Top 7 Must See Attractions in County Cork

Blarney CastleWatch the cheetahs being fed at 4pm each day
Blarney Castle is a prime example of a medievalin the 'Cheetah Run' - the only one of its kind in
fortification and can be found in Blarney, just 8kmIreland. This is highly entertaining and you'll get the
northwest of Cork city. The castle you see heresee the cheetah 'work' for its food.
today is over 600 years old, but in fact a woodenCork City Gaol (Jail)
castle which was previously built on this very siteA visit to Cork City Gaol will take you back in
dates back as far as 1200AD!time to see what life was like in an Irish prison
from pre famine times to the establishment of
Charles Fortthe state in the 1920's. The castle-like building is
The magnificent star shaped Charles Fort can belocated in an area called Sunday's Well, which is
found at the edge of the harbour just outside theabout 2km north west of Patrick's Street in the
pretty town of Kinsale in County Cork. This 17thcity centre. Wander around the gaol's furnished
century fort is one of the largest and best starcells which feature life size wax figures of the
shaped military fortifications in the country. Theinmates. While at the gaol, visitors can also
fort was specifically designed to resist attack andexplore the Radio Museum which is located in the
features two bastions overlooking the harbourGovernors House. Soon after the gaol closed,
and three bastions facing inwards towards theRadio Eireann set up a brodcasting station here
countryside. The fort is open all year round and acalled 6ck. The museum gives an insight into the
guided tour will give you an in depth knowledge ofearly days of broadcasting in Ireland.
its layout and history.Bantry House & Gardens
Fota Wildlife ParkThe impressive Bantry House & Gardens are
Fota Wildlife Park is located in Cobh about 24kmlocated overlooking beautiful Bantry Bay in south
south east of Cork city in the south of Ireland.west Cork. Built about 1700, this is one of the
The wildlife park is a fantastic destination for afinest historical houses in Ireland so it's definitely
family day out and features over 30 mammalsworth a visit! Pick up an information leaflet at
and 50 species of birds, many of which roamreception and take a self guided tour of the
freely in the park's 75 acres. The park alsoHouse once owned by the Earl of Bantry. Today,
features a children's play area, train tours, a jeepthe Earl's descendants and their family still live
safari, a restaurant and picnic areas. If you wanthere. Visitors can wander around the beautifully
to see the wardens feeding the animals, then visitmanicured gardens or relax in the charming tea
the park either early morning or later afternoon.room.