County Cork - Environment<< Cork Homepage |
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| Here's a selection of Cork Environment. Click on the 'Go to ALL' link to get the full list. |
1. Wildlife Parks |
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Fota Wildlife ParkCo. CorkTake a walk - on pathways through 40 acres of grassland where giraffe, zebra and antelope roam, through woods where wallabies wander, past bird-filled lakes and monkey islands, penguin and flamingo pools, cheetahs in tree-shaded enclosures. Or take it easy, take our tour train. Take a lesson - with our education programme based on information plaques and project work-sheets. Take a break - at our Coffee Shop overlooking the flamingo pool; at a picnic bench where lemurs or macaws might join you; or by just sitting on the grass, of which there is plenty. Foto Wildlife Park was established by the Zoological Society of Ireland with the primary aim of breeding endangered species. Foto is among the most modern wildlife parks in Europe. The animals are not restrained by cages or obvious barriers, yet visitors walk through the park in complete safety. Many species have total freedom of the park; only the spacious cheetah breeding compound has a conventional fence. | |
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2. Walks |
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The Beara WayCastletownbere, CorkThe Beara Way, incorporating part of the O'Sullivan Beara Way, is a long distance walking route around the highly spectacular peninsula with a large concentration of historical and archaeological sites en route. The main towns on the route are Kenmare, Glengarriff and Castletownbere (a commercial fishing port and an excellent centre for exploring the peninsula). There are a number of colourful villages in between: Allihies, Ardgroom, Adrigole and Eyeries. Bere and Dursey, the two islands,offer excellent walking after a short trip by ferry or cable car. Route Details: Glengarriff, Adrigole, Castletownbere, Allihies, Eyeries, Ardgroom, Lauragh/Tuosist, Knemare, Glengarriff, Spurs to Dursey Sound and Island, Bere Island. Total Distance: 196km/120 miles. Longest Stage: Adrigole to Castletownbere - 23km/14 miles. Highest Point: ast of Loug Inchiquin - 370m/1210ft.> | |
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3. Tourist Attractions |
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Drakes PoolCo. CorkThis cove is a recess that has enjoyed a rich history. Sir Francis Drake and five of his fleet ships took refuge in 1587 when they were pursued by the powerful Spanish fleet. | |
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4. Memorial Parks |
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Bishop Lucey ParkCo. CorkThis picturesque park was opened in 1985 as part of the city's 800th birthday celebrations. It is named after Bishop Lucey, a much loved Bishop of Cork. The entrance archway dates from 1850 and was reconstructed from the Cork Cornmarket. The park includes a beautiful sculptured fountain of eight bronze swans representing the 800 years of the city as a chartered Norman town and remains of the early city walls can clearly be seen. | |
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5. Zoos |
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Fota Wildlife ParkCo. CorkTake a walk - on pathways through 40 acres of grassland where giraffe, zebra and antelope roam, through woods where wallabies wander, past bird-filled lakes and monkey islands, penguin and flamingo pools, cheetahs in tree-shaded enclosures. Or take it easy, take our tour train. Take a lesson - with our education programme based on information plaques and project work-sheets. Take a break - at our Coffee Shop overlooking the flamingo pool; at a picnic bench where lemurs or macaws might join you; or by just sitting on the grass, of which there is plenty. Foto Wildlife Park was established by the Zoological Society of Ireland with the primary aim of breeding endangered species. Foto is among the most modern wildlife parks in Europe. The animals are not restrained by cages or obvious barriers, yet visitors walk through the park in complete safety. Many species have total freedom of the park; only the spacious cheetah breeding compound has a conventional fence. | |
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6. Bogs |
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Bog GardenCo. CorkPart of the ground disappears under the reflecting surface of the water. Islands of trees and steaming flora woo your attention. This garden depicts the heart of an Irish bog with its typical flora and fauna. Bridges carry the visitor from island to island as if walking upon water. | |
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7. Beaches |
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Swimming at Poulgorm PointSnave Strand, Co. Cork | |
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8. Islands |
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Cape Clear IslandCo. CorkJune through August, Cape is festive. Approximately 180 students come to perfect their Irish and participate in outdoor games and activities. Daytrippers stroll to the lake, to the Old Lighthouse, to the Heritage Centre. Yachts play in and out of the two main harbours, colourfully crowding them during regatta days. Holiday-making families arrive with windsurfers, canoes, fishing gear. Scuba divers prowl old wrecks and precipitous reefs. The lively pubs have frequent formal and informal sessions, many aficionados bringing their instruments. We recommend that, to avoid any disappointment, accommodation be booked in advance. | |
