| A fascinating historical legacy can be found in this Eastern corner of County Cork. Countless historical sites and buildings of cultural interest, including ancient castles, monasteries and an old walled port, can be explored. Nowhere else in Ireland will you find such a collection of intriguing heritage centres and small museums, recounting the maritime folklore, sea faring tragedies and the story of emigration and prisoner ships, bound for the New World.
The rich tradition of nearly 200 years of Irish whiskey distilling will amaze visitors to the Old Midleton Distillery in the colourful market town of Midleton. In Cobh, The Queenstown Story recalls the many historical events associated with the town, such as the sad story of the 2.5 million adults and children who emigrated from Ireland via this port. Cobh Museum also gives an interesting insight to the past. Situated close by is Fota House, where a series of multi-media touch screens detail Ireland’s finest example of Regency period architecture and recounts its fascinating legacy. The House is also surrounded by a world renowned arboretum and garden, featuring rare and exotic flora from around the world.
Barryscourt Castle, a superbly restored 15th Century tower house, Fox’s Lane Museum and the Youghal Heritage Centre all add to the wealth of cultural interests in the area.
If you prefer to travel 'on shank's mare' (on foot!) there are several historical tours, such as the Titanic Trail in Cobh, a guided tour that focuses on the connections to the ill fated liner. Further East, a walking tour of the Olde Town of Youghal will fascinate both young and old with tales of plague, plunder and Youghal's most famous resident, Sir Walter Raleigh, one of the most famous men of the Elizabethan age.
The past and present mingle at every turn in East Cork. In small villages or in the larger towns, surprises from the past will captivate our visitors.
Visit our Heritage Trail for the locations of some of the best Heritage sites in East Cork and North Cork.
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