In Cork city, St Finbar's cathedral is an obvious architectural highpoint. A walk through the campus of University College Cork is well worth while. The Glucksman gallery, Crawford gallery and Triskel arts centre are the most important Artistic venues in the city. The English market is probably the best food market in either Ireland or Britain. Other obvious attractions are Cork city gaol, St Anne's church in Shandon and the Cork public museum. The city centre is very amenable to walking - there are over 30 bridges across the two channels of the river, and while few of the buildings from prior to the nineteenth century survive, the street layout is interesting and the Architecture can be also.
A visit to Blarney Castle would allow you to bend over backwards and kiss the stone of eloquence. This might give you a good chance of being able to better maintain conversations with the inhabitants of the county.
Midleton distillery
[www.jamesonwhiskey.com/omd/] is where most of the world-famous brands of Irish whiskey are currently produced - Jameson, Powers and Paddy, as well as others. The historic buildings house a museum. And a tasting centre.Bantry house and gardens
on the shores of Bantry bay is a glorious example of Georgian architecture in a stunning location.Fota wildlife park and Arboretum
in the upper harbour is a forested micro-climate where many endangered species from around the world are bred and protected. It is notable for it's success in breeding cheetahs.The town of Kinsale boasts two seventeenth century star forts on either side of the harbour. James' fort is overgrown and mysterious, while Charles' fort is probably the finest example of a military fortress in Ireland.
itineraries
You could base an itinerary on any of several activities, including:
Fishing - Inland river-angling and Oceanic shark-fishing would cover this. There are several places to do both.
Horseriding - Many horseriding facilities are available throughout the county.
Golfing - A good variety of courses are available, topped by the magnificent if pricey Old Head of Kinsale course.
Diving - Mostly offshore, but there is Lake diving at Lough Ine near Skibbereen.
Surfing - It can get rough. Popular spots include Garretstown near Kinsale, Castlefreke near Clonakilty and Barleycove on the Mizen peninsula.
Sailing - Visit Crosshaven, home to Royal Cork Yacht Club. Holidays and lessons with SailCork at East Ferry in Cobh.