Things to do in Cork, Killarney & the South

In Cork city, The English Market has sold local produce, fish, cheese and baked goods under one roof since 1788, and 8 km away at Blarney Castle & Blarney Stone you climb the tower to kiss the legendary stone before exploring the gardens, Rock Close and caves. Around Cork Harbour, the ferry from Cobh crosses to Spike Island, once a monastery, fortress and prison, Titanic Experience Cobh hands you the boarding card of a real passenger in the former White Star Line ticket office, Fota Wildlife Park has its own station on the Cork–Cobh line, and the star-shaped Charles Fort looks over Kinsale Harbour. In Kerry, Killarney National Park spreads across lakes and woodland with Torc Waterfall, Ross Castle and Ireland's last native herd of red deer, Muckross House & Gardens can be toured at your own pace, and the glacier-carved Gap of Dunloe can be explored on foot, by bike or by jaunting car. Inland, the Rock of Cashel crowns a hill with a round tower and Cormac's Chapel, Kilkenny Castle shows 1830s-style rooms and a 19th-century Picture Gallery, and in the Christmas season 'The Gift' Sound & Light Show by Luxmuralis lights up St Canice's Cathedral, while the Waterford Treasures Museums in the Viking Triangle include Reginald's Tower, Ireland's oldest civic building.

Good to knowThe English Market is closed on Sundays and bank holidays, and Spike Island opens daily only in the main season (allow about 3.5 hours including the ferry). The Traditional Farms at Muckross close in winter, the exposed Rock of Cashel can close at short notice in bad weather, and Cormac's Chapel tours have limited tickets sold on site. Buy Kilkenny Castle tickets only on the official booking site, Fota Wildlife Park is cheaper online, and 'The Gift' uses timed slots, with under-2s still needing a free ticket.