I will be staying in Cork and have rented a van for Thurday morning through Sunday morning. I am looking for a suggested itinerary for my family (spouse and four children). We can either find some B&B's, or we have free accommodations in Cork each night, so could head back there. I have been reading this sight and travel books, and know that we want to drive the Ring of Kerry and Slea Head. Other than that, we are open. My children are good travelers--love to learn, hike, etc. I would welcome suggestions.

Co. Waterford is great. I am Welsh and live with my boyfriend who is from Waterford. We regularly go back to Ireland to visit family and friends. He lives near a town called Dungarvan. It is a lovely town and is only an hour or so from Cork. His local village - Cappoquin is also very quaint and is a real Irish town...boy did I find that out!
Near to cappoquin is Lismore which has a great castle and a bridge that was brought over from India brick by brick by some wealthy buisness man years aga as a present to his new bride! The countryside is breathtaking and just passes Cappouquin and before Dungarvan (from Cork area) is the mountain pass where you can drive (or walk if you want) up through the 'Vee' and see 3 counties stretched out before you...it is also a good way to carry on your journey to Dublin or tipp etc.
Good luck, you'll love it!!!!!!!!!

With so many daytrip options from Cork, I would probably stay in the area.

I found the Blackwater River area (Mallow to Lismore) great for hikes and off-the-beaten-path sites. This covers some of Lea Lea's suggestions... Dromana Gate, Ballysaggartmore Towers, Lismore Castle Gardens, Anne's Grove Gardens. Bridgetown Abbey in Castletownroche.

The coast from Cork to Dungarvin has a lot of great towns and views. The coastal walk in Ardmore is great.

Michelstown Cave near Michelstown is great for a rainy day (Cahir and Cashel aren't too far from there).

My favorite hike is in the Comeragh mountains near Carrick-on-Suir (near Waterford). There's a map and directions on www.irishfireside.com in the Waterford Episode Guide (and it's talked about it in the podcast).

Take a peek at Cobh (the Heritage Centre) and Fota Island. They would be good family options as well.

topping

Bus Eireann http://www.BusEireann.ie has some nice daytrips out of Cork City including Killarny, Gap of Dunloe, Ring of Kerry, and more. You might trip with your rental van to the Dingle Peninsula, Kinsale, Waterford or even as far north as Galway: to see all the delights of west Clare, the latter should probably be an overnighter

I would add Kinsale, and the Ring of Beara and the Mizen peninsula. Cobh and Ardmore also. The Cliff walk in Ardmor is one of my favorites although I haven't been there for a while. The whole S/W coast is my favorite. Have fun

In Ireland distances may be short, but driving times are not. Expect to average 35 mph on national roads and less on regional roads. And since your children love to hike, stopping whenever you wish to go for a walk in an attractive area (what part of the SW isn't attractive?) will add even more time. If you're going to see both Slea Head and the Ring of Kerry, you're going to have to stay overnight somewhere. Kenmare would be a good choice. Either on the way west or coming back to Cork drive the N71 along the coast.