Tourist information for South-West Ireland.

South West Ireland tourist information
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Hotels in Ireland South-West.

For many, South-West Ireland represents the best that the Emerald Isle has to offer. The coastline varies from the soft sandy coves of Cork to the wild and majestic cliffs of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula.

Inland you'll find wonderful mountain scenery interspersed with lonely wooded valleys. The high moorland offers wonderful walking, and contains many prehistoric sites, testament to Ireland's ancient history.
Image from www.tourismireland.com

Just off the coast are windswept islands like Sherkin Island and Clear Island in the south, or the Blasket Islands and the Skelligs in the west, home to vast colonies of sea-birds. Or spend a night on Valencia Island, accessible via a bridge, and experience the local music. For a complete contrast there's the lively modern city of Cork, with its theatres and cinemas, modern bars and restaurants. Very close to Cork City is the harbour town of Cobh, on its own island, while along the lovely south coast are small beach and sailing resorts like Ballycotton, Baltimore, Garryvoe, Glandore, Kinsale and Youghal.


Mallow is a busy market town in the fertile centre of County Cork. Or visit Bantry, an ancient market town now a busy tourist centre and excellent location for exploring the still largely unspoilt Sheeps Head and Mizen Head. (Image from www.tourismireland.com)

Dingle town is one of the best venues to catch some Irish music in one of its 52 pubs, after a day spent exploring this western outpost of the British Isles. Stay in Stradbally or Milltown on the peninsular if you'd prefer something quieter. And spend some time in Killarney, gateway to the Killarney National Park and starting point for the spectacular drive around the stunning scenery of the Ring of Kerry. Stop over in Waterville at the western end of Kerry and visit the Skellig islands.

Glengarriff is another lively town on Bantry Bay, from where you can take a ferry to the lovely gardens on Ilnacullin, or walk the Beara Way. High in the mountains between Macroom and Glengarriff is Gougane Barra, known for its unspoilt beauty, National Forest Park, Angling, Hill & Road Walking. North of Tralee is the gentle coastline south of the Shannon, with the resort of Ballyheige. (Image from www.tourismireland.com)