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9. Harbours |
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Bantry HarbourCo. Cork | |
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10. National Parks |
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Millstreet Country ParkCo. CorkThe Park: Over five hundred acres, of lakes, waterfalls, streams, wetlands, walks, picnic area, moorlands, arboretum, herb rich meadows, ornamental gardens, archaeological sites, native deer, birds and wildlife. Treat yourself to a visit, you will find yourself coming back again and again. The Audio Visual : The 17 minute audio visual presentation takes you back through the ages the evolution of the landscape from the pre-ice age, Jurassic Cretaceous era, 250 million years ago to the present day. Interactive Touch Screens: For the real armchair traveller load up on to one of the park's transporters, and experience the wetlands, herb rich meadow, the upper arboretum, on past our native red deer, over seven hundred last count, and on up to the Mushera Ravine, where a series of nine lakes and waterfalls are rivalled only by the panoramic views. The Sensory Garden: Designed specifically for the visually impaired and enjoyed by everyone this garden is full of perfumed flowers and aromatic foliage, raised beds and wide paths make it accessible to everyone. The Music Garden: A band stand graces centre stage in the music garden with recitals every Sunday, from brass bands, to Irish traditional, to classical, a symphony of sounds can be heard. | |
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11. Parks |
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Fota ArboretumCo. CorkFota Arboretum is one of the finest in Ireland. It contains shrubs and trees not only from this climate but also the subtropical regions of the world including Japan, and Australia, The Himalayas and North America. It is within walking distance of the house and the wildlife park. Nearby is the fifteenth century Belvelley Castle. | |
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12. Wildlife Parks |
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Doneraile Wildlife ParkCo. CorkFine Entrance gates at the porticoed gated lodge on the Turnpike Road, north of Doneraile town, Co. Cork, mark the formal entrance to a great landscaped estate - 160 hectares of parklands with mature groves of deciduous trees and a number of deer herds. The greater part of the work at Doneraile was undertaken in the early eighteenth century. The fashion in landscape gardening at this period was exemplified, if not largely formed, by the acievements of the English landscape architect, Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. Capability Brown landscaping is an art of illusion. The immediate impression created is that nature, no man, has shaped the landscape. In the hollows of the landscape, water is the important element, artificially diverted into canals, cascades and ponds, and spanned by elegant stone bridges. Eighteenth century water gardening is seen to good effect at Doneraile. The main avenue at Doneraile winds for a mile through the park on its way to the Court. The Pleasure Ground at Doneraile, on the garden side of the house, contains some unusual trees, including redwoods, Chusan palms and a Cork oak. Here also are specimens of cherry, yew, variegated sycamore and plane. The 1st Viscount Doneraile may have occupied the house shortly after he got married in 1690. Pathways are generally accessible for people with disabilities. | |
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13. Rivers |
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River BlackwaterCo. Corkthe second longest river in Ireland after the Shannon , the blackwater rises in high bogland in county Kerry. it then flows eastwards through County Cork until it reaches Cappoquin, county Waterford, where it changes course south through wooded sandstone gorges to the sea at Youghal. Much of the valley is wooded, a reminder that the entire area was forested until the 17th century. The river passes some magnificent country houses and pastoral views. However, the region is best known for its fishing - the Blackwater's tributaries are filled with fine brown trout. The best way to see the valley is to take the scenic Blackwater Valley. Driver from Youghal to Mallow, The route passes through Fermoy , a town founded by Scottish merchant John Anderson in 1789. Angling is the town's main appeal, especially for roach, rudd, perch and pike. Further west is Mallow, a prosperous town noted for its fishing, golf and hors racing. Inviting detours along the tributaries include Kanturk , a pleasant market town with a castle, on the River Allow. | |
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14. Lakes |
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Lough IneCo. CorkPlaces of interest include visits by ferry to the beautiful Sherkin and Clear Islands which lie offshore. Nearby beside Knockonagh Wood and nature reserve, is lovely Lough Ine, famous for its marine life. Just a few minutes walk from the village centre is the Beacon with its fabulous cliffs and sea birds and sweeping views of the Athlantic | |
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15. Cliffs |
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Mizen HeadCo. CorkMizen Head, the most south - westerly tip of Ireland, has steep cliffs, which are often battered by storms. There is a lighthouse here, reached via a suspension bridge across a rocky chasm. the lighthouse is not open to the public, but it is still worth the trip for the fine headland walk with views of vertiginous cliffs and Atlantic breakers. The sandy beaches of Barley cove nearby attract bathers and walkers alike. | |
