South West Ireland attractions

The port town of Cobh, formerly known as Queenstown, was the departure point for millions of Irish emigrants who left the country between 1848 and 1960. Housed in the town’s Victorian train station, the Cobh Heritage Centre chronicles the often-heartbreaking journeys of Irish emigrants during the Great Famine and beyond.

Dating back to the seventh century, this ring fort is one of several such structures dotted around County Kerry. Restored to better resemble its original state, this circular stone structure features sturdy stone walls up to 16.4 feet (5 meters) thick and 6.6 feet (4 meters) high, and affords stunning views down to the Atlantic coast.

At 1,345 feet (410 meters) above sea level, Connor Pass (An Chonair) is the highest mountain pass in Ireland and one of the country’s most scenic drives. The narrow, twisting road weaves its way through steep cliffs, offering spectacular views of the glaciated landscapes, mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and the coast.

The lake-studded glacial valley known as the Gap of Dunloe (Bearna an Choimín) is wedged between County Kerry’s Purple Mountain and MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range. The rugged natural scenery along the 7-mile (11-kilometer) paved mountain pass made it a magnet for sublime-seeking, 19th-century, Romantic writers such as William Thackeray and Alfred Lord Tennyson, who waxed lyrical about its beauty. Despite its popularity, the landscape remains as unspoiled as ever.

With its 328-foot (100-meter) spire and imposing facade, this large neo-Gothic cathedral—also known as the Cobh Cathedral—dominates the skyline of the harbor town of Cobh. The cathedral is famous for its 49-bell carillon, the only such instrument in Ireland and one of the largest of its kind in Europe.

With intricate tracery, pointed spires, stone gargoyles, and a trumpet-playing golden angel on top, St. Fin Barre's Cathedral boasts an extravagant neo-Gothic design. The interior features marble mosaics, stained glass, ornate sculptures, and a cannonball from the 17th-century Siege of Cork.

Built in the 17th century, the vast star-shaped Charles Fort was designed to guard Kinsale Harbour. The site of fierce fighting during the 1690 Williamite War, Charles Fort was ceded by the British during the War of Independence in 1921, only to be extensively damaged during the Irish Civil War. The fort is now a designated National Monument.

Ninety minutes from Kenmare and Cork, Gougane Barra National Forest Park is a popular day trip for time in Ireland’s nature—and history. Beyond the 339 acres of balding mountains, lush valleys, and the River Lee, visitors will find 300-year-old monastic ruins and a 19th-century church on a small island in a lake, one of the most photographed churches in the country.

Off the coast of the Dingle Peninsula, a group of abandoned sandstone islands rise out of the Atlantic Ocean. For hundreds of years, the Blasket Islands (Na Blascaodai) were home to an Irish-speaking population; however, in 1953 the Irish government decided that, due to their isolation, the islands were too dangerous for habitation and ordered a mandatory evacuation.

Set atop a grassy pasture overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this crumbling, ivy-covered castle is one of Ireland’s most romantic ruins. The castle, which originally dates back to the 16th century, was damaged during the 17th-century War of the Three Kingdoms. Now, only parts of the structure, such as its high stone walls, remain in place.

Founded in the 1440s as a Franciscan Friary, the Muckross Abbey, like many religious sites in Ireland, has a long and violent past. Damaged and rebuilt several times, what remains is an intriguing collection of well-preserved mossy ruins. Visitors are drawn to the beloved yew tree, thought to be more than 500 years old, that grows within the Abbey walls.

Built by the British in 1601 and expanded to its present star-shaped form in the 1620s, Elizabeth Fort has stood witness to many turbulent periods of Cork history. Originally serving as a military barracks, this fort later functioned as a police station before 2014 when the city embarked on a plan to turn it into a tourist attraction.

Set inside an elegant Georgian mansion, Bishop’s Palace covers the history of Waterford from 1700-1970. Its collections include many rare and precious objects, including the only surviving mourning cross of the 12 commissioned by Napoleon Bonaparte’s mother, and the Penrose Decanter, the oldest surviving piece of Waterford Crystal.

It was upon this chunk of limestone—set on a pedestal by the banks of the River Shannon—that a peace treaty was signed in 1691, putting an end to the Williamite War and supposedly securing freedom for Ireland’s Catholics. The terms of the treaty were, however, ultimately ignored, earning Limerick the name “the City of the Broken Treaty.”

