Top Things to do in County Cork
Countries
10 Castles in County Cork That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in County Cork, Ireland including Three Castle Head, Ballinacarriga Castle, Blarney Castle & Gardens, Ballyhooly Castle and Castleblagh Woods, Barryscourt Castle, Carriganass Castle, Kanturk Castle, Carrigadrohid Castle, Kilcrea Castle, Belvelly Castle.
Restaurants in County Cork
1. Three Castle Head
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By Slainte1969 - Seattle, United States
Family roots took me to this location and the historic castle, and it was a highlight of my life. The path in was somewhat confusing to me - just know when you park in the area overlooking the ocean, you’ll follow the signs that lead you away from the private property. The walk to the caste was grand, not too hard, but wet during rainy periods. The views of the ocean are spectacular and then when you crest the last hill before the castle, what an amazing site to see! It was breathtaking and I spent a lot of time here before continuing further along the path to the highest point where you can see all the coastal area in that part of Ireland. Walking further (with the extreme wind!), you see amazing views, lush grasses, because fauna and lots of rocks. It’s an amazing hike/walk and I will never forget this experience. Could not more highly recommend it!
2. Ballinacarriga Castle
3. Blarney Castle & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,308 reviews
Situated 8km from Cork City, this historic castle is most famous for its 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 and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. The stone is set in the wall below the battlements, and to kiss it one has to lean backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk. LAST ADMISSION IS 60 MINS BEFORE CLOSING TIME/Dogs Not Permitted/Drone Photography Prohibited
Reviewed By rulesnations - Tuscaloosa, United States
Our family had a great trip to Blarney, perfect weather and beautiful grounds are beyond what I expected. I imagine the busy travel season might be tougher on kissing the stone but we only waited 20-30 mins and the walk up is interesting as you read each plaque. The Stone was fine but I never expected the amount of other opportunities to be so good. Kids absolutely loved it, would highly recommend a full day there.
4. Ballyhooly Castle and Castleblagh Woods
5. Barryscourt Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
6. Carriganass Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Carriganass Castle - on the outskirts of Kealkill village, in the heart of West Cork - played a dramatic role in one of Irish history's most exciting stories. In 1602, the castle's owner, Donal Cam O'Sullivan Bere, led his followers past its gates on a march to Leitrim that would see him join the Flight of the Earls from Ireland; that flight itself marked the end of Gaelic civilisation in Ireland. Today's visitors can explore the picturesque castle grounds, and many walkers each year take advantage of the waymarked routes that wend their way past this amazing monument at Carraig an Easa - 'the rock of the waterfall'.
7. Kanturk Castle
8. Carrigadrohid Castle
9. Kilcrea Castle
10. Belvelly Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By CarnmoneyUK - Harrogate, United Kingdom
As you go past Fota resort and golf course on your right you will come to an old bridge which is the entrance to the island of Cobh, most famous as the last departure point of the Titanic. Look up to your right to see Belvelly Castle, built in c1500 and once owned and occupied by the invader, Sir Walter Raleigh. Recently restored in a €5m project to a stunning private residence and topped with The Thinking Man and The Golden Tree; statues by Irish artist, Orla de Bri
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