The luxurious 5-Star Castlemartyr Spa & Golf Resort has been named weddingsonline’s Munster Hotel Venue of the Year. The East Cork Resort won the prestigious wedding industry award at a black-tie gala ceremony in the Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim, Co Meath on 17 February.

This was the second win for Castlemartyr Resort at the weddingsonline Awards in the past two years, which recognise the professionalism, dedication and exceptional service of wedding venues and suppliers. The Resort previously won Hotel Venue of the Year, Munster and Overall Venue of the Year in 2018.

Speaking on being named Munster’s Hotel Venue of the Year 2020, Castlemartyr Resort General Manager, Brendan Comerford said: “Our promise at Castlemartyr Resort is to ensure every couple a flawless and magical experience on their special day. It is not only our 17th century manor house and the 800-year-old castle that makes Castlemartyr so special for weddings, but also the meticulous attention-to-detail that our experienced team of award-winning wedding planners provide. Without their tireless efforts, along with the work of all the team at Castlemartyr, this award certainly would not have been possible.”

Castlemartyr Resort has been restored to offer 103 guest rooms and suites, along with 47 luxury self-catering lodges. The Resort also includes a multi award-winning Spa with 10 treatment rooms; a fitness studio and pool overlooking the gardens; and a Ron Kirby designed inland links golf course. The hotel offers four award-winning dining options — Bell Tower Restaurant serving modern Irish cuisine with a twist; Franchini’s, an Italian casual dining restaurant; Knights Bar, situated in a restored chapel; and the informal Clubhouse offering a lighter dining option.

Other finalists shortlisted in the Hotel Venue of the Year Munster category included Armada Hotel, Bunratty Castle Hotel, Castle Oaks House Hotel, Castletroy Park Hotel, Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, Faithlegg Hotel, Fernhill House, Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa, Fota Island Resort, Garryvoe Hotel, Killarney Oaks Hotel, Royal Valentia, The Brehon & Angsana Spa – Killarney and The Park Hotel Dungarvan.

Speaking on the calibre of those shortlisted, Brendan added: “The venues nominated for top Munster Hotel Venue of the Year are all outstanding businesses. Congratulations to all those shortlisted and thank you to the weddingsonline judges for acknowledging the work we are doing in Castlemartyr Resort.”

Castlemartyr Resort was also shortlisted for the Castle Venue of the Year award at the 2020 weddingsonline Awards.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so we decided it would be a good idea to put together some inspiration for the perfect Valentine’s Date this weekend along the Ring of Cork. Whether you are looking for a romantic meal, a picturesque walk or even outdoor activities, there is something to tickle your tastes buds in this list. From delicious cuisine, adventure sports, romantic walks, historical experiences and much more. You are guaranteed to have an exceptional experience and a Valentine’s date to remember.
1. CRONIN’S PUB & MAD FISH RESTAURANT

If you are looking for a delicious restaurant by the seaside this Valentine’s Day, this gem is for you. Cronin’s Pub is located in the heart of the seaside town of Crosshaven. Denis got his love of cooking from his Mom and opened the ‘Mad Fish Restaurant’ which has picked up lots of well-deserved food awards. All the produce is sourced locally, freshly prepared each day and absolutely delicious. We would highly recommend the mussels!
2. THE GRANARY FOODSTORE

If you are planning to spend Valentine’s day at home, the Granary Foodstore will help you to plan a romantic meal for two in the setting of your home. There is no need to cook, you can pick up a lovely home cooked meal, tasty dessert and even some wine for the perfect dinner date at home. Enjoy this delicious food in the comfort of your own home.
3. BEACH WALKS

Nothing beats a romantic walk on the beach for Valentine’s Day. You are spoilt for choice along the Ring of Cork with the breath-taking coastline. Some of the most spectacular spots for walks are Redbarn and Claycastle in Youghal, Rocky Bay near Crosshaven and the secluded White Bay beach near Whitegate. Other local favourites include Youghal Front Strand, Myrtleville Beach near Crosshaven and the very popular Fountainstown which has a direct bus service from the city. And that’s not all, you also have Inch Beach near Aghada, Garryvoe Beach, Ardnahinch beach, Ballynamona in Shanagarry, Ballycroneen Beach near Cloyne and the quieter Ballywilling Beach near Garryvoe. After your Valentine’s walk on the beach, why not pop for a sweet treat and a coffee together. One of our favourite spots is the Kilkenny Café at Shanagarry design center in East Cork. Enjoy their home baking and barista coffee after a romantic walk together.
4. FINÍN’S RESTAURANT, MIDLETON

