Just 1 hour's drive from Cork, this serene National Park offers an escape from the busy city. A place of retreat and discovery, the park boasts 10km of nature trails, including a waterfall walk. The land is scattered with relics, including a 19th-century oratory and an 18th-century hermitage.

The capital's atmospheric "old town" is known as the Piazza. The name gestures towards the brief period of the Italian presence in the country. The area still has hints of Italian in its vibe today, and there are a few landmarks remaining from the first half of the 20th century. This is the go-to neighbourhood for good places to eat and budget accommodation.

At the summit of this 15th-century castle lies the world-famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone will receive "The Gift of the Gab" — eloquence and charm. The lesser-known Poison Garden features a collection of deadly and dangerous plants from around the world, while the Rock Close and numerous outdoor statues and artworks inspire a broader view of history. You'll also stumble upon a fern garden with the atmosphere of a tropical jungle deep in the woods. The castle is a short bus journey or drive from Cork City and one of Ireland's most iconic landmarks.