Irresistable Ireland

Lucy Morgans on 23 May 2008
For some reason, I have always fancied Ireland, but never got round to going!

It certainly is a hidden gem, with from what I can understand, the only thing holding people back from choosing this beautiful Country for a holiday or short break is its weather! So I am saying to you, please don’t let the weather hold you back from visiting this wonderful country, and its beautiful coastlines. It really has so much to offer.

Now the year 2008 is never going to ever win any awards for great sunny weather. But somehow we did manage to find some sunshine in Ireland back in May, and really enjoyed a wonderful week.

Our flights took us into Cork. There is a frequent service from most UK airports with a good choice of departure times. As with the majority of the shorter routes, booking early is the key to obtaining the best fares. We decided to book an evening flight, and spend our first night in Cork.

Thinking that the airport would be the easiest place to stay, so that we could make a quick get away the next morning, we opted for” The Cork International Airport Hotel.” This turned out to be an excellent choice… a gleaming, new, four star hotel – independently owned, and trying to be different from your standard hotel experience. This hotel comes extremely highly recommended by me, and by fellow reviewers and turns out to be making its mark in Cork as one of the best hotels they have. I would definitely encourage you to consider staying here even if taking a simple short break to Cork itself. (There is an excellent frequent bus service into Cork City too.) The hotel is quirky (it even has part of a real airplane running through the centre of its breakfast dining room!) but the service is great, and the rooms spacious (and unbelievably quiet.)

Moving on from Cork with a hired car, we made our way west across to Bantry Bay, which was where our cottage was located. This small and characterful market town is a delight from which to be based in! Traditional Irish pubs and restaurants line the cobbled streets which look out across the harbour from where the fishing boats come in with their daily catch.

Our cottage itself was out of this world, but surprisingly good value for money. Located down a small country lane with magnificent views of mountains and the sea, we felt totally relaxed from the moment we set down our bags. All mod cons, and superbly furnished – including under floor heating throughout. We soon got chatting to the owner, who proudly told us that her husband had built and designed the cottage himself. We personally enjoyed the flexibility of being able to self-cater and relax in the evenings overlooking the wonderful views with a glass of wine!

There is plenty to see and do around Bantry Bay. The children particularly enjoyed exploring the local beaches on the various peninsulas (a car is essential.) One beach that comes highly recommended is Barley Cove – this is a blue flag beach and will not fail to disappoint even an avid Greek or Turkey beach fan!

We also enjoyed a day out to The Killarney National Park where you will find the Torc Waterfall. Here there are plenty of walks to choose from – for even the most reluctant walker – or even for us, with two children in tow! The Lakes in this park are beautiful. Reflections of the water meet with the mountains. What a sight to enjoy over your picnic lunch!

This holiday comes high on the list if you feel the need to get away from it all, and relax at a slower pace of life! I have a wonderful choice of cottages that I am able to arrange for you – throughout this Emerald Isle. Or hotel accommodation should you prefer it. If you enjoy exploring what the local area has to offer or pottering around the towns and villages, and also if you love the flexibility of having your own hire car (or you could take your own car from the UK on the ferry.) Even in May half term we saw very few other tourists! The locals are friendly and will welcome you into the local pubs and restaurants…and if you are lucky you might even find some traditional Irish music or dancing too!