If you are looking to impress this Valentine’s Day, this restaurant in Midleton has continued to impress their visitors for the past 40 years. Enjoy their delicious dishes made with the freshest local produce. A delicious date for two.
5. FERRIT & LEE

‘Ferrit & Lee’ is another gem of a restaurant in Midleton for the perfect Valentine’s dinner date. A modern restaurant with impressive modern cuisine. On Valentine’s day, enjoy the Thai Fish Cakes, Braised Lamb Shoulder, Tempura Fillets of Haddock and much more. A delicious dinner date for two.
6. CAPEL ISLAND RESTAURANT

If you are looking for a Valentine’s dinner date in Youghal, why not enjoy ‘Capel Island Restaurant’. Tickle your taste buds with local and international themed dishes from around the world. The perfect place to try something a little different and unique for Valentine’s Day.
7. YOUGHAL CLOCK GATE TOWER

If you are looking to do something a little different this Valentine’s Day, why not go on a date to learn about the Youghal Clock Gate Tower. A fabulous experience as you explore its history and stories throughout the last 700 the years. Explore the clock’s stories of pain, tragedy and rebellion, but also stories of love, friendship and generosity. As you move up the tower, you will find that each floor tells a story about a different era in time.
8. SURF AND TURF

Another foodie gem in Midleton is ‘Surf and Turf’. Enjoy the slow roast short ribs of beef bourguignon, seafood chowder or go all out and tickle your taste buds with the Surf & Turf which includes Medallions of fillet 6oz, garlic crab claws and prawns. A feast to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
9. THE WOODLAND EXPERIENCE

How about a romantic walk in the woods this Valentine’s Day? Enjoy nature together and breathe in the fresh air. Some of our favourite woods include Ballyannan Woods in Midleton, Castlemartyr Woods, Currabinny Woods near Carrigaline, Glenbower Woods in Killeagh, Marlogue Woods in Cobh and Rostellan Woods, Aghada and of course Farran Woods near Ovens. You could always pop into Bite Size in Ballincollig or Midleton afterwards for a sweet treat. Nothing beats a heavenly coffee and treat to bring a smile to your face after a nice walk.
10. AHERNES TOWNHOUSE & RESTAURANT

We have lots of delicious food gems along the Ring of Cork for Valentine’s Day and Aherne’s Townhouse and Restaurant makes for the perfect date night. It was even voted as ‘Ireland’s most Romantic Restaurant’ by the Bridgestone Guide so you can’t go wrong if you are looking to impress. Tickle your taste buds with the finest fish, freshly caught seafood, locally reared beef and lamb and much more. A dining experience to remember with a twist of romance.
11. BALLYMALOE

Ballymaloe has a very impressive name and is a gem that will impress your date this Valentine’s Day. Enjoy their delicious dishes prepared by their award-winning chefs. A cuisine experience and a Valentine’s experiences to remember forever.
12. THE JAMESON EXPERIENCE

How about a tour of the Jameson Distillery in Midleton this Valentine’s weekend? Enjoy the Jameson Experience Tour of the original Midleton Distillery. The tour lasts about 75 minutes. You will hear all the stories from the history of the famous whiskey. You also get to tickle your taste buds by tasting three famous whiskeys, one being Jameson.
13. FOTA WILDLIFE PARK EXPERIENCE

Why not go on a day date to Fota Wildlife Park. A memorable Valentine’s Day. Come face to face with free roaming animals and birds from all parts of the world. Fota Wildlife Park also offer a Behind the Scenes Tour that gives you a chance to peek at some behind the scenes activity and you even get to feed some animals. A unique Valentine’s experience.
14. BALLYCOTTON CLIFF WALK

The Ring of Cork is full of beautiful cliff walks. It makes for a perfect day date this Valentine’s Day. The Ballycotton cliff walk is one of the most beautiful walks in Ireland. It consists of 5 miles of cliff to the beach in Ballytrasna. Another fabulous cliff walk is the Knockadoon Head Looped Walk. This walk is a mixture of cliff, track and road walks. A lovely way to spend a day with your loved one.
15. THE PEPPERSTACK

The Pepperstack was voted “Munsters Favourite Place to Eat” at the 2016 Keeling’s Gold Medal Awards and makes for an impressive Valentine’s Date. Their ambition is to create one of the most innovative and honest food establishments Cork has ever seen. A gem that impresses time and time again.

