In the southwest corner of Ireland, County Cork and County Kerry are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Both counties are influenced by the warm Gulf Stream and southerly winds, fostering lush landscapes where palm trees and bamboo thrive.
Cork, the largest county in Ireland, includes Cork City, once the European Capital of Culture in 2005. Cork, known as the “gateway to the southwest coast,” stands out as Ireland’s second-largest city. It pulses with modern cultural vibrancy, hosting world-class events such as film and jazz festivals annually. It boasts a thriving university culture and is a gastronomic hotspot, anchored by the renowned English Market. Visitors can also explore the lush gardens and historic Blarney Castle, famous for the Blarney Stone.
Approaching County Kerry from any direction, one is captivated by Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, home to Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak at 1,039 meters. Kerry is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, embodying the iconic “40 shades of green” that symbolize Ireland’s natural beauty.
For those seeking respite from tourist crowds, the scenic N70 and N71 highways wind through the Iveragh Peninsula, renowned for its picturesque vistas. Nearby, Killarney National Park offers serene landscapes dotted with historic sites like Ross Castle. A quieter alternative to Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, offers rolling hills, rugged cliffs, and sandy beaches ideal for day trips. This region is a bastion of Irish language and culture, its lanes lined with traditional hedgerows.
Further southwest lie three additional peninsulas: Beara, Sheep’s Head, and Mizen Head. Beara, adjacent to the Ring of Kerry, offers beaches and Ireland’s only cable car to Dursey Island. Sheep’s Head provides unspoiled landscapes perfect for hiking, while Mizen Head offers dramatic coastal cliffs at Ireland’s southernmost tip.