16-05-2025
Top 5 heavenly places in Cork to visit as the sun continues to blaze
Gougane Barra
Widely thought to be one of the best drives in Ireland, not just Cork, Gougane Barra is a picturesque valley located on the edge of the Sheehy Mountains.
The region is well-known for its beautiful hiking, walking and cycling trails while also being a prime place to take a load off and have a picnic.
The Gougane Barra Forest Park spans over 339 acres of greenery and nature with a natural sound of birds chirping.
Gougane Barra has historic ties to St. Finbarr, the patron saint of Cork, who founded his early Christian monastery in the 6th century.
Located 70km from Cork City, 50km from Killarney and just 7km south of Ballingeary, Gougane Barra is an ideal spot on a warm Cork day.
Ilnacullin - Garinish Island
Garinish Island is located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay, in West Cork.
The Italian gardens located in the island are renowned for their beauty, which includes plants like rhododendrons and azaleas in May and June, which rarely grow and survive in the Irish climate.
As you take a short boat ride from Glengarriff to Garinish Island, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the plethora of seals that occupy the water as well as some massive rocks of the Atlantic Ocean.
Caha Pass – Beara Peninsula Route
ADVERTISEMENT
Stretched across Co Cork and Co Kerry, the Caha Pass lies along the N71 and crosses the Beara Peninsula via the Caha Mountains.
The drive offers some of the most breathtaking views, especially for lovers of wide-open spaces and nature during the 27km journey, which connects Glengarriff to Kenmare.
The highlight for many visitors is the Caha Tunnels, which allows the road to pass through the mountains.
The journey should take approximately 30 minutes.
Ballycotton Cliff Walk
Located in East Cork, the Ballycotton Cliff Walk is the epitome of beauty and should take you over two hours to complete.
The 7km stroll allows walkers to take in the scenic views of the Atlantic coast while inhaling the crisp ocean air from Ballycotton Village to Ballyandreen beach.
While you gaze out into the Atlantic, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for dolphins which frequent the coast here.
Ballycotton is also home to one of Ireland's two black lighthouses, which was painted back in 1902 to distinguish it from the beacon at Capel.
Located only 40 minutes from Cork City, Ballycotton is definitely a must if you want to stretch your legs.
Cork beaches
Cork is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches along Ireland's magnificent coast.
Inchydoney beach is perhaps the best-known beach in the county, and located approximately 5km from Clonakilty, it is not difficult to see why.
Like Inchydoney beach, Garretstown beach has a Blue Flag, which showcases the beach to be well-managed with excellent water quality and environmental education programmes.
Garretstown beach is located near Ballinspittle and includes a lovely 1km walk along the cliffs.
Another Blue Flag beach worth visiting is the Warren Beach, located in Rosscarbery in West Cork.
The beach is well-known for its calming conditions and poses as a prime place for a picnic.
