County Cork is located on the southern tip of Ireland has some of the cutest, most colorful towns in Ireland. On our way from Portmagee back to Dublin, we spent a night here exploring this beautiful area. Here are our recommendations for which towns are worth making a stop, where to stay in this area, and where to eat!
Kinsale
Kinsale is a super charming town with a relaxed coastal vibe.
There are so many fun shops and restaurants to explore here!
Cobh
Cobh is known as the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912. You can even see the former White Star Line ticket office building down at the harbor. This cathedral’s spire was the last thing on solid ground that the Titanic victims saw. There is also a graveyard in Cobh last contains mass graves of victims of the Titanic.
Cobh is also famous for their “Deck of Cards” houses. To see the view above, go to this GPS Location on Spy Hill and look over a tall brick wall. The wall is very tall — I had to climb the wall a bit to get this shot!
Where to Stay
We stayed in Cork at The River Lee. This modern, glass-fronted hotel is set on the banks of the River Lee and located right in the city center of Cork. It’s walking distance to all the fun things there are to do here, like The English Market, shopping, restaurants, and colorful pedestrian streets. It’s the perfect home base for exploring the Kinsale, Cobh, and Cork.
The River Lee has also has a spa, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. Seriously loved this hotel with glass elevators overlooking the city. Our room was so, so beautiful. Just look at this view!!
Where to Eat
The River Lee offers a full Irish breakfast and afternoon tea, as well as a riverside restaurant that serves modern Irish cuisine. Definitely check out the menu at The Weir Room at The River Lee. I was dying over the burrata with peaches and figs and the Chocolate Stout Cake with Bailey’s gelato for dessert!
What are you favorite small towns in Ireland?
Thanks a lot for share your adventure in Cork. I m going to visit Cork next July. I want to visit Corh and Kinsale too. I m not sure if i will stay every night in a hotel in Cork and from there visit Corh and Kinsale or if i could stay one night in each town. What do you recommend?
Hi Jaime! I would probably stay every night in Cork and visit Cobh and Kinsale as day trips, just because I don’t like changing hotel rooms every night! But if you don’t mind changing rooms every night, it would be fun to spend a night in each place. :) Have a great trip!
We loved Kinsale. We ate at Fishy Fishy , too. Plus The White House. Granny’s Bottom Drawer was our favorite shopping place in all of Ireland. The owner is a charming lady. A ways outside of Kinsale is a 9/11 memorial garden where a tree is planted for each fireman lost, plus Father Judge. It is a beautiful garden overlooking the water. Kinsale, was one of our favorite towns. We also enjoyed Cliften. We are returning g to Ireland in September to visit more of this charming, beautiful country. You couldn’t find nicer people anywhere.
If any of your readers are heading to Kinsale, definitely eat at a restaurant called Fishy Fishy. It’s among the best seafood in the area.
Omg this looks like something from a fairy tail. I never been to Ireland, but when I go I’ll be sure to look back at this guide
Hi there travellers!
Next trip to Norway???You should go in springtime or in August.. 17th of May we celebrate our National day. You will never see anything like it in the world. Welcome! Kindly Aase Weel