Free admittance with a free guided tour through the castle - and in my opinion although smaller,…read moreBarryscourt is way better than Blarney. Our tour guide was excellent and very informative. The castle has been (and continues to be) restored so you get to see each floor as it might have been not just stone rooms without floors like at Blarney. There's a lovely small garden and an orchard within the walls. Close to Fota House and Gardens this is an excellent stop while you're in the area and you can make a full day out of it by also visiting Fota. Fota Gardens and Arboretum are also free.

BARRYSCOURT CASTLE Paid my first visit in decades to…read moreBarryscourt Castle, an impressive relic of the 16th century court of the Barry family. Impressive enough as a stark ruin in the 80s but now it's much improved and well worth a visit, particularly since there is no charge at all, and that includes the guided tour of the interior. Time was short yesterday so we contented ourselves with a walk around the outside of the castle itself, through the herb garden and a large orchard. There are records of an orchard there since the 13th century and this one, with dozens of apple varieties, is laid out according to the 16th century manner. There are smaller plantings of pears and quinces. There is an information office with very helpful and friendly staff, toilets and a cafe and it is just off the main national road (N25). It is a very pleasant visit indeed and I'll be back for a longer stay, perhaps during Heritage Week which takes place in venues across the country from August 21st. Most events are free to enter, some have reduced charges. This is one of many available. See the Heritage Ireland site http://www.heritageireland.com or pick up the comprehensive National Heritage Week brochure at your local library. http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/South-West/BarryscourtCastle/ Tel: +353 21 488 3864

I think the most interesting thing about Ireland are the ancient relics that are still standing:…read moreeither alone off the beaten path, or alongside more contemporary structures. The Grange Stone Circle in Lough Gur, located in a field off of R512, is the former, and it is definitely worth visiting if you are near Limerick. It is the largest ancient stone circle in Ireland and dates to the late Neolithic/Bronze Age. It had a ritualistic purpose and the center aligns to the sun during the summer solstice. To consider that some of the stones were brought from 3 miles away is just astounding, as is the understanding that this site dates to 2,200 BCE. To think of the ancient peoples that walked here so long ago is certainly astounding! The stone circle is definitely an impressive site to behold! More information can be found here: http://loughgur.com/destination/the-stone-circle/

Bigger around than Stonehenge The diameter of the upright…read morestones is 45 meters (148 feet) The diameter of the capped stones at Stonehenge is 33 meters (108 feet)

Highly, highly recommend adding this to your Cork bucket list! The reading tour is 10 euros; I…read morebelieve the audio tour was 15 euros. We got to tour the prison grounds and learn about life in the prison, all while doing the reading tour. It was very eye opening, but very informative as well.

I know it's unfair to compare this to other jail tours in Ireland but it's really hard not to. The…read morearchitecture was gorgeous but the history was all quite surface level. I do appreciate them trying something different in tackling the stories of the jail and its prisoners.

Simply amazing! Love that you get to walk through the fort underground and love the views. The tea…read morehouse is overlooking the water. The volunteers are a wealth of information.

THE ELYSIAN You can't miss the Elysian when you are in Cork:…read moreit is the tallest building, with a 17 storey high tower as its focal point. Designed by Wilson Architecture, the Elysian won the Irish Residential Property of the Year Award. Lush planting, water cascades and sculpture are the highlights of the internal gardens designed and built by the same team that built the multiple Gold Award winning Irish garden in the World Expo 90 in Japan. While the building contains hundreds of apartments, there is also some commercial activity here, mainly at the lower levels; included are a medical company and the El Vino's Restaurant. The tower is open to the public only occasionally, the most recent coming during the August Heritage Day.

We were visiting the Butter Museum, which is just next to the Shandon Bell Tower. After visiting…read morethe Butter Museum, we stepped into the church and found that, for a small fee, we could climb to the top of the tower and even ring the bells. The church chapel itself is quite nice, but the climb to the top of tower and the bells was definitely the best bit. We had walked up to the tower and the Butter Museum from the city center and had been hearing the bells ring at random times - which seemed puzzling. It was not until we stepped into the church that we learned the reason. It should be noted that the climb to the bells and the top of the tower is not easy, requiring a few contortions, a ladder, narrow and uneven steps and a narrow stair corridor. If that does not put you off - you will be well rewarded with a great view of the city. The Bells: About half way up the stairs there is a room with eight ropes connected to the bells. There is also a little book next to the ropes showing the order that the bells should be played. No doubt we annoyed the locals by playing several short tunes on the bells.

