Welcome to South West

The Cork/Kerry Region is a land of extremes, from rich rolling fields, brooding, isolated mountains, wild seascapes and craggy shorelines to some of the most beautiful gardens of sub tropical shrubs and blooms you can find anywhere.  It is a subtle mix of many ingredients, of influences of other countries, of landscape and weather, of history and optimism.   You can find a flavour of these influences in the festivals, activities and businesses throughout the region. 

Whether it’s the old traditions handed down through the unique language, the music, song and dance or the local artists. Or taste the modern flavours and the influences of the outside world in our vibrant cities and towns.  Meet the people of Cork & Kerry and attend the music or storytelling festivals, or enjoy a day at the races. Join in and create some great memories.  

Let the road guide you from the modern City of Cork or towns such as Killarney or Tralee to the quieter towns of West Cork or the Dingle Peninsula.  Wherever you go you will find welcoming places to stay where the food is delicious and made from the best of local produce. There is a multitude of things to do in Cork & Kerry from well marked looped walking trails, around heritage towns or glorious gardens. Take to a boat and visit spectacular islands and watch whales, sharks or dolphins frolic in the warm waters. 

Try your hand at catching some of the best salmon and trout on the Loughs and lakes inland. Take a moment out and savour the variety and subtlety of Cork & Kerry. It’s so good even the locals keep coming back! Things to do: Visit Cork City – Experience The English Market and relive the visit of Queen Elizabeth & Ring the Bells of Shandon. Enjoy a boat trip to Fungie – Ireland friendliest Dolphin who resides in Dingle Bay. Kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the Gift of the Gab! Visit Muckross House and Muckross Traditional Farms and Explore Killarney National Park and The Lakes of Killarney, enclosed water buses depart from Ross Castle. Visit Cobh and follow the Titanic Trail and pop in and see the Cheetahs & Giraffes at Fota Wildlife Park.

Take a step back in time and follow the Blackwater Valley Heritage Trail – 22 heritage sites dotted throughout the valley including Labbacallee a 3500 year old megalithic tomb. Sign up for a cookery course or visit the Skellig Chocolate Factory and see  more than 60 different varieties of truffles they rotate flavours with the seasons! Take a ferry and visit Sherkin Island and Cape Clear Island off the West Cork Coast. Visit the Charming town of Kinsale, the Gourmet Capital of Ireland. Visit the newly opening (end of March) Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre - it provides a window on the diverse and spectacular Tralee Bay Nature Reserve from Tralee to the Maharee Islands.