The Port of Cork have released the 2020 Cork Harbour Cruise Ship schedule.

March 2020

Vessel
Pax
Arrives
Berth
Departs

SAGA SAPPHIRE
752
Mar 13th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Mar 13th at 17:00

MARCO POLO
922
Mar 23rd at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Mar 23rd at 15:30

April 2020

Vessel
Pax
Arrives
Berth
Departs

MARCO POLO
922
Apr 6th at 06:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Apr 6th at 15:30

MARCO POLO
922
Apr 13th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Apr 13th at 16:00

ASTORIA
580
Apr 14th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Apr 14th at 18:00

ROTTERDAM
1668
Apr 17th at 10:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Apr 17th at 23:00

NORWEGIAN STAR
3000
Apr 21st at 07:00
Ringaskiddy DWB
Apr 21st at 16:00

MARCO POLO
922
Apr 24th at 06:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Apr 24th at 16:00

L’AUSTRAL
264
Apr 29th at 06:30
South Jetties
Apr 29th at 18:00

MSC SPLENDIDA
3959
Apr 29th at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Apr 29th at 19:00

NORWEGIAN STAR
3000
Apr 30th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Apr 30th at 17:00

May 2020

Vessel
Pax
Arrives
Berth
Departs

L’AUSTRAL
264
May 3rd at 08:30
Cobh Cruise Terminal
May 3rd at 18:30

CELEBRITY REFLECTION
3046
May 5th at 10:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
May 5th at 18:00

REGAL PRINCESS
3605
May 6th at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
May 6th at 19:00

ARTANIA
1323
May 6th at 09:00
Ringaskiddy DWB
May 6th at 17:00

MARCO POLO
922
May 7th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
May 7th at 14:00

L’AUSTRAL
264
May 7th at 11:00
South Jetties
May 7th at 19:00

SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER
754
May 11th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
May 11th at 18:00

VEENDAM
1613
May 12th at 08:00
Ringaskiddy DWB
May 12th at 18:00

L’AUSTRAL
264
May 13th at 06:30
South Jetties
May 13th at 18:00

MSC SPLENDIDA
3959
May 13th at 11:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
May 13th at 20:00

BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS
2500
May 14th at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
May 14th at 20:00

NORWEGIAN STAR
3000
May 15th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
May 15th at 16:00

CELEBRITY REFLECTION
3046
May 16th at 09:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
May 16th at 17:00

MARCO POLO
922
May 22nd at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
May 22nd at 22:00

AIDAVITA
1582
May 25th at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
May 25th at 18:00

NORWEGIAN STAR
3000
May 29th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
May 29th at 16:00

REGAL PRINCESS
3605
May 30th at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
May 30th at 19:00

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER
154
May 31st at 06:00
South Jetties
May 31st at 22:00

ALBATROS-
812
May 31st at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
May 31st at 18:00

June 2020

Vessel
Pax
Arrives
Berth
Departs

CELEBRITY SILHOUETTE
2886
Jun 1st at 08:30
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jun 1st at 23:00

AZAMARA PURSUIT
777
Jun 2nd at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jun 2nd at 22:00

BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS
2500
Jun 3rd at 06:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jun 3rd at 16:00

QUEEN VICTORIA
2144
Jun 9th at 06:30
Ringaskiddy DWB
Jun 9th at 18:00

SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER
754
Jun 9th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jun 9th at 17:00

BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS
2500
Jun 10th at 06:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jun 10th at 16:00

REGAL PRINCESS
3605
Jun 11th at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jun 11th at 19:00

VASCO DA GAMA
1625
Jun 14th at 04:00
Ringaskiddy DWB
Jun 14th at 12:00

CELEBRITY REFLECTION
3046
Jun 14th at 11:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jun 14th at 19:00

BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS
2500
Jun 18th at 06:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jun 18th at 19:00

EUROPA 2
544
Jun 18th at 07:00
Ringaskiddy DWB
Jun 18th at 18:00

CELEBRITY REFLECTION
3046
Jun 20th at 08:30
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jun 20th at 17:00

REGAL PRINCESS
3605
Jun 23rd at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jun 23rd at 16:00

COLUMBUS
1856
Jun 23rd at 10:30
Ringaskiddy DWB
Jun 23rd at 20:00

MAGELLAN
1794
Jun 25th at 11:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jun 25th at 20:00

