Ireland’s South Coast is naturally the most
temperate in climate and the gentlest in
landscape. Gentle, however, still means
beautiful. In fact, this region is home to the
Ring of Kerry, ranked among the world’s
most scenic drives. The Ring of Kerry is a
circular route of 170 km (almost 120
miles) and is one of Ireland’s most popular
tourist trails. Taking in Killarney National
Park, this famous route offers panoramic
views of the surrounding county and many
islands off the Kerry coast.
Historical and cultural landmarks are also
plentiful on the South Coast, arguably the
most famous being the Blarney Stone which,
it is said, gives the gift of eloquence when
kissed. There is also the famous John F.
Kennedy Park and Arboretum in the town of
New Ross, County Wexford, the
Georgian village of Borris in
County Carlow, which was
home to the MacMurrough
Kavanagh family, the former
Celtic Kings of Leinster
and the Rock of Cashel in
County Tipperary, one of
Ireland’s best preserved
ecclesiastical sites. The
poetic setting of the
Killarney National Park
(www.killarneynationalpark.ie)
with its ruined castles and
abbeys, and most of all the three
lakes with their entrancing shifts of
light on water, will immerse your children in
the kind of experience that inspires great
literature. Don’t be surprisied if they are
moved to create some poetry of their own.
This region covers the counties of Carlow,
Cork, Kerry, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford
and Wexford. Since Cork and Kerry were the
main points of contact with Europe, and the
southeast was closest to Britain, this region
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makes the region a storehouse of forts and
castles which the kids will love to explore
especially if you say ‘hi’ to history and turn it
into a ‘story’ for them.
Cork and Kerry are known to have the
friendliest people in Ireland, a tough
distinction considering the competition
from the rest of their countrymen.
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cent scenery, rocky headlands which jut
into the Atlantic and the colourful rustic
charm of villages nestling in bays.
The port of Cobh was the main departure
point of the nearly one million Irish people
who emigrated to the USA in the latter half
of the 19th century, but you might be more
interested in the fact that it was the last
port of call of the Titanic. You can get a great
boatride to ‘shake hands with a basking
shark’, and the kids will also get a chill thrill
to know that, under these waters, lies the
wreck of another famous luxury liner, the
Lusitania. In fact, sporty families with more
grown up children could take a scuba diving
trip, to explore the fascinating marine
colony that has grown into and around the
ruins this ship which was torpedoed by
Germany in WW II.
If you are a cycling family, Cork and Kerry
counties are ideal for wheeling through,
soaking in the refreshing air and sights with
a picnic in your backpacks or carrier baskets.
The southeast part of the region, like so
much of Ireland, has something for every
family’s taste. Do you like beaches? You’ll
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preferred stretch of water, scenic routes cut
across the valleys of the Slaney, Barrow and
Nore.
As always the urban centres provide as
exciting a break from the gorgeously varied
natural beauty. Cork is the second largest
city of the Republic of Ireland; its buzzing
places for food, dance, music and crafts
make it great for Indian families who travel
because they want to give their children a
taste of other cultures.
Kilkenny is reputed to be Ireland’s loveliest
inland city and layered with the heritage
which made it the medieval capital of
Ireland. You can see crafts people at work in
its nationally recognized Design Centre, or
wander through little lanes such as Butter
Slip named after the stalls which once lined
this marketplace. It’s worth timing your
visit to experience the Republic’s top arts
festival held here every August.
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