Ballycotton Day Trips

Below you will find a summary of these day trips. Please note, on booking your package with us you will receive a much more detailed document with maps, attraction discounts and detailed directions. 

Day 1: Shannon Airport to Ballycotton

Your closest airport for this family airport will be Cork Airport however this airport is quite small so you may not get an international arrival here. If you do choose another airport we will gladly change your itinerary to suit. The journey from Shannon will take in the region of two hours and fifteen minutes with plenty to see and do along the way. Foremost a trip to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is recommended for any Ireland family vacation. Bunratty Castle, one of Ireland’s grandest castles was built in the 15th century by the McNamara’s but its most important residents were the O’Brien’s, Earls of Thomond’s who lived there until the 1640’s. In Limerick you might decide to stop at the newly renovated King John’s Castle where Touch-screen technology will connect you and your family to tales of siege and warfare.  After Limerick a scenic drive through the Limerick and North Cork countryside will take you to Ballycotton where you will check into your accommodation. 

Day 2: Exploring East Cork

Directly outside your hotel you will find Ballycotton Bay which and if the weather is fine you may spend a good deal of your time here. The bay offers fantastic views over a boat filled harbour to a steep island crowned by an outstanding lighthouse. There are beautiful cliff walks, and inland you will find an extensive bird sanctuary. Travelling further east you will find the seaside town of Youghal, a historic walled town and thriving fishing port. The striking Clock tower greets you as you enter the town, here we recommend climbing the steep tower steps for a remarkable view of the town and surround. Other sites of interest include Tynte’s Castle, The Red House, the Gothic Church of St. Mary and for the kids Perks Funfair beside Youghal’s beautiful seafront promenade. East of Ballycotton the town of Cobh is well worth a visit. 

Day 3: Exploring West Cork

You might start your tour today by visiting the nearby town of Kinsale, a delightful and colourful harbour town which has retained its old-world charm and despite being well developed from a tourism point of view. Further west the town of Skibberreen is another family favourite, here we recommend a visit to the heritage centre where an informative exhibition commemorates the tragic period in the 1840s that is known in Irish History as the Great Hunger.  Close by, the town of Baltimore is the gateway to Sherkin Island and Cape Clear. Garnish Island can be reached easily by passenger ferry from Glengarfiff near Bantry. This trip is always loved by kids since the journey across will take your family by seal island where you will have the opportunity to see a wonderful seal colony. 

Day 4: Exploring Cork City & Surround

Your day tour today will help you explore the famous Blarney Castle where you and the kids can kiss the renowned Blarney Stone which is said to grant those who kiss it the ‘gift of the gab’! Your Irish Tourism detailed itinerary will help you then explore Cork City, the second largest city in Ireland. Originally a monastic settlement founded by Saint Finbarre in the 6th century, Cork achieved an urban character between 915 and 922 when Norseman (Viking) settlers founded a trading port. 

Day 5: Discovering Waterford

The heritage town of Lismore is a mere 40 minutes’ drive from Ballycotton and here you can find many historic buildings here including Lismore Castle & Gardens and St. Carthages Cathedral or take the Towers Woodland Trail outside the town and view the unusual gate lodge and bridge constructed by landlord Arthur Kiely Ussher to impress his demanding wife. Waterford City itself has a host of sightseeing options and your Irish tourism sightseeing guide will help you decide what to visit. 

Day 6: Discovering Tipperary & Kilkenny

Your tour today will take in the famous Rock of Cashel, which rears above the plain, dominated the land routes southwards. Kings of Ireland as well as Munster came to this spot and St. Patrick is believed to have preached on the rock and converted the local King, Aenghus, here in the 5th Century. Nearby Cahir Castle was once an significant stronghold of the prevailing Butler family and it retains its imposing keep, tower and much of its original defensive structure. It is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved and well known castles.  From Cahir Kilkenny City is a short distance, Kilkenny City is long regarded as Ireland’s Medieval Capital, the city’s roots date back more than 1,500 years. 

Day 7: Discovering Kerry

Kerry is one of Ireland’s most visited places due to the many beautiful coastlines, remarkable scenery and the great selection of family activities to enjoy. Adjoining the town of Killarney you and your family will discover an expanse of rugged mountainous countryside, including the McGillycuddy Reeks which rise to a height of over 1000 metres, the famous Lakes of Killarney and Killarney National Park.  Should you choose to venture past Killarney, the Ring of Kerry is an unforgettable journey not to be missed and en-route you will appreciate stunning mountain and coastal scenery combined with colourful towns and villages.