Regione del Sud

Horse racing

Enjoy top class racing at Mallow and Killarney, as well as show-jumping at Millstreet, County Cork.

Horse riding

With miles of sandy beaches, beautiful coastline, spectacular scenery and unspoilt countryside, the South is perfect for an equestrian holiday.

Vela

Il Royal Cork Yacht Club è il più antico club al mondo e fu creato nel 1720. Dispone di un porto sicuro e ben attrezzato ideale per barche a vela di tutte le misure. In alternativa, potrete imparare le basi al County Waterford Harbour Sailing Club, che annovera tra I suoi membri personaggi davvero interessanti.

Sport acquatici

Sono diversi gli sport d’acqua praticabili nella regione. Tra questi, canottaggio, surf, kayak e scuba diving.

Dolphin Watch, County Kerry

The magnificent Kerry coastline looks stunning from the sea, and you can ride the waves in search of local dolphins who hang about the area. The most famous is, of course, Funghi, Dingle’s resident dolphin for the last 20 years.

Duncannon International Sand Sculpting Festival, contea di Wexford

La spiaggia si popola delle mirabolanti sculture di sabbia che partecipano a questo festival, il cui programma prevede anche numerose attività per bambini e un party hawaiano in riva al mare.

Dursey Island Cable Car, Beara Way, County Cork

Test whether you’ve got a head for heights with Ireland’s only cable car service, which brings you to an island of remarkable scenic beauty and total tranquility.

Kennedy’s Pet Farm & Playground, County Kerry

This working dairy and sheep farm also has a huge variety of other animals such as deer, pigs and calves, which can be handled and fed by visitors.

Killarney Model Railway, County Kerry

This is one of the largest model railways in the world, with more than 50 trains running through a miniature European landscape.

Mitchelstown Cave, contea di Tipperary

Un emozionante tour sotterraneo, lungo tre chilometri di cunicoli che si aprono in affascinanti spelonche.

Nore Valley Park and Open Farm, contea di Kilkenny

Incontri ravvicinati tra cuccioli d’animale e cuccioli d’uomo. Ai bambini la fattoria offre -oltre all’opportunità di nutrire agnellini, polli, conigli, anatre e cerbiatti, l’occasione di partecipare a esilaranti cacce al tesoro, correre sui go-kart e giocare a minigolf.

Perks Family Entertainment Centre, County Cork

Kids can really let their hair down at Perks with funfair rides, snooker, 10-pin bowling, pool and games to entertain them for hours.

Samhlaíocht Arts Festival & Bumble Bee Children’s Festival, County Kerry

“Celebrating the Art of Kerry’s Imagination”, this four day annual event showcases the best in arts, carnival and film, with lots of events for children.

Schull Planetarium, Schull, County Cork

The only planetarium in Ireland with a number of stunning star shows.

Splash World, contea di Waterford

Tuffi rigeneranti, relax al sole e persino un idromassaggio tonificante in questo centro acquatico, dove i bambini possono sguazzare allegramente, sotto l’occhio vigile di bagnini professionisti.

Waterford Spraoi Street Festival, contea di Waterford

Uno sgargiante festival delle arti formato famiglia, con i riflettori puntati soprattutto sul teatro di strada nazionale ed estero e sulla world music.

Cashel Summer Festival, contea di Tipperary

Questo festival anima Cashel ogni estate a luglio con musica dal vivo, concerti all’aperto, appuntamenti letterari, concorsi, mostre d’arte e spettacoli teatrali.

Cork Choral Festival

One of Europe’s premier choral festivals, the Cork Choral Festival is held annually in Cork City Hall and attracts around 5,000 participants each year. Enjoy four whole days of music in early May.

Cork Film Festival

Cork explodes with all things film-related in October as Ireland’s film fraternity descends on the city. Expect an eclectic selection of films from around the world, and a pure party atmosphere.

Cork Jazz Festival

Every year this festival entertains around 40,000 revelers with a host of excellent local and international artists. A must for jazz fans.

Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, County Cork

The city art museum, located right in the heart of Cork City in a stunning building welcomes more than 200,000 visitors a year. The collection comprises over 2,000 works from 18th-century Irish and European painting and sculpture through to modern video installations.

Dunmore East Green Dragon Festival, contea di Waterford

L’incantevole città marinara e i suoi dintorni fanno da cornice a questo festival di arte e musica che propone uno straordinario mix tra tradizione gallese e irlandese.

