Traveling the World in Search
of Truly Enchanting Places
Southern Ireland
Overview
From Andrew Harper
Cork is Ireland’s second city, and in consequence, enjoys a spirited rivalry with Dublin. (Its citizens frequently insist that Cork is “the real capital of Ireland” and refer to themselves as “The Rebels.”) Owing to immigration from the European mainland, Cork has become progressively more cosmopolitan, but this is still the place to find traditional Irish dishes such as “crubeen” (pig’s trotters) and “drisheen” (blood sausage). The landscape of southern Ireland is exquisite, especially in the wild regions of Bantry Bay and Dingle Bay in the extreme southwest.
Hotels
All recommended hotels in Southern Ireland
 |
CastlemartyrLuxurious 220-acre estate-resort, 20 minutes from Cork city, with an exquisitely restored 17th-century Manor House built by the first Earl of Cork as its centerpiece. |
||
 |
Longueville HouseInviting 18th-century Georgian mansion on a picturesque 500-acre wooded estate in the Blackwater River Valley, 30 minutes north of Cork (90 minutes south of Shannon Airport). |
 |
Sheen Falls LodgeThis lavish 66-room manor house, set on 300 acres, is one of Ireland’s most stylish country hotels. Rooms and suites are spacious and come with marble baths. |
 |
The Mustard Seed at Echo LodgeClassic 19th-century parochial house converted to a country house hotel/culinary retreat by chef-owner Dan Mullane. |
From the Member Community