After 3 previous visits to Ireland, I recently traveled to South West Ireland, which is perfect for an adventurous road trip. Ireland is the country of Celtic folk music, legends, Guinness beer, impressive nature and exceptionally friendly people. During my last visits I fell in love with Dublin, Belfast and the northern part of the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way, but the South West has shown me another totally different side of the country; colorful villages, great restaurants, comfortable hotels and enchanting landscapes. These are the best things to do in South West Ireland!

This blog post contains affiliate links, so I earn a small commission when you book through my website, at no extra cost to you! So thank you if you book through my website!

The view at Lauragh – Beara Peninsula | The best things to do in South West Ireland

Kinsale – Things to do in South West Ireland

After picking up our rental car at the airport, we depart, still driving somewhat uncomfortably on the left side of the road, to our first stop: the small village of Kinsale. Known as the “gourmet capital” of Ireland, this colorful harbor town on the South coast is bursting with great restaurants, patisseries and wine bars.
South West Ireland, which includes County Kerry, County Cork, and County Clare, is renowned for its rugged Atlantic coastlines along the west coast, vibrant food scenes, and ancient history. Kinsale is easily accessible from Cork Airport, while Shannon Airport is another major gateway to the region.

You’ll also find many galleries and concept stores in the atmospheric, narrow streets. For a good cup of coffee, head to The Collector, O’Herlihys, The Flying Poet Aviation Café, Wild and Tame or Lemon Leaf Café. Pop into the extremely photogenic Stone Mad store! At this concept store you’ll find beautiful jewelry, clothing, cards and decorations for your home. Enter at your own risk! Other great shops are Rain and Seafern.

Shop at Stone Mad in Kinsale | The best things to do in South West Ireland

The best hotspots in Kinsale

When your stomach starts growling, it’s time to find a seat at Bia restaurant, Cosy Café, The Blue Haven Restaurant, OHK Café, The Black Pig, Max’s Seafood or Fishy Fish restaurant. At the Gourmet Pantry Artisan Deli Store you’ll find the most delicious delicacies. Koko Kinsale is heaven for chocoholics. If you can’t choose, book a food tour at Kinsale Food Tours! That way you visit a lot of great foodie hotspots in half a day. Just make sure you have a hearty appetite before you leave.

So many cute shops and coffee spots in Kinsale | The best things to do in South West Ireland

The Beara Peninsula – Things to do in South West Ireland

With overly satisfied stomachs, we drive on to the Parknasilla Resort. This historic hotel is located on the Ring of Kerry and is perfectly located for the Wild Atlantic Way: one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the world! The hotel has a spa, an indoor and outdoor pool and a fantastic restaurant. In the past, many royals, artists and writers came here for inspiration, and you will completely understand that when you arrive. The 500-acre 1692 estate has a jaw-dropping view of the Kerry Mountains and Kenmare Bay. What a beautiful place! There are many great activities you can book at the hotel, like horseback riding and kayaking. You’ll totally unwind here.​

The comfortable Parknasilla Resort and the view at the impressive Healy Pass – Beara Peninsula | South West Ireland

Road trip Beara Peninsula – Things to do in South West Ireland

We explore the Beara Peninsula and drive to Lauragh. Along the way, the impressive nature surprises us with every turn we take. These landscapes! It gets prettier and prettier as we drive on to the Healy Pass: countless waterfalls, babbling brooks and slumbering valleys. The roads are sometimes narrow, but there are swerve lanes for oncoming traffic. You will encounter few other cars and more slowly crossing sheep. The weather can change quickly. Sometimes you drive in dense fog and within two minutes the sun is shining again! Pro tip: when in fog, wait at a viewpoint for five minutes and you will see that the weather suddenly clears up.

A great way to experience the Wild Atlantic coastline without driving yourself is to join this private guided day tour from Cork. Your guide knows all the hidden viewpoints that most visitors completely miss. Alternatively, this full day tour to Mizen Head takes you all the way to the most south-westerly point of Ireland with commentary along the way. Both are worth it for first-timers.

The Maritime Hotel in Bantry | The best things to do in South West Ireland

Spending the night in Bantry

We spend the night at The Maritime Hotel in Bantry. This comfortable and affordable hotel has a swimming pool, lovely beds and an excellent restaurant. In Bantry, visit the historic Bantry House. This stately estate is somewhat dilapidated but still very photogenic and has a beautiful garden. There is a “tearoom” and you can also stay overnight.

FIND YOUR RENTAL CAR VIA DISCOVER CARS

Beautiful Cork and the colorful entrance to the English Market 

Cork – Things to do in South West Ireland

The last stop on our road trip is the city of Cork, the largest city in County Cork and a key destination in South West Ireland. This vibrant city is located on an island in the middle of the River Lee. While Cork may be less photogenic than Belfast or Dublin, it offers a wealth of lively markets, unique cathedrals, cozy coffee shops, and fantastic restaurants. Visit the English Market for treats and the Marina Market with all sorts of food trucks. For standout accommodations, The Montenotte Hotel is known for its rooftop cocktail bar and stunning city views, while The Kingsley Hotel boasts a central location along the River Lee, beautiful river views, and a relaxing spa. Get your caffeine shot at Three Fools Coffee, SOMA Coffee Company, and Some Dose Coffee Turners Cross.