CELEBRITY REFLECTION
3046
Jun 28th at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jun 28th at 18:00

SEA PRINCESS
2342
Jun 30th at 06:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jun 30th at 22:00

July 2020

Vessel
Pax
Arrives
Berth
Departs

CELEBRITY REFLECTION
3046
Jul 2nd at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jul 2nd at 18:00

NAUTICA
777
Jul 4th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jul 4th at 20:00

REGAL PRINCESS
3605
Jul 5th at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jul 6th at 14:00

SEVEN SEAS NAVIGATOR
530
Jul 11th at 09:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jul 11th at 20:00

ORIANA
1804
Jul 13th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jul 13th at 18:00

AEGEAN ODYSSEY
720
Jul 14th at 07:00
South Jetties
Jul 15th at 16:00

NAUTICA
777
Jul 15th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jul 15th at 20:00

REGAL PRINCESS
3605
Jul 17th at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jul 18th at 14:00

BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS
2500
Jul 21st at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jul 21st at 18:00

CELEBRITY REFLECTION
3046
Jul 22nd at 06:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jul 22nd at 16:00

CRYSTAL SYMPHONY
975
Jul 27th at 07:30
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jul 27th at 18:00

REGAL PRINCESS
3605
Jul 29th at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Jul 29th at 19:00

August 2020

Vessel
Pax
Arrives
Berth
Departs

ARTANIA
1323
Aug 4th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Aug 4th at 18:00

MARINA-
1258
Aug 5th at 06:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Aug 5th at 17:00

AIDAVITA
1582
Aug 5th at 07:00
Ringaskiddy DWB
Aug 5th at 18:00

AEGEAN ODYSSEY
720
Aug 6th at 06:30
South Jetties
Aug 6th at 16:00

SEABOURN QUEST
478
Aug 9th at 06:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Aug 9th at 17:00

REGAL PRINCESS
3605
Aug 10th at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Aug 10th at 19:00

ARCADIA
2556
Aug 11th at 06:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Aug 11th at 18:00

CELEBRITY REFLECTION
3046
Aug 12th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Aug 12th at 16:00

ARTANIA
1323
Aug 12th at 12:00
Ringaskiddy DWB
Aug 12th at 20:00

MSC SPLENDIDA
3959
Aug 20th at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Aug 20th at 16:00

REGAL PRINCESS
3605
Aug 22nd at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Aug 22nd at 17:00

September 2020

Vessel
Pax
Arrives
Berth
Departs

NORWEGIAN STAR
3000
Sep 2nd at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Sep 2nd at 16:00

MARCO POLO
922
Sep 3rd at 11:00
Ringaskiddy DWB
Sep 3rd at 19:00

REGAL PRINCESS
3605
Sep 3rd at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Sep 4th at 17:00

AZAMARA QUEST
702
Sep 6th at 06:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Sep 6th at 22:00

CELEBRITY SILHOUETTE
2886
Sep 7th at 09:30
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Sep 7th at 19:00

SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY
990
Sep 8th at 07:00
Ringaskiddy DWB
Sep 8th at 17:00

MSC SPLENDIDA
3959
Sep 13th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Sep 13th at 16:00

NORWEGIAN STAR
3000
Sep 14th at 07:00
Ringaskiddy DWB
Sep 14th at 16:00

INSIGNIA
702
Sep 14th at 09:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Sep 14th at 20:00

NORWEGIAN STAR
3000
Sep 16th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Sep 16th at 16:00

MAGELLAN
1794
Sep 16th at 09:00
Marino Point
Sep 16th at 19:00

SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER
754
Sep 19th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Sep 19th at 17:00

SIRENA
824
Sep 22nd at 06:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Sep 22nd at 16:00

MAGELLAN
1794
Sep 22nd at 11:00
Marino Point
Sep 22nd at 18:30

NORWEGIAN STAR
3000
Sep 26th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Sep 26th at 16:00

REGAL PRINCESS
3605
Sep 27th at 08:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Sep 27th at 17:00

SIRENA
824
Sep 27th at 08:00
Ringaskiddy DWB
Sep 27th at 18:00

NAUTICA
777
Sep 30th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Sep 30th at 20:00

October 2020

Vessel
Pax
Arrives
Berth
Departs

ARTANIA
1323
Oct 5th at 12:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Oct 5th at 19:00

