What are the Must sees/dos in Mayo & Cork?

Maggie117 · Guru

What are the Must sees/dos in Mayo & Cork?

Michele Erdvig · Host

Maggie,

There is so much to do in Mayo and Cork. But it all depends on your desires. Do you like museums, scenic drives, history, ancient ruins, castles, historic houses, gardens.

I agree that when you are at Ashford Castle you will want to make the most of your time there and enjoy the grounds, falconry, fishing, golf, etc. You can get a boat ride on Lough Corrib to Inchagoill Island and back. You should plan on seeing Kylemore Abbey & Walled Garden as the setting is just beautiful and it is not all that far. In Cong is the abbey and a small Quiet Man museum. There are also walking tours of the area.

Cork is a very large county. Would need more info from you.

Michele

Maggie117 · Guru

Hi Michele, We like ancient ruins, castles, historic houses and gardens. We like places off the beaten path too. Not too touristy. We don't want to do anything to strenuous. I just didn't know if there were places that folks would say "oh, you're going to Cork/Mayo you must see..." My mom want to see the Ring of Kerry. I don't know where that is or what it is. We have a lot of homework to do!

Maggie

Michele Erdvig · Host

Maggie,

The usual must see in Cork is Blarney Castle & Stone. However, it is a very touristy place and the stone is at the top of the castle so you must go up hundreds of tiny stone steps to reach it. I have to admit that last time I became a bit claustrophobic in some of the passageways.

The Ring of Kerry is in Co. Kerry next door to Co. Cork. A good compromise might be Kenmare which is in Kerry but nearby Cork. You can do a lot from Kenmare, my favorite small town in Ireland.

Michele

Anchoress · Guru

Mayo is rich in old Abbeys and friaries, off the beaten track and in very lovely places. I am thinking of Moyne and Rosserk, near Ballina.

There are photos and reports on my website.

http://www.iol.ie/~anchorhold/HolyPlaces/holyplaces.htm

Blessings