The best hotels in Cork

– Click on the names for rooms and rates –

The The Montenotte Hotel is my personal favorite: it has a great cocktail bar called The Glasshouse and a large gym, which comes in handy after all that culinary pampering. For a more central option, The Kingsley Hotel sits right on the River Lee with beautiful views and a spa. The Maryborough Hotel & Spa is a gorgeous country house hotel with a full spa just outside the city center, well worth it if you want something quieter. Also very well located is the Residence Inn by Marriott Cork, a solid choice if you prefer apartment-style rooms with a kitchen.

ROOMS AND RATES AT THE MONTENOTTE HOTEL

The Montenotte Hotel and the beautiful university in Cork 

Things to do in Cork

Cork City Gaol is the former prison and is well worth a visit. You will go back in time here, and kids will love it too! The audio guide makes it even better; you get the full story of the prisoners who were locked up inside. The university is also very beautiful. It looks like a Harry Potter movie set! Dine at Elbow Lane: our favorite restaurant of the entire trip. Afterwards, go to Arthur Mayne’s Pharmacy for a delicious after-dinner cocktail and dance the night away next door at Crane Lane. The day after our visit we woke up feeling remarkably less shiny; we had a little too much fun. Other great bars include Paladar, The Shelbourne Bar, Sin é, Moody Cafe Vin Bar and Cask. Recommended restaurants are Sonflour, Market Lane, Goldie and Good Day Deli.

Another experience not to skip is this Jameson Irish Whiskey & Midleton Distillery tour. The Old Midleton Distillery is located just 25 minutes from Cork and tells the full story behind Ireland’s most famous whiskey. Even if you are not a whiskey person, the tour is fascinating and the tasting at the end is a highlight. Follow me on Instagram for more behind-the-scenes from my Ireland trips!

Cork City Gaol and the English Market

The little town of Cobh – Things to do in South West Ireland

From Cork you can go on great day trips. We drove to the town of Cobh, where the Titanic set sail, a girl named Anne Bonny decided to become a Caribbean pirate, and another Annie, Annie Moore, began a long voyage in 1892 as a 17-year-old, becoming the first emigrant to Ellis Island (New York). It was once named one of the most beautiful towns in Europe by Condé Nast Traveler.

BOOK YOUR VISIT TO BLARNEY CASTLE

Towering high above the city is St. Colman’s Cathedral. It can be quite a climb in the narrow, colorful streets. Visit the Titanic Experience in the White Star Line’s original ticket office and learn all about the 123 passengers who boarded the “ship of dreams” in 1912. At the time, the town was called Queenstown. For a delicious lunch, go to Seasalt Café.

The colorful little town of Cobh

Visiting Spike Island – things to do in South West Ireland

Just off the coast, Spike Island awaits with its rich history as a monastery, fortress, and prison. Notably, Spike Island was named the top tourist destination in Europe for 2017 at the World Travel Awards. From Cobh, you can visit Spike Island, also known as the Alcatraz of Ireland by ferry. A visit to this place, once known as the “Irish hell,” is now a very enjoyable day trip. 

A day trip to Blarney Castle

Another fun day trip from Cork is Blarney Castle. In the middle of the fairy-tale castle is the Blarney Stone. This magical stone is kissed by many world leaders, writers and movie stars because it is said to give “the gift of gab”: it makes you highly eloquent. Would you like to exchange some bacilli with, say, Obama by kissing the stone? You can; just join the queue and enjoy a beautiful view of the enchanted garden in the meantime. There is also a “poison garden,” so you better keep your lips to yourself over there.

ROOMS AND RATES AT THE KINGSLEY HOTEL

Things to do in South West Ireland: Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to get around South West Ireland?

Renting a car is by far the best option. You can compare prices and book easily via Discover Cars. Keep in mind that driving is on the left side of the road. Many rural areas in South West Ireland feature narrow roads, often winding with limited space between vehicles and bordered by rock walls or brush, so drive cautiously and be prepared to slow down for oncoming traffic. Most major attractions, such as Ross Castle and Muckross House, have a parking lot nearby, making it convenient for visitors to park and explore the sites on foot.

How many days do you need for a South West Ireland road trip?

Plan at least 5 to 7 days to cover Kinsale, the Beara Peninsula and Cork without rushing, and consider staying a few nights in each area to truly experience the scenery and nearby attractions. Add extra days if you want to explore day trips to Cobh and Blarney Castle.

What is the best hotel in Cork city?

My personal favorite is The Montenotte Hotel, with its rooftop cocktail bar and stunning city views. For something more central, The Kingsley Hotel on the River Lee is a great choice.

What are the best day trips from Cork?

Cobh and Blarney Castle are the most popular. Day trips to Bunratty Castle in County Clare, famous for its medieval architecture, immersive banquets, and connection to Bunratty Folk Park, and to historic sites in County Limerick are also popular options from Cork, offering a deeper dive into Irish history and culture. For something more adventurous, this guided tour to Mizen Head takes you to the very tip of Ireland with incredible coastal scenery along the way.

Is South West Ireland worth visiting?

Absolutely. The combination of breathtaking scenery, dramatic landscapes shaped by the Atlantic Ocean, world famous historic sites like the Cliffs of Moher and Blarney Castle, and charming villages such as Kinsale and Cobh, along with a genuinely great food scene, makes this one of the best road trip routes in Europe.

Also travelling to other parts of Ireland? Read all about my Wild Atlantic Way road trip, my Belfast city guide and my Dublin city guide for more inspiration!

Flight delayed or cancelled? AirHelp helps you claim compensation, quickly, easily, and with zero hassle. Whether you fly often or once a year, it is worth checking. Click here to see if you are owed money. It takes just a minute. They paid me 600 euros in compensation already!