JFK Dunbrody Festival, contea di Wexford

Una tregiorni intensissima con gag, spettacoli, teatro di strada e molto altro ancora. Il festival prende il nome dalla nave Dunbrody, ancorata nel porto in tutta la sua bellezza.

Kilkenny città

Questa affascinante città del XIII secolo fu capitale antica d’Irlanda e oggi offre, a fronte di uno straordinario patrimonio storico-monumentale, boutique alla moda, gallerie di design e raffinati ristoranti. Ce n’è per tutti insomma…

Kilkenny Rhythm and Roots Festival, contea di Kilkenny

Appuntamento clou del calendario musicale irlandese, il festival propone musica americana, country, blues, alternativa, folk, rockabilly e western swing.

Killarney Summer Racing Festival, County Kerry

The Killarney Race meeting provides a great opportunity to sample the Irish passion for horse racing.

Rose of Tralee, County Kerry

This isn’t just a beauty pageant, it’s a full-on festival. More than 200,000 visitors from all over the world flock to Tralee for the annual arts festival and, of course, the crowning of the Rose of Tralee.

Siamsa Tire (The National Folk Theatre), Tralee, County Kerry

Founded in 1974, Siamsa Tire’s mission is to present Ireland's wealth of music, dance and folklore drawing on traditions and a rich cultural past.

Smithwicks Cat Laughs Comedy Festival

Un grande festival della comicità (il “più grande tra i piccoli” del mondo) che fa vibrare Kilkenny di risate. Da tenersi la pancia…

The World Fleadh, Ballybunion, Co Kerry

A seven day international-Irish festival, which takes place in August 2006, featuring concerts and master classes by a fabulous collection of performers within the Irish and Celtic music traditions.

Waterford Light Opera Festival, contea di Waterford

Nata come festival dell’operetta, la rassegna si è evoluta e oggi mette in scena anche celebri musical del West End e di Broadway, oltre a spettacoli originali di grande successo.

Wexford Hooves and Grooves Festival, contea di Wexford

Appuntamento annuale a tutto tondo con musica dal vivo, regate di canottaggio, teatro di strada, mercatini e chi più ne ha più ne metta.

Wexford Opera Festival, contea di Wexford

Ogni autunno Wexford città regala tre mesi di grande opera con un’eccezionale locandina di titoli e spettacoli unici.

The Ship Restaurant, Dunmore East, contea di Waterford

Superbi pesce e molluschi freschissimi in questo ristorante rinomato tra le buone forchette e preso d’assalto praticamente ogni sera. Piacevolissima l’atmosfera della sala da pranzo, un po’ nostalgica e in stile Tudor

Coolbawn Quay, Tipperary

Nestling on the eastern shores of Lough Derg this unique private retreat offers a range of luxury accommodation in village rooms, lakeshore and house suites. Enjoy cosy furnishings, secluded gardens and turf fires, or experience utter relaxation in the tranquil spa.

Dick Mack’s, Dingle, County Kerry

Dingle’s full of excellent pubs, but among the most charming is definitely Dick Mack’s. Sit back, enjoy the atmosphere.

Dundrum House Hotel, County Tipperary

Set in the heart of the Golden Vale, close to the Rock of Cashel, this elegant Georgian manor affords a relaxing country retreat.

Hayfield Manor Hotel, County Cork

Voted AA Irish Hotel of the year 2003/2004, this five-star hotel is in the heart of Cork City, and has the look and feel of a large period house with all the trimmings.

Killarney Park Hotel & Spa, County Kerry

Set in the heart of Killarney town, this five-star family hotel is renowned for its elegance and its luxurious spa.

Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa, County Kerry

This elegant hotel enjoys a wonderful location in Killarney and is home to the zen-like Molton Brown Spa with a host of innovative treatments in a Japanese-style environment.

Kinsale, County Cork

Known as one of Ireland’s gourmet food towns, Kinsale is a delightful little spot that draws foodies in their droves. Tickle your tastebuds with the Kinsale Festival of Autumn Flavours in October, gorge on sublime seafood at the Fishy Fishy Café, or spend an evening in the elegant surrounds of the much-lauded Casino House restaurant in nearby Kilbrittain.

