Ireland travel is about taking a journey into the magical. The rugged beauty of the land is matched only by the hospitality of the people. While taking a tour of Ireland you should always include time to travel West Cork. Many people travel Ireland to have a unique experience. Whether you go to see the jagged coastline pounded under the relentless power of the Atlantic Ocean, walk the paths, climb the rocky hills, fish from a quiet pier, sit on a sandy beach, take photographs of the Irish countryside or cycle the winding roads; a visit to the scenic area of West Cork is a must. For those interested in Ireland travel deals and tips, you will have no trouble finding something to suit you. One travel deal/tip you may not know about concerns the pub. If you are traveling with kids and don't want to buy soda, you can ask for tap water with flavored fruit syrups. This will save about $3 per small bottle of Coke or Pepsi, and the kids will enjoy it too! There are many Ireland travel packages available on-line. The types of trips available are really only limited by what you want. Many of the packages include all the things you need to enjoy your trip including air travel, car hire and lodging. These packages can be booked to cover a few days or even weeks. For more Ireland travel tips, visit my Ireland travel blog at: www.ireland-travels.com www.facebook.com/IrelandTravels Follow us @TravelsIreland Begin your tour of West Cork at Mizen Head, Ireland's most southwesterly point. The dramatic peninsula features Barley Cove beach and is highlighted by the Mizen Head Signal Station Visitor Centre. Be sure to look for seals lazily resting on the rocks below. The best pub in the entire world is located in the small village of Crookhaven. As you walk into O'Sullivan's Bar, the owner, Dermot O'Sullivan, will greet you with a friendly, "Hello boys and girls." What happens if you try to order a Guinness? You don't want to know. Go with the Murphy's; it's local and creamier! Possibly the most beautiful place in all of West Cork is Three Castle Head. The collection of three towers, built in 1207 by the O'Mahoneys, is a short hike from Dunlough Pier. The castles sit on cliffs, which offer views of the Atlantic Ocean, Mizen Head, Sheep's Head and the mountains of County Kerry. At the base of the castles is a lake. Irish legend holds that a lady haunts the lake while protecting the king's valuables that were thrown in to guard them from attackers. Between the villages of Goleen and Durrus, you will find the Coast Road. On this road is the well-preserved O'Mahoney Castle known as Dunmanus Castle. The castle was built in 1430 at the current location of Dunmanus Harbor. Views of the beautiful Irish countryside and Dunmanus Bay will have you reaching for your camera. Further along, near the village of Skibbereen is the area of Lough Hyne. Lough Hyne is a salt-water lake, fed by the tides, and is home to a varied collection of marine life. Above the lake are the walking paths of Knockamagh Wood Nature Reserve. The paths of the nature preserve lead you to commanding views of Roaringwater Bay, Baltimore harbor and Clear and Sherkin Islands. Up the coast, near the County Kerry border, is the fishing village of Castletownbere. The village is situated on the southern edge of the Beara Peninsula and is near the beginning of the southern portion of the Ring of Beara. Just out of town are the ruins of Dunboy Castle, which was destroyed by the English in 1602 after a 14-day siege. Leaving the West Cork area, head up to Bantry Bay, through Glengarriff and Kenmare up to the pride of County Kerry, Killarney. The town of Killarney is filled with a nice mix of nature and history. A visit to the Muckross area; including the house, abbey and gardens is very enjoyable. You can easily spend a full day taking in this incredible area. So, what is the best part of it all? You only have to park once as all these sites are within walking distance of each other. If you are heading back to Dublin, a stop in Cashel is very enjoyable. The Rock of Cashel is world-famous and awe inspiring. A little known abbey in Cashel is Hore Abbey that sits at the bottom of the hill in the shadows of the Rock of Cashel. Hore Abbey will be less crowded and will allow peaceful exploring without crowds. www.ireland-travels.com www.facebook.com/IrelandTravels Follow us @TravelsIreland May you truly enjoy the beautiful travel opportunities in this still largely undiscovered... yet beautiful country. Music Credits: Track title: The Bonny Boy
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 Composer: Bjorn Lynne (PRS - CAE: 272363273) Publisher: Lynne Publishing (PRS - CAE: 541626758) Ireland travel Ireland travel deals Ireland travel packages and Ireland travel tips lonely planet.

• published: 31 Jul 2012
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