This review is for the Shandon bells at the St. Anne's church in Cork. I never thought I'd be able…read moreto ring bells at a church, but at St. Anne's you can! This church was super close to the hostel where we stayed, so we heard the bells often (during the day, they only have specific hours you can ring them). They never got annoying or anything, though. Anyway, it's definitely neat to ring the bells! Basically you go in to the church, pay a couple euro (I forget how much, but less than 5 per person I think) and climb one flight of stairs to the bells. You can decide to ring them (there are 8 of them) in a pattern so you play a song (there's a song book w/ numbers) or you can just free-style it. We played a few songs together (my sis, husband and I) and had a blast! Then you get to climb a few more flights of stairs (SUPER narrow/dark staircases that are really vertical), and you climb through an area w/ the bells & up to more stairs that lead to the viewing deck up top. Phew! It's quite a climb, and does get really narrow (so if you're claustrophobic, maybe this isn't the best idea for you), but it's so worth the views of Cork from the top! Be sure and wear the protective ear gear they give you, because those bells are LOUD! Anyway, I was a bit skeptical, but this experience was definitely worth the money & climb :). Check it out if you're in Cork!

There are actually 2 castle's, an old and a new (or newer, its still very old obviously). The herd…read moreof white deer are worth the walk alone, they're beautiful. Don't expect throngs of tourists being herded on and off coaches here, it's not on the tourist trail at all. That's part of its appeal though I think. Recently purchased by Cork County Council that could all change relatively soon. Recommend you see it while you can still have the place all to yourself.

Love ruins. I found this place fun and interesting. Love arches and celtic crosses. Huge cool tree…read moregrowing in the center. Unfortunately today had crappy weather and lighting all day. But this might very well just been our bad luck that both days in area were awful weather. Still had good time and glad came prepared with layers, waterproof shoes. Most importantly hooded raincoat and hat with brim and chin strap. It was rainy coat and windy all week. We enjoyed walking around and exploring.

Love ruins! This was truly a sight to see - with a huge yew tree growing in the middle of the abbey…read moreand graves from hundreds of years ago to the present. The abbey is fascinating but do make sure you're careful on the stairs!

MARINA WALK…read more Another crisp morning as the fog and frost fade away. Drove down to Shandon Boat Club, left the car and walked the "ancient" Marina Walk to Blackrock and its Sunday morning market. It is a lovely walk under the old trees and there is much activity on the river as the various rowing clubs go though their training routines. Besides, you can have fun working out the identity of the buildings on the other side of the river as you have quite a view from Tivoli back to the western side of Montenotte. True, the Tivoli docks are also on the other side but in the foggy blue the big cranes take on a lifelike appearance, long legged animals prowling the banks. Then, if you feel you need nourishment for the return walk, you can always enjoy a hot chocolate from O'Connaill's or a crêpe from a nearby stall or indeed anything you like from quite an array of food on display at the Sunday morning Blackrock Farmers' Market.

Blarney Castle is a must-see. It's a privately owned property. The gardens are spectacular. They're…read morethe greenest gardens I've ever seen. Each section in the garden has a theme. It's fun. The castle is surrounded by the gardens and a stream that flows around it. It's beautiful. Once inside, the stairs are a bit intimidating on your way to the top. The stone is an additional level higher than when you first arrive up. There's someone at the site to help with your Blarney stone kiss. Just don't look down! After you've kissed the Blarney, be sure to make your way to the coffee and gift shop. Grab an Irish or Bailey's coffee and soak it all in. Congratulations on your adventure.

And to think I almost decided against going here! It was easy to get to by bus and we went first…read morething in the morning which meant we beat the crowds, which I'm sure made it much more enjoyable. I am so grateful for all the signs saying how tricky the trip up to the Blarney Stone is because I made the choice not to go. My husband went by himself and said I'd never have managed. The gardens were spectacular. We easily spent a couple hours in there. It was like a fairytale. Super good use of half a day.