Midleton Farmers Market, Midleton, County Cork

A highly regarded farmer’s market selling the very best local produce including gourmet sandwiches, Irish farmhouse cheeses and exceptional salamis.

Pubs, Kilkenny City

Kilkenny is full of old-fashioned, atmospheric pubs that have made it a major party town. Try a pint of local Kilkenny beer at the Marble City Bar, Jim Hollands, Matthew Duggan’s, John Cleere’s and Caislean ui Cuain.

Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare, County Kerry

A privately owned, five-star country house hotel in Kenmare, set in 300 acres of beautiful woodland, which provides a luxurious setting for fishing, walking or horseriding.

Dundrum House Hotel, contea di Tipperary

Nel cuore della Golden Vale, non lontano dalla rocca di Cashel, una magione georgiana che è oggi un rifugio elegante e riservato.

The Dingle Skellig Hotel, County Kerry

Situated on the most westerly peninsula in Europe, this hotel and spa has a longstanding reputation for comfort, hospitality and service

The English Market, Cork City

This Victorian market building is worth its own visit, but you can’t miss the fresh local produce including meat, poultry, fish and a range of cheeses and delicatessen items.

The Park Hotel Kenmare and Samas Spa, County Kerry

Set in a heavenly location overlooking Kenmare Bay, this five-star country house hotel is home to a deluxe destination spa with an international reputation.

The Ship Restaurant, Dunmore East, County Waterford

High-quality, super-fresh seafood is served up in this exceptionally popular seafood restaurant, which gets packed out most nights. The relaxed dining room has an atmosphere all of its own with laid-back Tudor-style surroundings.

Walton Court Country House Retreat & Spa, County Cork

Set on Oysterhaven Bay this Georgian house is a private country retreat and spa with a unique “club” atmosphere.

Loafer’s, 26 Douglas Street, Cork

Ireland’s oldest gay bar is a chilled out, laid-back type of place.

Outlook – Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, Cork

Part of the Murphy’s Cork Film Festival, Outlook showcases international gay and lesbian film annually in October.

Pride, Cork

Cork’s annual gay pride celebrations take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend with barbecues and parties.

Prism, 4 Keizer Street, Waterford

Tutti i mercoledì dalle 20 alle 22 si possono fare quattro chiacchiere davanti a un caffè, incontrare amici vecchi e nuovi e sfogliare la stampa omo nazionale.

The Other Place, St Augustine Street, Cork

Full-on parties on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with a predominately male crowd.

Brown Thomas, Cork

Elegant department stores specialising in top designer labels.

Chesneau Leather, The Old Creamery, Bennettsbridge, contea di Kilkenny

Una morbida collezione di borse e cinture in pelle, dalle linee moderne e alla moda.

Coal Market, Cornmarket Street, Cork

A bustling, lively outdoor market on every Saturday with a mish-mash of goods from food to CDs and books.

English Market, Grand Parade, Cork

A must-visit for those with even a passing interest in excellent gourmet food.

Fado Antiques, Gifts and Gallery Framing, Dingle, County Kerry

As well as antiques, Fado stocks work from resident Dingle artist Patrick Hennessy.

Fleury Antiques, Cahir, contea di Tipperary

Tempio dell’antiquariato irlandese, con una vasta esposizione.

Kilkenny Design Centre, Castle Yard, Kilkenny

Una vetrina sulla migliore produzione artistica della contea: ceramiche, gioielli e abbigliamento.

Ladies View Industries, Killarney, County Kerry

This little craft shop has to have the best view of any retailer in Ireland. Overlooking the Lakes of Killarney, it stocks knitwear, sheepskins, Celtic jewellery, rugs, linen and lace.

National Craft Gallery, Castle Yard, Kilkenny

Un tempio della creatività irlandese.

Simone Walsh Irish Art & Design, 85 South Main Street, Wexford Town

Galleria dedicata alla pregevole e apprezzata produzione pittorea di Simone Walsh.

Stephen Pearce Pottery, Midleton, County Cork

This large store contains an extensive selection of work from renowned Irish potter Stephen Pearce, as well as other excellent crafts.

Youghal Pottery and Craft Centre, Foxhole, Youghal, County Cork

The largest selection of pottery styles by one workshop in Ireland, with textiles and ceramics also stocked.