Housed inside the old White Star Line Ticket Office, the Titanic Experience Cobh tells the tales of the 123Titanic passengers who embarked on their voyage from here in Cobh—the final passengers to step aboard the luxurious liner. Exhibits recount life on board the ship and the events of the disastrous sinking using audio-visual effects.

Also known as the Druid's Altar, Drombeg Stone Circle is one of the most impressive prehistoric monuments in Ireland. Dating back to 1,100 BC, the megalithic site consists of 17 standing stones, which tower 6 feet (2 meters) above ground, and is thought to have been used as a burial or sacrifice site.

This scenic driving route loops around the Beara Peninsula, a secluded sliver of land that protrudes out into the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland’s southwest coast. The peaks of two mountain ranges—the Caha and Slieve Miskish mountains—rise up in the interior, while its serrated coastline is indented with inlets and coves.

Located on Valentia Island, the Slate Quarry was opened in 1816 by the Knight of Kerry, and supplied slate to London’s prestigious Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. The quarry operated for almost 100 years before it was closed by a rock fall in 1911.

Built in 1722, Cork's St. Anne's Church is known for its large golden fish weathervane, which stands atop its bell tower and can be seen from much of the city. Visitors can climb the tower and try to play a tune on the church's eight bells, which were immortalized in the 19th-century poem, “The Bells of Shandon.”

Two ruined fortresses stand watch over the harbor of this pretty-as-a-postcard fishing town. Though it’s got beaches, coastal walks, and a handful of historic sites including two forts and a Norman church, Kinsale’s big draw is its reputation for gastronomic greatness; its seafood restaurants are said to be among Ireland’s finest.

Situated on neighboring Valentia Island, the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre showcases the history and habitats of the Skelligs, two remote and rocky islets off Ireland’s southwest coast. Exhibits document the history of the UNESCO-listed Skellig Michael monastic settlement, Skellig Lighthouses, and the wildlife of the islands.

At the tip of a peninsula where Atlantic waves crash ceaselessly into sea cliffs, Mizen Head is one of Ireland’s most spectacular headlands. Mizen Head offers a visitor center and walking trails to explore, and it is home to the 1909-built Mizen Head Signal Station, which sits atop a rock connected to the mainland by a narrow footbridge.

The former home of Irish politician Daniel O’Connell, Derrynane House is packed with period furnishings and exhibits related to the statesman, who campaigned for Catholic emancipation in the 19th century. The house sits within Derrynane National Historic Park, which encompasses woodland trails, walled gardens, and scenic shoreline.

Backed by dunes, green hills, and wave-worn rocks, this vast expanse of sugary soft, seaweed-free white sand looks almost Caribbean when the sun shines. It’s a popular spot for swimming and beach walks, and at low tide, it connects to Abbey Island, home to the ruins of the sixth-century Derrynane Abbey.

A historic landmark outside of Killarney, the Aghadoe Cathedral (Aghadoe Church and Round Tower) sits atop Aghadoe Hill. There has been a monastery on the site dating back to the 7th century, but the current ruins date to the 12th. Come for the mountain and lake views, and take advantage of the few on-site benches, ideal for warm-weather picnics.

Dating from the 19th century, Cork City Gaol is a historic prison-turned-museum, which offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the imprisoned people who were incarcerated there. A visit to this attraction includes the chance to explore the grounds and the jail's interiors: If you’re feeling brave, you can even get locked in a cell.

Paying homage to the great golden spread, Cork’s Butter Museum shines the spotlight on one of Ireland’s greatest trade stories. Displays and audio-visual guides here trace the history of butter production in Cork and its impact on Ireland’s social and agricultural development. Expect to hear offbeat facts and leave with a craving for bread slathered in the stuff.

Discover the natural beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way with a visit to Slea Head. Located on the western end of the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, Slea Head is a scenic lookout point with views of the Blasket Islands. This headland is also considered the most western point in Europe. It is a popular stopping point during a scenic drive along the coast.

Gin, vodka, and absinthe are made at Rebel City Distillery, which opened in 2020 in a restored Cork factory. Today, this landmark is a working distillery and a local attraction offering tours, tastings, and cocktail classes. Reserve a spot for everything from absinthe tasting to spirit school to a straightforward distillery tour, which includes a gin and tonic.

Cork is home to University College Cork (UCC), one of Ireland’s top universities. Founded in 1845, UCC is known for its striking stone architecture, location near the banks of the River Lee, and as a destination for learning about Irish history and culture. Guided campus walking tours provide historical and cultural context around landmarks such as the Honan Chapel and the Crawford Observatory.