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It is really the Blarney Stone, believed to have been brought to Ireland during the Crusades, that brings visitors flocking here in their masses. Legend has it that whoever kisses the stone will be given the gift of eloquent speech. The castle itself dates from the mid-15th century and the Banqueting Hall and Great Hall are fine examples of architecture of the period.

Blarney Castle

Officially Ireland’s second city, built on either side of the River Lee, Cork is a true rival to Dublin according to the local residents, of which there are around 140,000. The picturesque quays both north and south of the river, linked by an array of bridges, offer spectacular views. The numerous waterways, narrow alleys and Georgian buildings, together with the balmy climate, often lend the city a more continental than Irish atmosphere.

This 700-acre centre prides itself on helping to protect the environment, breeding and reintroducing animals to their natural habitats. One of its great successes is the saving of the native white-tailed eagle that was threatened with extinction in Ireland.

The fact that Kinsale has its own gourmet food festival gives some idea of the calibre of restaurants and cafés here. It is probably the most prosperous and sophisticated fishing village in the country and, being only 15 km (9 miles) from Cork, attracts locals and tourists in droves. The pretty harbour is the focal point and most of the activity centres on this area and the backstreets around it.

An excellent audio-visual presentation of the story of Irish whiskey, with a tour of the still houses, granaries, mills and maltings, and a highly popular whiskey tasting.

About 30 km (18 miles) east of Cork, Youghal (pronounced “Yawl”) has a great location on both the Atlantic Ocean and the tamer banks of the River Black-water’s estuary. The impressive walls enclosing the town are evidence of its vulnerability to attack from France and Spain – it was once one of the most heavily fortified seaports on the British coast. Queen Elizabeth I bestowed Youghal on Sir Walter Raleigh in gratitude for faithful service. Under Cromwell, however, the town became an English Protestant garrison.