Cahir Castle, contea di Tipperary

Progettato con stratagemmi difensivi rivoluzionari per l’epoca, il quattrocentesco Cahir Castle è uno dei castelli meglio conservati dell’Irlanda. Domina maestoso il fiume Suir da un isolotto roccioso. Le audioguide sono disponibili in diverse lingue.

Charles Fort, Kinsale, County Cork

Constructed in the late 17th century, this is a classic example of a star-shaped fort. The magnificent fortress of 1677 is the largest military citadel in Ireland.

Cork City Gaol, Cork City

Unlock the past in a wonderfully preserved old gaol with life-sized wax figures representing different periods in Irish history.

Dingle Marine Eco Tours, County Kerry

A two-hour tour of the Dingle Peninsula incorporating archaeology, geology, history, birdlife, wildlife and local folklore.

Dunbrody Historic Emigrant Ship, New Ross, contea di Wexford

La Dunbrody è la ricostruzione fedele e a grandezza naturale della nave salpata nel 1845 con il suo carico di emigranti diretti in Nord America, in fuga dalla fame.

Dungarvan Castle, Dungarvan, contea di Waterford

Voluto da Re Giovanni d’Inghilterra, il castello fu costruito nel 1185 in posizione strategica alla foce del fiume Colligan. Il maniero è un tipico esempio di castello reale britannico. Solo visite guidate.

Holycross Abbey, County Tipperary

Located in a magnificent setting on the banks of the River Suir, Holycross is an early 12th-century monastery. Before the close of the 12th century it was passed on to the Cistercians and became a place of pilgrimage for people from all over the Ireland.

Castello e giardini di Huntington, Clonegal, contea di Carlow

Residenza dei Durdin-Robertson e abitato ininterrottamente da quando fu costruita la casatorre originaria nel 1625, il castello straripa di ricordi di famiglia e reperti storici.

Jerpoint Abbey, contea di Kilkenny

Notevole abbazia cistercense fondata nella seconda metà del XII secolo. Un vero gioiello il chiostro, o quel che ne resta, con le interessanti sculture e i bassorilievi.

Kilkenny Castle, contea di Kilkenny

Il castello di Kilkenny ha sempre avuto importanza strategica, fin da quando in origine (XII secolo) era soltanto una torre, probabilmente di legno, costruita dal conquistatore Strongbow. Oggi è in buone condizioni e solo in parte rimaneggiato.

Reginald’s Tower, contea di Waterford

Da mille e più anni a questa parte qui c’è sempre stata una torre che vegliava sui moli di Waterford. Quella odierna risale al XII secolo e oggi è sede museale.

Ring of Kerry, County Kerry

The Ring of Kerry’s spectacular beauty is internationally renowned, offering some of the finest beaches in Europe, ancient monuments and a hotbed for those with a penchant for outdoor pursuits.

Rocca di Cashel, contea di Tipperary

La rocca di Cashel è in realtà uno spettacolare complesso medievale che comprende, oltre al castello, una cattedrale, un torrione circolare e i resti di due chiese del 1014.

Roscrea Castle, Tipperary

One of Ireland’s many heritage towns, Roscrea boasts an intriguing 13th-century stone castle with some furnished rooms and house exhibitions. Daily tours are available.

Ross Castle, Killarney, County Kerry

A perfect example of a 15th-century chieftain’s stronghold. The castle sits on the shores of Lough Leanne and was one of the last in the country to hold out against Cromwell.

St Canice’s Cathedral, Irishtown, contea di Kilkenny

Quella di St Canice, del XIII secolo, è la seconda cattedrale per lunghezza in Irlanda. L’attuale edificio sorge su un preesistente luogo di culto cristiano del VI secolo.

St Mary’s Church, contea di Kilkenny

La collegiata fu costruita nel tardo 1200 là dove sorgeva un più antico monastero. Conserva ancora traccia delle architetture e delle sculture della chiesa originaria, maestosa e grandissima.

Waterford Crystal, contea di Waterford

Tra le più famose manifatture del mondo, la Waterford Crystal funziona dal 1783. Il tour della fabbrica porta alla scoperta di come nascono i suoi delicati cristalli e si conclude nello sfavillante negozio.

Waterford Treasures Museum, contea di Waterford

Il Waterford Museum of Treasures nel Granary possiede una notevole collezione di reperti e manufatti rari, collocati nella loro epoca originaria grazie a supporti tecnologici di ultima generazione.