MAGELLAN
1794
Oct 6th at 10:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Oct 6th at 19:00

NORWEGIAN STAR
3000
Oct 8th at 07:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Oct 8th at 16:00

MAGELLAN
1794
Oct 22nd at 11:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Oct 22nd at 20:00

December 2020

Vessel
Pax
Arrives
Berth
Departs

MARCO POLO
922
Dec 7th at 13:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Dec 7th at 21:00

MARCO POLO
922
Dec 21st at 13:00
Cobh Cruise Terminal
Dec 21st at 21:00

The Ring of Cork is full of experiences that won’t cost you a penny and will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Enjoy the breath-taking views, unforgettable beaches, dive into the history, take picturesque walks and go on fun family adventures. In this blog post, we are sharing 20 things you can do along the Ring of Cork that won’t cost you a penny. It is said that the best things in life are free and after compiling a list of these gems along the Ring of Cork, I cannot help but agree.
BALLYCOTTON CLIFF WALK

 
Ballycotton is around 45 minutes from Cork City. A fishing village in East Cork overlooking Ballycotton Bay. The Ballycotton cliff walk is known for its spectacular scenery and wildlife.  The coastal cliff walk is one of the most beautiful walks in Ireland. It consists of 5 miles of cliff to the beach in Ballytrasna. Breathe in the fresh sea air and enjoy this natural beauty. 
BISHOPSTOWN PLAYGROUND

An exciting new experience for your little ones in Bishopstown. The new Bishopstown playground is newly opened and is waiting for you to explore. The playground is located at Bishopstown Park near Bishopstown Tennis Club. Discover the climbing units, tower slides, balancing bars, earth mounds, sand areas, see saws and much more. Along with the playground, you can enjoy walkways, playing pitches, a pitch and putt course and a recreation space. A great way to enjoy the fresh air with your kids and a new exciting place to explore as a family.
BALLINCOLLIG REGIONAL PARK

The Ballincollig regional park is located on the South bank of the River Lee. People are drawn to the parks natural landscape and peaceful walks. There are lots of walking trails to explore, all twisting and turning back and forth from the water, so you can make your walk as long or as short as you like. Each walk allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery in the park. A healthy way to spend time walking with friends in the evening.
 
FAIRY TRAILS

 
The Fairy Trail at Ballincollig Regional Park is a trail where the fairies of Ireland come to live and where your children’s imagination comes to life. A great idea is to bring a fairy door and place it on the trail with the other fairy doors. A lovely way to spend time together. 
CROSSHAVEN RAILWAY WALK

 
A very popular walk is from Kilnagleary, near Carrigaline, which brings you right into Crosshaven. This walk runs along the old Cork to Crosshaven railway line which was in use from 1904 to 1932. As you walk along the path, you have the Owenabue River by your side all the way to Crosshaven. A walk with a beautiful view. 
YOUGHAL BOARDWALK

 
The boardwalk in Youghal offers a beautiful walk into Youghal town. Park your car and walk into the seaside town of Youghal. The Eco-Boardwalk is a 400 metre hardwood panelled beach walkway, stretching from Front Strand Beach to Claycastle Beach. A lovely way to get some sea air with a beautiful walk and spectacular views. 
BEACH WALKS

 
We are very lucky to be known along the Ring of Cork for our breath-taking coastline. We have lots of beach walks to enjoy. Some of the most spectacular spots for walks are Redbarn and Claycastle in Youghal, Rocky Bay near Crosshaven and the secluded White Bay beach near Whitegate. Other local favourites include Youghal Front Strand, Myrtleville Beach near Crosshaven and the very popular Fountainstown which has a direct bus service from the city.
And that’s not all, you also have Inch Beach near Aghada, Garryvoe Beach, Ardnahinch beach, Ballynamona in Shanagarry, Ballycroneen Beach near Cloyne and the quieter Ballywilling Beach near Garryvoe. Lots of choice for a winter walk to enjoy the sea air. 
 
FARRAN WOODS

If you are looking for an escape from the city, Farran Wood is exactly what you are looking for. It is located just off Inniscarra Lake and is surrounded by views of the lake, forest and countryside. You can enjoy a walk throughout the forest and pick from lots of different paths, some which offer a relaxed walk while others offer a more challenging walk. 
 
