Top Rated Parks to Visit in Blarney

"Surrounding Cork’s Public Museum, the urban oasis of Fitzgerald Park provides a riverside escape from shopping and sightseeing. A mere 10-minute walk from Cork’s centre but worlds away from city life, this is a perfect spot to take a picnic and watch the tips of mature trees skimming the Lee or venture across the ‘shaky bridge’. It also has an excellent playground and duck pond (plus the odd fairy door) offering fun for the entire family."

"Fitzgerald Park is just minutes away from UCC Campus Accommodation and Cork City centre and is situated on the picturesque bank of the river Lee. The park spans approximately eighteen acres with a new state of the art playground, manicured gardens and Cork Public Museum located at its centre."

"If you’re wondering what to do in Cork City that’ll take you away from the hustle and bustle, make your way to Tramore Valley Park. It’s located in Cork City, but it’s off-the-beaten-path enough to make you feel like you’ve ventured out to the countryside. There are a few different walks that you can head off on here, and fairly handy."

"Managed by The Glen Resource and Sports Centre on behalf of Cork City Council, the Tramore Valley Park boasts many activities for all the family"

"Home to Cork’s only BMX Track, Tramore Valley Park is a hive of activity with walking routes, outdoor gym, viewing point and rugby pitch."

"Another of the top things to do with kids in Cork is visit Zipit Forest Adventures. Children (over 7) and adults alike can enjoy this zip-line adventure park just outside Cork City. The panoramic views over Cork from the zip-lines are stunning – if you aren’t too distracted by hurtling at speed through the forest, that is!"

"A two-mile-long (3km) riverside walk that winds its way around the River Lee, this trail ends with panoramic views of Cork’s centre. The path runs parallel to the Twopot River and past the scattered ruins of Bishopstown House, which includes an ornamental lake and a crumbling limestone hut. Across the river, there’s a stone-encircled grassy field – a rural, out-of-the-way park that’s blissfully close to the city centre."

"Immediately inside the gates you will see a portion of the old city walls which have been excavated and restored."

"As you head from the clock house along the Spa Road, keep an eye out for the Lions Heads and the famous hot Mallow springs in Tip O'Neill park, you will see the steam rise from the springs on the colder days. In days gone by the Mallow Spa was visited by people from all over Europe to enjoy and bath in the springs."

"When you reach this forested glen, a 15-minute drive from central Cork, it’s hard to believe you’re so close to the city. Known locally as ‘Mangala’, this woodland escape offers an impressive array of wild flora and fauna – including herons, otters and brown river trout. Once overgrown and uninhabitable, these woods have been reclaimed by locals, who constructed a relatively new walking route that now zigzags across the river and through the forested foothills."

"A firm favorite also located in Kinsale is the famous Fishy Fishy. Using the very best fish straight from the harbor, Fishy Fishy is not just a restaurant, but a remarkable seafood experience. Owner Martin Shanahan works with local fisherman to guarantee the very best and freshest seafood beautifully cooked and presented."

"Kinsale has many spots that are great for anything from quick bites to fine dining. If you are into your seafood, Fishy Fishy is must for any travellers to Kinsale. You will pay more for the food here, but the price is reflected in the quality of the food and the setting."

"One of the most famous seafood restaurants in the country, Fishy Fishy has a wonderful setting with stark white walls splashed with bright artwork and striking steel fish sculptures, and a terrific decked terrace..."

"Quinlans bar is one of Cork most lively spots, and it promises to be the same this weekend with some great live music lined up. Blue fusion will be kicking off the weekend on Saturday at 10 pm followed by the ever-entertaining Clockworks band at 7pm on Sunday. For those of you who like a boogie, Quinlans has you covered with their dance floor right next to where the bands play, perfect if you still have a few moves left after the Ed Sheeran concert!"

"Quinlan’s is a family-owned restaurant built on the legacy of the world-renowned seafood shop the family has been running since 1963. It now has seafood shops and bars all across Ireland but their restaurant in Cork may just be the best of the bunch. If you end up visiting Quinlans, make sure you try the incredible salmon on which the Quinlans reputation is based on."

"‘Quinlans Seafood Bar in Cork City offers a range of fresh fish meals and snacks. You can be assured of the freshness as the fish is delivered daily direct from our boats and is cooked to order. Enjoy our super popular ‘Traditional Fish and Chips’ and choose from 5 of the freshest fish."