Ringaskiddy (Cork) / Ireland

On the southern coast of Ireland, along the shores of the Celtic Sea, lies Ringaskiddy. Originally a sleepy fishing village, it became an important transport and industrial center during the 20th century. Today, it is one of the largest employers in the pharmaceutical industry in the entire region, with about 600 residents, and serves as a gateway to Cork, located 15 kilometers away, and the entire county.

Atop a hill above Ringaskiddy stands the Martello Tower, built in 1804 to defend against a Napoleonic invasion. From there, one can enjoy stunning views of the entire Ringaskiddy, the bustling harbor with other forts and towers, and the islands of Haulbowline and Spike off the coast. Spike Island has been inhabited since the 7th century, and in the 18th century, a fortress was built there, which soon became a notorious prison, nicknamed the Irish Alcatraz, and is now one of the area's biggest attractions.

Just a 20-minute drive from the harbor is Cork, with a population of 125,000, boasting a range of historical buildings. The star-shaped Elizabeth Fort was built in the early 17th century, and the nearby Blarney Castle, dating back to around 1446, is famous for its stone, which is said to grant the gift of eloquence and persuasion to those who kiss it.

Directly opposite Ringaskiddy lies Cobh on Great Island, with its beautiful cathedral from the second half of the 19th century, featuring a carillon of 49 bells, one of the largest in Europe. In the former ticket office of the White Star Line shipping company, visitors can experience the authentic and interactive Titanic Experience. Cobh was the last port of call for the Titanic before it struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage in 1912 and sank, and visitors can momentarily become one of its passengers, glimpsing life on board and the moments before the sinking.

Cork and the surrounding towns delight with numerous art galleries and intriguing museums, such as the unique Butter Museum, which tells the story of one of the country's most important export foods and the world's largest butter exchange.

Those who prefer nature over history should head to Fota Island, home to a lovely zoo housing endangered animal species from across continents, and its gardens, which feature a variety of rare plants. Southern Ireland also boasts beautiful beaches - for example, near Youghal, less than an hour's drive northeast, and in the western part of the county, where the stunning beaches of Inchydoney, Garrylucar, or Warren can be found.

Ireland is renowned for its whiskey, so it would be a shame not to stop by the nicely restored old distillery in Midleton during a visit to Cork and sample a few varieties.

Places Worth Seeing

Martello Tower – Enjoy stunning views of the harbor and islands off the coast of Cork from the defensive tower built in 1804.

Spike Island - Explore the cells of the Irish Alcatraz on an island with a history dating back over 1,300 years.

Ballycotton Cliff Walk - Stroll along the breathtaking southern Irish coastline with dramatic cliffs and breathtaking sea views.

Titanic Experience - Discover life on board and the final moments of the world's most famous ship at the last port on its tragic maiden voyage. 

Fota Wildlife Park – Meet rare animal species from around the world in a sprawling zoo with a lovely park.

Blarney Castle - Kiss the stone of the mid-15th-century castle and be endowed with the gift of eloquence.

Inchydoney Beach - Enjoy a few hours on a beautiful sandy beach with dunes, popular with families and surfers.