MIDLETON’S FARMERS MARKET

A visit to Midleton’s farmers market is always a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning. It is one of the most famous markets in Ireland and has been running for over a decade. Soak up the atmosphere as you enjoy the delights on offer at the market from local producers. You can even pick up some produce to bring home as part of your weekly shop. The market buzz is contagious and the market is full of wonderful produce every single week. It is all about boosting the local economy and keeping small producers in business. The market takes place every Saturday from 9am – 1pm. 

CROSSHAVEN GRASSY AND CLIFF WALK
[caption id="attachment_300005" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Evening sun at Crosshaven, Co. Cork. Photo Joleen Cronin[/caption]
 
The Grassy and Cliff Walk in Crosshaven is always a great walk with spectacular views of the harbour from start to finish. The walk takes you along the Point Road until you reach the grassy walk at the end of the road. You can climb up the path to the most sensational viewing area. You have breath-taking views of Spike Island, Haulbowline and Cobh. You can continue the walk or return to the village along Camden road. If you continue the walk you will be brought along the cliff on a well-worn path which will bring you down to Graball Bay. A lovely walk with family or friends. 
 
PASSAGE WEST MARITIME MUSEUM

Passage West Maritime Museum is definitely worth a visit. The museum tells the story of Passage West, the Birthplace of Ireland’s Steamship Industry. The town of Passage boasts an impressive industrial heritage dating back over 300 years. Known as ‘the original port of Cork’ it was the birthplace of the first steamship built in Ireland, ‘The City of Cork’, which was constructed in 1815 on the site of where the Museum now stands. It was also the port from which “The Sirius”, the first ship to cross the Atlantic entirely under steam, left in 1838 under the command of local man Captain Richard Roberts. And of course, Passage West and its shipbuilding industry is probably best known through its association with the Royal Victoria Dockyard, which provided so much employment to its townspeople throughout the years. This experience is guaranteed to be a very interesting outing and one we would highly recommend.
GLENBOWER WOODS

 
If you are looking for a woodland walk in East Cork, Glenbower Wood will not disappoint. It is located in the friendly town of Killeagh as you take the turn off by the Old Thatch pub in the village. You can walk through the forest trail and enjoy the surroundings in this picturesque gem.
 
KNOCKADOON CLIFF WALK

Another fabulous cliff walk is the Knockadoon Head Looped Walk. This walk is a mixture of cliff, track and road walks. A lovely way to spend a day with friends or family in the fresh sea air. 

ST COLEMANS CATHEDRAL, COBH

Cobh is home to the impressive St Colman’s Cathedral. Built in the neo-Gothic style over the course of 47 years, the cathedral finally opened in 1911. It is definitely worth a visit. The cathedral continues to hold religious services and often hosts recitals featuring choirs from around the world.
 
 
CURRAGHBINNY WOOD

Another fabulous wood to explore in the winter months is Curraghbinny Wood which is located on a prominent hill overlooking Cork Harbour. It is a compact wood, covering just 35 hectares but its beauty punches way about its size. It has an old world feel largely due to the amount of carriage paths running through the wood and its location close to the stunning architecture of the Terrace and the Villas at Curraghbinny Pier.
ROCHE’S POINT LIGHTHOUSE

 
Roche’s Point Lighthouse is situated at the entrance to Cork Harbour. You can enjoy looking at it from the outside with beautiful views all around. The lighthouse was first established on 4 June 1817 to guide ships into Cork Harbour. The original tower was deemed too small and in 1835 was replaced by the larger present tower which is 49 feet high with a diameter of 12 feet. On Sunday 4th June 2017 there was an open day at the lighthouse to commemorate the 200th year of the establishment of the lighthouse. Over 1,500 people turned up for the chance to climb the lighthouse up to the balcony. Former lighthouse keepers were present for the open day. The last stop of the RMS Titanic before its fatal voyage. 
 
EXPLORE BY BIKE

The Ring of Cork is full of places to explore by bike. It is a lovely way to spend your day with family or friends. A Sunday cycle is always a good idea. Some of our favourite places to cycle are the seaside town of Youghal, Ballincollig Regional Park, the Crosshaven Railway Walk or the Cork city to Passage West trail.  There is plenty to choose from along the Ring of Cork 
MARLOGUE WOOD
 
Marlogue wood is located on the south east of Great Island and bounds the Ballynacorra River and Cork harbour. It is a hidden gem with an old world feel that has much to offer including a variety of mature trees and tracks suitable for walking. This wood is well worth a visit!
 