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16. Mountains |
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Ballyhoura Mountain ParkCo. CorkThis is a natural park of woodland, rugged mountain, grouse moor and peat bog, which covers an area of approx. 10,000 hectares. With its abundance of beautiful trees and plants, it is an ideal venue for nature trails and birdwatching. Thanks to its marked walking routes, visitors can fully enjoy its peace and beauty at leisure, or at a more lively pace along the fitness and orienteering trails, if preferred. | |
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17. Water Falls |
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Waterfall GardenCo. CorkThe significance of water for nature, still or flowing, is seen in this garden. Intriguing water sound barriers signalise the transition into a new area., at times loud and junglelike and then a trickling brook, barely audible. | |
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18. Woods and Forests |
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Coppiced WoodlandCo. CorkHere you learn about traditional woodland management: cutting the under-growth initiates a natural cycle, open glades are created and new growth begins. | |
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19. Gardens |
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East Cork Angling CentreLoughcarrig House, Ballinacurra, Co. CorkSpecialists in Wreck, Reef and Shark Fishing. Many specimen fish have been caught by our clients. We can offer comfortable accommodation and fine food in our Georgian House with extensive private gardens and convenient to East Ferry Pier. Specialist also, in Angling Holidays. Fully central heated, unlimited hot water, comfortable lounges and accommodation. Drying rooms, Freezer Facilities and Bait Shore. | |
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20. Bird Watching |
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Cape Clear IslandCo. CorkJune through August, Cape is festive. Approximately 180 students come to perfect their Irish and participate in outdoor games and activities. Daytrippers stroll to the lake, to the Old Lighthouse, to the Heritage Centre. Yachts play in and out of the two main harbours, colourfully crowding them during regatta days. Holiday-making families arrive with windsurfers, canoes, fishing gear. Scuba divers prowl old wrecks and precipitous reefs. The lively pubs have frequent formal and informal sessions, many aficionados bringing their instruments. We recommend that, to avoid any disappointment, accommodation be booked in advance. | |
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21. Scenic Drives |
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Cork and Ring of Kerry Burren TourCo. CorkCork and Ring of Kerry Burren Tour One day tour 354km Travel west from Cork via Ovens to Macroom. Turn off for Tooms Bridge and Inchigeelagh through wild mountain scenery or the pass of Keimaneigh into Ballyfickey. Along the way you could visit Gougane Barra Forest Park which is just north of your route. From Ballylickey enjoy the superb views of Bantry Bay en route to Glengarriff, from where you can visit the beautiful Italian gardens of Garinish Island. Head north to Kenmare through rugged mountains. Here you trip around the 'Ring of Kerry' begins-encircling the Iveragh Peninsula, which features Ireland's highest mountains, the Macgillycuddy Reeks. Excellent views are provided over Dingle Bay to the north and the estuary of the Kenmare River to the south. Travel south west through Parknasilla and Sneem, into Caherdaniel, where you'll find excellent swimming and diving along the fine beach. Go north to the well known resort of Waterville, continuing your tour by Cahirciveen, Glenbeigh and Killorglin, completing this exceptionally scenic trip in Killarney. Your route back to Cork takes you through the Derrynasaggart Mountains to macroom, turning off the main road for Dripsey and Blarney Castle, where you can stop to kiss the famous Blarney Stone. Show me all the details for Cork and Ring of Kerry Burren Tour | |
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22. Visitors Centre |
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Mizen Vision(The Mizen Head Signal Station Visitor Centre, Co. CorkMizen Head Signal Station is open to the public for the first time since it was completed in 1910. The Mizen Vision! Visitor Centre in the Keeper's House and the Engine Room, the famous Suspension Bridge, the 99 Steps and the views up the South and West Coasts combined with the exhilaration and excitement of the wild Atlantic waves and ancient tortured rocks guarantee a unique and authentic experience. In any weather the Magic of the Mizen is spellbinding. MIZEN VISION THE MIZEN HEAD SIGNAL STATION VISITOR CENTRE has been open since june 1st, 1994. In April 1993 the fog signal station was damanned and went automatic. A local community co-operative, Mizen Tourism, was formed to develop the location into a visitor centre to create rural employment. In July 1993 a lease was signed with the Irish Lights and the exciting Mizen Vision! became a reality. There are spectacular views on the Bridge and at the end of the peninsula and the houses have been equipped with an audiovisual room, a map and archive room; the Keeper's kitchen and bedroom have been retained and there is a bird and sea watch room. Imagination takes over in the Mizen enviroment cave, the Fastnet Room, the Underwater Room and the Storm Room. You are very welcome to the Mizen ! Don't miss it! | |
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