My husband I will be traveling to Cork Ireland in July with another couple. We will be staying in a house in Cork and will have a rental car. Any suggestions on which "day trips' are a must to plan during our 7 day stay in Cork? Thanks

I hate to suggest "musts" when I don't know your interests.

There is the Jameson distillery in Middleton.

Fota Island has a wild animal park which is part of the Zoological Society. Animals have large areas for wandering and is some places come quite near.

The Immigration exhibit in Cobh is interesting.

Lismore is a lovely village. The castle is not open, but its gardens are.

Cashel is within driving distance.

Garinish Island with its gardens is great.

I'm sure if you let us know your interests, there will be lots more suggestions and with specifications to your interests.

Of course it depends on your interests - in Cork you should go to the Cobh Hertigage Museum, It is of interest to anyone but particularily if you have any Irish roots. If was the departure point for most Irish leaving the country to come to America. It was also the last port of call for the Titanic.
http://www.cobhheritage.com/index2.html

Waterford is a day trip and a tour of the Waterford Glass factory is worth the trip. http://www.waterfordvisitorcentre.com/

I would recommend Kinsale about 40 minutes southwest of Cork city on the coast. It is a lovely port town, and it has the reputation of being the culinary capital of Ireland. Also the palce is full of history and has a wine museum in an old castle.

Some photos of the area

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cellart...7603840090399/


Hope this helps

Des's post reminded me about Dariana Allen's Ballynmaloe Cookery School located in Shannagarry, in east Co. Cork. It is an organic farm, cookery school with long and short cooking programs, and there is also accomodations and of course a restaurant.
http://www.cookingisfun.ie/index.php