Day 8 (Cork) – Exploring the historic town of Cobh before tipping on to Kinsale
Day 8 will see you explore Cobh to your heart’s content.
We’ll be visiting a prison once called ‘Ireland’s Hell’, the ‘Deck of Cards’ made famous by a million Instagram photos and lots more.
1 – Coffee and Colourful houses
// I won’t be putting in times for the first half of the day. Get a lie in and head out for around 10:30 //
There are several different spots that we’ll be checking out over the morning, so grab a coffee to go from Cuppacity Coffee and get walking.
First Cobh Stop – The Deck of Cards
Photo © The Irish Road Trip
If you want to see St. Coleman’s Cathedral and the Deck of Cards from the view above, you’ll need to head for ‘Spy Hill’.
Pop it into Google maps and you’ll find it easy enough.
You’ll need to hop up on a wall (be careful) to see the view above, but you can also walk down the hill where the houses are located and walk into a little green area on the right.
Second Cobh Stop – St. Coleman’s Cathedral
For those of you that are fond of architecture, nip back up to the St. Coleman’s Cathedral and take a look inside.
Named after the patron saint of the diocese, St. Colman Mac Leinin, the structure was inspired by the great cathedrals of medieval France.
Admire it from the outside as it towers over you and take a ramble inside and enjoy the magnificent design of its interior.
Third Cobh Stop – Ireland’s Alcatraz
Our third and final stop in Cobh is one that’s left out of many an Ireland itinerary – Spike Island.
Often referred to as ‘Ireland’s Alcatraz’ online, Spike Island was named Europe’s leading tourist attraction at the World Travel Awards in 2017.
You’ll need to grab a ferry from Cobh which takes between 10 and 20 minutes to reach the island.
In the last 1300 years, Spike Island has hosted a 6th century Monastery, a 24 acre Fortress, the largest convict depot in the world in Victorian times and centuries of island homes.
The island’s history has included monks, monasteries, rioters, redcoats, captains and convicts.
Well, well, welllllll worth visiting!
2 – Kinsale for a ramble and a bite to eat
// Cobh to Kinsale – 50-minute drive (arrive to Kinsale for 13:50) //
Our next stop takes us to the gorgeous little fishing town of Kinsale.
Photo by Borisb17 (Shutterstock)
Take a bit of time to wander around the town and then head for food.
Drop into the Lemon Leaf Cafe for a feed (or choose from other great places to eat in Kinsale on our interactive Ireland map) and grab a cup of coffee to-go.
3 – Stretching the legs at the Old Head of Kinsale
// Kinsale town to the Old Head of Kinsale – 20-minute drive (arrive at 15:10) //
Photo via Failte Ireland
Our next stop is the Old Head of Kinsale to stretch the legs and to soak up some of Cork’s gorgeous coastline.
This walk is a handy 6 km (roughly 1.5 hour) loop walk that takes in spectacular views at every turn.
The Old Head of Kinsale is a magnificent narrow promontory into the Atlantic Ocean which rises hundreds of feet from the sea with craggy cliffs.
Take your time and enjoy the gush of Atlantic wind that’ll crash against you from every angle.
4 – Rounding off the day with a stroll at Inchydoney Beach
// The Old Head of Kinsale to Inchydoney Beach – 1-hour drive (arrive to Inchydoney for around 18:00) //
Photo © The Irish Road Trip
The promise of a stroll on a beach like Inchydoney to round off a day of exploring is enough to help you power through the last of the journey from Kinsale.
I really do love this place. It’s amazing at sunset if you just fancy getting a bit of pre-bed sea air (the view from the grassy verge near the car park is great) and it’s even better if you want to go for a stroll.
5 – Clonakilty for the night
// Inchydoney Beach to Clonakilty – 10-minute drive (arrive to Clonakilty for around 19:00) //
Photo © The Irish Road Trip
I love Clonakilty. I’m not sure what it is about the place. But it’s brilliant.
I’ve stayed in O’Donovan’s Hotel in Clonakilty previously, loved it and would 100% recommend it (just keep in mind that it’s pretty dated).
It was also a couple of seconds from the lovely pub above.
Grab a feed in O’Donovan’s and then head into An Teach Beag for a pint.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.
jd
Wednesday 27th of November 2024
I googled Lochside B&B, but could not locate it. Keeps coming up with a place in the UK.
Do you have a url for them? Or email address?
Keith O'Hara
Thursday 28th of November 2024
Hi JD - Thanks for this comment. It appears that they are no longer in operation. A good alternative is the Glenbeg Lodge. It's a 20-minute drive from the brewery. Cheers - Keith
Janet
Wednesday 16th of October 2024
This was an epic endeavor. And sooo well done. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication. This is everything I could have asked for in planning a trip to Ireland. I wish I could have found it sooner. I have to settle for 14 days AND somehow hope to traverse most of this territory. We just learned that my husband's family is from Cavan Co. I really appreciated that it was included. It is the first time I have seen a tour include Cavan. Especially helpful was your inclusion of drive times between destinations. I had to hand write out your ideas or it would have been monumental to print out. I was overwhelmed at all the detail as I'm sure you were. Thank You so much.
Leeann Nolan
Wednesday 15th of November 2023
Hi Keith Thank you so much for all the work you have done on The Irish Road Trip. I have used much of it to plan my 7 week trip to Ireland in 2024. It has been invaluable :)
Mick Bourke
Sunday 24th of September 2023
G’day Keith-thanks for your trip. My wife and I will be over there in late April and most of May (about a month in total before heading to Scotland for a couple of weeks). I think I’ll be using your trip (which is great (as also is the additional info at the bottom)) as the basis for ours, however, I would like to do abit more of the inland (like a figure eight of the island). Do you have any suggestions?
Keith O'Hara
Wednesday 27th of September 2023
Hey Mick,
Is there anywhere in particular you have in mind with the inland section?
Cheers,
Keith
MIchael Katekar
Tuesday 11th of July 2023
A big thank you for all of the time and hard work you have put into this blog. Great information. I don't think we can keep up with your pace but will certainly take up many of your suggestions.