The Southwest Travel Guide
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Guidebooks
Photo: Marco Regalia/shutterstock
Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and Clare—these Southwest county names have an undeniable Irish lilt. Just as evocative is the scenery in each county: from Kinsale along the coast, west to Mizen Head in the far southwest corner, and on to the glorious mountains and lakes of Killarney, you'll find miles and miles of pretty country lanes meandering through rich but sparsely populated farmland. Everything seems delightfully low-key—that is, until you hit the celebrated Ring of Kerry, which has become a crazy and emerald green Orlando, packed with rushing tour buses.
The Southwest Hotels
For accommodations, the Southwest has some of the great country houses, including Ballyvolane House near the Blackwater River in County Cork, Adare Manor...read more
The Southwest Restaurants
The Southwest is a great place for good food. County Cork in particular has become Ireland's top foodie destination. ... Adventurous, well-traveled chefs make...read more
Things To Do in The Southwest
This starts in Cork City and makes a clockwise sweep...read more
Travel Deals in The Southwest
- Europe & Iceland from Seattle (R/T, incl. Tax) Icelandair
- Ireland Independent Journey IExplore
- 5-Night Mediterranean Cruise w/Free Hotel Stay Priceline.com
- Europe & Iceland from NYC (R/T, incl. Tax) — $595-$915 Icelandair
The Southwest Experiences
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Blarney Castle: Visitors line up to kiss the Blarney Stone and acquire the gift of gab. This is an impressive 15th-century tower-house castle... Read more
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Such great writers as Sir Walter Scott and William Thackeray struggled to find the superlatives to describe Killarney's heather-clad peaks, subtropical... Read more
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Residents of Dingle, especially those involved in the tourist business, are fighting a battle with the government for the right to continue to... Read more
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Cork City received its first charter in 1185 from Prince John of Norman England, and it takes its name from the Irish word corcaigh, meaning... Read more
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A mid-13th-century Franciscan abbey at the water's edge is Timoleague's most striking monument. (Walk around the back to find the entrance gate.)... Read more
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The Great Blasket, which measures roughly 3 km by 1 km (2 mi by ½ mi), has no traffic, no pub, no hotel, and no electricity. Yet this... Read more
Travel Blog
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Cruises
The world's premier river cruise company, Viking River Cruises, is poised to invoke its inner Viking as Read more
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Travel Tip of the Day
Discounts on golf are often available for resort guests and for those who book tee times on the web, as Read more
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Travel Tip of the Day
Hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour operators in Belize sometimes levy a surcharge for credit card use, Read more
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Arriving:· Forums Trip Reports
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Hi All! Read more
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IRELAND TRIP REPORT: SEPTEMBER 2011:
Clifden Arts Week & Connemara
Scenic Beara & Iveragh peninsulas with Ring of Kerry & Kenmare
Kilkenny Trad, Cahir Castle, & Rock of Cashel
Blues Read more
·Ireland Forum
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My husband and I are taking our grown children and spouses to Ireland in August. Read more
