3-Day Tourist Excursions in Ireland Valleys in Spain Day Tours From the City of Cork, Ireland

by Megan Hill The city of Cork's location in southern Ireland makes it a perfect launch point for day tours around the area. The dramatic scenery of the region -- from precipitous coastline to verdant farmland to rainbow-studded valleys -- is accessible within short driving distances from Cork. Explore on your own or choose from several reputable tour companies to guide you.

Cliffs of Moher

Visiting the dramatic Cliffs of Moher (cliffsofmoher.ie) is a must-do for any tourist to southern Ireland. The cliffs drop over 200 meters to the rough ocean below. Watch for puffins and other nesting seabirds as they soar and plunge towards the water. Inside the adjacent museum, informational exhibits and videos give geological and biological background on the area. From Cork, take N20 north until it dead-ends at M20. Follow M20 towards Limerick, then take the N18 to Ennis. From Ennis take the N85 to Ennistymon, then turn left onto the N67 for Lahinch. In Lahinch, turn right on the R487, which takes you to the cliffs. Parking is located on the right side of the road as you approach the visitor's center. The trip takes two and a half hours from Cork.

Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is a scenic drive encircling the Iveragh Peninsula, just an hour and half west of Cork. Most trips start in the town of Kenmare or Killarney, following the circle created by the N70 and N72. Here, you'll pass small towns, sweeping farmland covered with sheep, lush mountains and verdant valleys. Passing storms often leave rainbows in their wake. To get to Kenmare from Cork, follow the N22 out of town until the R569 branches off to the left. If you opt to start in Killarney, stay on the N22 until it hits the town.

Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula is the much-overlooked sibling of the Ring of Kerry. This is perhaps unfair, considering National Geographic called it "The most beautiful place on earth." The smaller peninsula is just north of the Iveragh and comprises similarly impressive scenery without the sometimes stressful traffic of the Ring of Kerry. To start the trip, take the N22 out of Cork to Kilarney. Leaving town, take a left on Ard Na Be, then a left on R561. You'll circumnavigate the peninsula via N86 and R560. The town of Dingle is a little over two hours from Cork.

Reputable Tour Companies

Several reputable tour companies offer guided trips to these and other attractions leaving from Cork. O'Briens Coach Tours (obriencoachtours.com) visits the Ring of Kerry and the Mizen Peninsula; Paddywaggon (paddywagontours.com) offers three to nine-day tours throughout the region; and Bus Eireann (buseireann.ie) tours the Ring of Kerry and Blarney.
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