South-West Ireland

Reasons to visit South-West Ireland

Jutting far out into the Atlantic, everything about this corner of Ireland is characterised by it's position. It's only here at all because it's made of hard rock, so there is an abundance of cliffs and mountains.

The long deep bays of Counties Kerry and Cork reveal all facets of the sea. There are wild headlands battered by waves, and there are sheltered, secluded corners where the water is warm and gentle, ideal for swimming. There's a rocky coastline, but also long sandy beaches. A drive around the Ring of Kerry will show examples of all these extremes, and starting from Killarney there's also the chance to see lakes, mountains and magnificent country houses.

At the northern extremity, the deep inlet of the mouth of the Shannon leads up to the longest river in Ireland. A little further south the Dingle Peninsula leads to Slea Head, the most westerly point of Ireland. (Dingle Harbour is famous for it's resident dolphin who loves to meet with visitors.) Further still and you can wander amongst the the bays of Kenmare, Bantry and Baltimore.

A trip along the southern coast of Co Cork gives a view of the Fastnet Rock (midway point for the yacht race that bears it's name), then past Kinsale (the final resting place of the Lusitania) and right up to the city of Cork and the huge natural harbour at Cobh.

Like everywhere in Ireland the welcome is warm and the craic is always there.