to the other side of the rivers subsidiary. Stopping of at a lovely small Irish pub for a pint of Guinness.

Cork

The City being the second largest in the Republic of Ireland is centred around the River Lee. With great shopping centres and loads of typical Irish pubs to choose from. Enjoy some typical Irish hospitality and some great pubs with a variety of live music including traditional Irish fayre. We had 2 great evening in the city just wishing our trip was longer . Maybe next time.

Ring of Kerry

With absolute stunning scenery this area is well worth a visit. Situated west of Cork you really need a few days to discover all on offer. We unfortunately only had 1 day. We will be back.

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