RING OF CORK HERITAGE DRIVE

Why not discover the rich heritage and historic stories in East Cork, Cork Harbour and the greater Cork region with the new Ring of Cork Heritage Trail. With over 35 places to visit you will find round towers and castles, historic cathedrals, military barracks & forts, heritage centers & museums telling stories of emigration, whiskey & potatoes,  ancient tombs,  great houses & historic buildings & town walks. You can pick up your copy of the A3 Map from your local tourist office or local tourism business.
Download the map here 
 
VICTORIAN WORKING GARDEN AT FOTA HOUSE

If you are looking for a beautiful walk in a picturesque garden, the Victorian Working garden at Fota House is for you. A tranquil experience. As you walk around you can enjoy the beautiful orchard, pit houses and working glasshouses. The Victorian Working Garden is open Monday – Friday and most Sundays from March to September where you can wander about and take it all in. 
The post 20 Ring of Cork Experiences that are Completely Free. appeared first on Ring of Cork.

New four-part series called Fota: Into the Wild starts on Virgin Media One Television this Sunday 2nd February at 8pm 
Today Fota Wildlife Park announced the recent births of two baby Columbian black spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps rufiventris) to mothers Batty and Norma. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the Columbian black spider monkey as critically endangered  due to hunting, habitat destruction and a long birth cycle as females only give birth every two or three years. This primate and many other endangered species will feature in the new documentary series about Fota Wildlife Park, presented by Andrea Hayes, commencing on Virgin Media One Television this Sunday the 2nd of February at 8pm. The four-part television programme is called – Fota: Into the Wild and was filmed by Red Pepper Productions over a period of nearly two years. The series follows Fota’s animal Rangers as they care for and protect many of the species – from birth all the way through to maturity.  The first programme of this brand-new series will feature three Asiatic lion cubs, the first to be born in Fota; and a journey to Madagascar to observe some of the world’s most endangered lemurs in the wild. 
Teresa Power, Lead Ranger said about the Columbian black spider monkey births; “It’s been a very busy time for us here at Fota, not only are we buzzing with excitement about the new Virgin Media One TV series , but our primate section has been kept on its toes with the arrivals of two new babies to the Columbian spider monkey group. At nearly thirty years old, we were delighted to see that Batty had given birth on the 27th December to her sixth baby at Fota Wildlife Park with her long-term partner Arnold who is four years her junior. Even more recently mother Norma aged 9 and father Pinky, who is eight years old became parents on the 11th of January.” She continued “The Spider monkeys are part of a European endangered breeding programme (EEP) and Norma was sent to Fota Wildlife Park in 2015 from Bioparc de Doué-la-fontaine in France while her partner Pinky was born here at the Park. Norma is easy for the Rangers to distinguish from the rest of the Spider monkeys as she has very pale skin around her eyes that look almost like a pair of glasses-so be sure to watch out for her and her brand new baby next time you visit the Park.”
The Columbian black spider monkey is a sub-species and is native to Columbia and Panama and has a black body, long limbs and an extremely flexible tail which has a hairless tip for gripping that like a human fingerprint is unique to each individual animal.
Teresa Power said today: “Visitors to Fota Wildlife Park can see our group of Colombian black spider monkeys outside in their habitat near the Oasis Café every day, weather permitting; and if they look very closely, they should be able to spot the new babies clinging tightly to their mother’s tummies. Both Batty and Norma will carry their babies around like this for the first four or five months and then transfer their young onto their backs as they grow. The new arrivals should start to eat solid food at around eight months old and be fully weaned at around sixteen months. Time will tell whether these Columbian spider monkey babies are male or female as currently both females are very protective, and the Primate team will not disturb the mothers and babies at this stage of their development.”
The Black Spider Monkey is the largest of the New World monkeys and is found in humid forests up to 2,500 metres above sea level. It’s also an arboreal species, spending most of its time up high in the canopy.  It eats a diet mainly of fruit, though it also consumes leaves for protein and has a pot-bellied appearance because of its large stomach. 
Fota Wildlife Park, part of the Zoological Society of Ireland, is located on 100 acres at Fota Island 10km east of Cork City and has an annual attendance of over 460,000 visitors which makes it one of Ireland’s top visitor attractions. 
Tune into Virgin Media One television on Sunday 2nd February to see the first in a four-part hour-long series called Fota: Into the Wild from 8 pm to 9 pm.
The post Two Baby Columbian Black Spider Monkeys born at Fota Wildlife Park appeared first on Ring of Cork.