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.

This elegant arch, about 18 metres high, was erected at the entrance to the causeway atop the harbour in honour of the Emperor Traian. With its 2,000 years of history, this monument is well worth a visit.

The Bacardí family built a small rum distillery here in the 1950s. Today it's the world's largest, capable of producing more than 20 million cases a year. A basic tour of the visitor center includes one free drink, or you can opt for a mixology class or rum tasting.

This noble Baroque building dates from the second half of the 17th century. The facade has a large doorway framed between two Tuscan Order pilasters of fluted shaft and sober entablature. Both the entrance and the coats of arms are carved in pink marbled stone. The different spaces and chambers are organized around a main courtyard with upper gallery; at ground level we find a first body of arches resting on Tuscan marble columns, the upper level is a gallery of rectangular balconies. There is also an additional yard, simpler, with a gallery of arches at ground level on one side and on the upper level of the other side a landscape-observation gallery crowned by cubical body battlements with pyramidal tops. The structure's load-bearing walls are made of rammed earth and slab with fully treated and restored wooden beams for its floors and ceilings.