Choose from 35 Fun Things to Do in South West Ireland
St. Fin Barre's Cathedral
- St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral is a must for architecture enthusiasts.
- Keep quiet and be respectful of worshippers.
- Recitals, concerts, and other events are held at the church year-round.
- The cathedral features a gift shop where visitors can pick up souvenirs.
Kinsale
Practical Info
St. Anne's Church
- There are no toilet facilities at St. Anne's Church.
- Bring a camera; flash-free photography is allowed outside of service times and the views from the top of the tower are spectacular.
- Ascending the tower requires visitors to climb more than 130 narrow stone steps, and may not be suitable for visitors with mobility issues or for those who suffer from claustrophobia.
Jameson Experience
- The Jameson Experience is a must for whiskey-lovers.
- The distillery has free Wi-Fi, parking, and an on-site restaurant.
- Tours visit indoor and outdoor areas, so bring along rain gear.
- The distillery is wheelchair accessible.
Killarney National Park
- Killarney National Park is a must-visit for walkers, wildlife lovers, and history buffs.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring rainproof gear, as the weather here can be unpredictable.
- Day tours typically last between six and 11 hours.
- Most areas of Muckross House are accessible to wheelchair users. Ross Castle has only limited accessibility.
Torc Waterfall
Practical Info
Titanic Experience Cobh
- The Titanic Experience Cobh is a must for history enthusiasts and Titanic buffs.
- Prebook tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line upon arrival.
- The Titanic Experience Cobh is wheelchair accessible; wheelchair access is through the side entrance.
Ross Castle
- With lakes, greenery, and mountain peaks surrounding it in all directions, Ross Castle is one of Killarney National Park’s finest photo opportunities.
- Ross Castle is not well-suited to visitors with mobility impairments. Many parts are difficult if not impossible to access because of steep inclines.
- Tours are limited to a maximum of 15 people; arrive early to ensure a spot.
Muckross House & Gardens & Traditional Farms
- Muckross House is a must-see for history and Victorian architecture buffs.
- A Killarney National Park information center is located at Muckross House.
- The estate has an on-site restaurant overlooking pretty flower beds.
- The house is accessible to wheelchair users as are the gardens, with the exception of the rookery. An accessible shuttle bus transports visitors to the farms, though the farm sites themselves are only partially accessible.
Leacanabuaile Fort
- Leacanabuaile Fort is fun families with children, who will enjoy running around the ruins.
- Take a camera to capture images of the neighboring Cahergall Fort from the ramparts of Leacanabuaile.
- Bring waterproof walking shoes and rain gear in case of wet weather.
Skellig Experience
- The Skellig Experience Visitor Centre is a must for history buffs, natures lovers, and anyone planning a trip to the ruins.
- A restaurant with excellent sea views and a shop are situated at the center.
- The center is wheelchair accessible.
Stone Circle
Practical Info
Muckross Abbey
Founded in 1440 as a Franciscan Friary, Muckross Abbey has an exciting and violent history typical of Ireland. In 1589 the monks were expelled by Elizabeth I, and in 1653 Oliver Cromwell's troops burnt it down when he reclaimed Ireland for the English bringing to an end the Irish Confederate Wars. Despite this setback, the friars continued to live here until 1698 when the new Penal Laws against Roman Catholics introduced by the English occupiers forced most in exile in France or Spain. These days it is a ruin but one of the most complete examples of Irish medieval church building you'll see.
Today, the Abbey still has its bell tower and church, and massive gothic arcades and arches. Four of Ireland's leading poets of the period were buried there, three in the church, one in the nearby cemetery. In the centre of the inner court is an old Yew tree. This grew from a sapling taken from the abbey on Innisfallen Island and planted in the new abbey at Muckross. In turn, a slip from this tree was planted at the abbey in Killarney Town.
Within the Killarney National Park, the abbey is a five minute walk from the carpark of Muckross House. It is 3 miles (4.8km) from Killarney Town.
Slea Head
The drive passes through the village of Ventry which is on the coast and has a good beach for swimming and water sports. Then the drive winds through cliffs and offers views of the Atlantic Ocean as it nears Slea Head. Scenes from Ryan's Daughter and Far and Away were filmed near here. The Slea Head Drive continues through wild landscapes and several villages. One of the highlights is the Gallarus Oratory, the best preserved early Christian church in Ireland. The drive also passes through fishing villages and mountainous regions, including Mount Brandon, the second highest mountain in Ireland.