Three Days in County Cork | Ireland
County Cork is an absolutely stunning place to visit for a short weekend or on your way around the Wild Atlantic Way. If you don’t already know what the Wild Atlantic Way is, it’s a trail on the north, west, and south coast that stretches through nine counties and three provinces. You will come across the most breathtaking views along the way. Our first destination was Cork City where we stayed at The Dean and this hotel did not disappoint, with it’s roof top restaurant, bar lounge in the lobby and a spa that includes a sauna, steam room and heated pool. This stylish boutique hotel was everything and more… the details in every space were well curated and makes me rethink every part of our apartment now, makeover soon?!
A short walk onto the main street of Cork makes it a perfect location. Check out The English Market in the early morning for an authentic Irish experience. Fresh bread to jams, cakes and Irish breakfast, what more could you ask for!
Day two we had the perfect weather driving into Kinsale, we got their early before the crowds, noon is when it will start to get busy so just depending on what you want to do be ready to look a little bit for parking if it’s later in the day.
This town was hands down my favorite place I have been to in Ireland so far. There are colorful homes and shops every where you turn. Kinsale is right on the marina overlooking sailboats and some really beautiful homes. The main street has some great shops and the cutest little book shop to explore. The Lemon Leaf Cafe is a must for tea and scones and chocolate from Koko Kinsale.
After our early lunch we headed out of Kinsale and towards the coast to Old Head Kinsale for this breathtaking cliff view (the first three photos below). We couldn’t actually go through the gates as it’s a members only golf course.. right before the gates, there’s a place to park and hop out to see the view from either side! Be prepared for high winds, but it was so worth the view. A plus was having no other people around to take it all in!
After taking in the view, we decided we wanted to see more of the coast and drove to Nohoval Cove…1000% better than the infamous Cliffs of Moher in our opinion as we were the only ones there, other than one small group. The drive was through the tiniest little roads that should only be one ways, but somehow two way streets (highly recommend a tiny car on this road trip). Once we made our way down the curvy one way (two way) street we found the cove. To the left, you can walk all the way up the cliff and the trail wraps around the coast line or go right to see the ruins, but don’t go too far as past the ruins is private property.
We went in December, but during the summer this cove has the most clear waters so we will definitely be returning to check it out!
Day three was our last stop of our road trip. We stayed at Ballymaloe House, which is a stunning ivy covered mansion that was turned into a hotel and restaurant.
The Ballymaloe family started a cookery school that has grown into one of the most prestigious cookery schools. You may have heard of their Ballymaloe relish and other condiments.
Every reservation includes afternoon tea, a five course dinner and an Irish breakfast. The restaurant is farm to table featuring produce from the property's own walled garden and farm. The five course meal did not disappoint, with great choices per course and perfect portion sized dishes. The menu changes often to keep up with whats available during the season, if I could I would eat there every week.
In the morning we had our breakfast and walked around the grounds before heading home. A summer weekend would be perfect here as they have a pool and so much land for exploring.
