Title: 10 TOP Things to Do in Southwest Ireland December 2025 | Expedia.ca [Southwest Ireland Travel Guide](https://expedia.ca/Southwest-Ireland.dx6051464)[Hotels in Southwest Ireland](https://expedia.ca/Southwest-Ireland-Hotels.d6051464.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Flights to Southwest Ireland](https://expedia.ca/Cheap-Flights-To-Southwest-Ireland.d6051464.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Southwest Ireland Car Rentals](https://expedia.ca/Car-Rentals-In-Southwest-Ireland.d6051464.Car-Rental-Guide)[Southwest Ireland Vacation Packages](https://expedia.ca/Southwest-Ireland.d6051464.Destination-Travel-Guides) # What to do in Southwest Ireland ## Activities, attractions and tours ## Visit Southwest Ireland Types of activities Where to stay [Southwest Ireland travel guide](https://expedia.ca/Southwest-Ireland.dx6051464) ![Torc Waterfall showing forests](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/144000/144592-Killarney.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![St. Finbarr\'s Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and religious aspects](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/144000/144549-Cork.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Torc Waterfall which includes forests and a river or creek](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/144000/144591-Killarney.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Glucksman Gallery which includes modern architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/144000/144551-Cork.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Bantry House and Garden featuring a park](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/38000/38810-Cork.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Southwest Ireland Attractions Let Expedia help you experience the best that Southwest Ireland has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes. #### Activities and Tours Southwest Ireland is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Southwest Ireland to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind. If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights. #### Southwest Ireland Attractions Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Southwest Ireland. Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Southwest Ireland attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. --- - ![find price illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__find_price.svg) ### Explore activities Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer. - ![calendar shield illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__calendar_shield.svg) ### Book with ease Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities. - ![trophy illustration](https://a.travel-assets.com/travel-assets-manager/pictogram-bex/light__trophy.svg) ### Treat yourself Members save % or more when you book activities. --- ## Top places to visit ### 1\. Blarney Castle Visit Blarney Castle to see dungeons, towers and ramparts of a fortress dating back to the 15th century. Marvel at the colorful flower displays of the perfectly groomed gardens and enjoy picnics on pristine lawns. Climb to the Blarney Stone, said to grant the gift of eloquence to all who kiss it. Today’s Blarney Castle is the third structure on the site and was established in 1446 by the then King of Munster. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Blarney-Castle-Blarney.d6090151.Vacation-Attraction) ![Blarney Castle showing chateau or palace and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6090151/af2dede0-a6ca-4231-8670-9b643ff9ae4d.jpg) ### 2\. Killarney National Park Killarney National Park is a wonderful expanse of mountains and lakes in Ireland’s southwestern corner. It has a mix of flora and fauna spread out across its dense woodland and mountain peaks. Enter the Victorian mansion of the Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms for updated information from its visitor center. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Killarney-National-Park-Killarney.d6090214.Vacation-Attraction) ![Muckross Abbey which includes heritage architecture, a castle and heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6090219/08de8e51-5ac3-4d4c-ad6d-82041667fac0.jpg) ### 3\. University College Cork Cork University College is a constituent university of the National University of Ireland and was founded in 1845 as one of three Queen’s colleges located in Belfast, Galway and Cork. The university won international acclaim when it was named Irish University of the Year by the Sunday Times in 2011. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/University-College-Cork-Cork.d6075852.Vacation-Attraction) ![University College Cork showing a river or creek and a small town or village](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6075852/e568b10d-d259-452d-986a-f227bcffae92.jpg) ### 4\. Ross Castle Whether arriving by boat after your trip through the Gap of Dunloe or by land along the Kerry Way, find historic Ross Castle standing serenely over beautiful Lough Leane. See a very well-preserved example of a medieval castle from outside and in. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Ross-Castle-Killarney.d6090217.Vacation-Attraction) ![Ross Castle which includes a river or creek, chateau or palace and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6090217/ec0b8e28-9be3-46e9-9bca-40487cb27e14.jpg) ### 5\. Muckross House At Muckross House visit a beautiful aristocratic home, wander through extensive gardens and learn about traditional farming culture. Explore a grand estate with many different perspectives of Ireland’s history. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Muckross-House-Killarney.d6090223.Vacation-Attraction) ![Muckross House which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a castle](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6090223/433db01e-c90f-45c8-9b55-b691038cde2e.jpg) ### 6\. English Market Visit Cork’s English Market to encounter the infectious sights, sounds and smells of a centuries-old food market. Discover everything from organic fruits and vegetables to artisanal ice cream, fresh seafood and locally produced cheeses. Try typical Cork fare while watching the bustling market activity from the comfort of a café or restaurant. The English Market dates back to 1788\. Today its more than 50 traders form an integral part of Cork’s culinary scene. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/English-Market-Cork-City-Centre.d6125594.Vacation-Attraction) ![English Market showing street scenes and heritage elements](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6125594/7e0de119-3892-42f8-ac71-35437e65124a.jpg) ### 7\. Blarney Stone Embedded into the moss and lichen-speckled battlements of Blarney Castle, in the small village of the same name, kissing the Blarney Stone is no easy feat. This is particularly true for anyone with a fear of heights as kissing the stone involves leaning backwards over the castle walls to reach it with one’s lips. Nevertheless, this has not stopped countless individuals from doing so over the centuries, in their quest for the gift of the gab. [Learn more ](https://www.expedia.ca/Blarney-Stone-Blarney.d6174282.Vacation-Attraction) ![Blarney Stone showing chateau or palace, heritage elements and building ruins](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6174282/4a2af0be-8dbb-4d2d-b837-f96f41d3dd58.jpg) ## Recommended things to do in Southwest Ireland | Number of things to do | 18 | | ------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Cheapest thing to do on Expedia | [Historical attractions of Alexander Hamillton Mother's Gravesite](/things-to-do/historical-attractions-of-alexander-hamillton-mothers-gravesite.a47769429.activity-details): CA $18 | | Top 5 things to do | [Deh HeadPiece & Tings](/things-to-do/deh-headpiece-tings.a47478108.activity-details)[Live Music Sunset Sail](/things-to-do/live-music-sunset-sail.a46066527.activity-details)[Snorkelling with Sea Turtles](/things-to-do/rainbow-beach-all-day-relax-and-play-package.a4929936.activity-details)[Historic Christiansted Ghost Tour](/things-to-do/historic-christiansted-ghost-tour.a49216644.activity-details)[Horseback Riding Experience](/things-to-do/horseback-riding-experience.a4120283.activity-details) | | Half-day tours | [Deh HeadPiece & Tings](/things-to-do/deh-headpiece-tings.a47478108.activity-details)[Live Music Sunset Sail](/things-to-do/live-music-sunset-sail.a46066527.activity-details)[Snorkelling with Sea Turtles](/things-to-do/rainbow-beach-all-day-relax-and-play-package.a4929936.activity-details)[Historic Christiansted Ghost Tour](/things-to-do/historic-christiansted-ghost-tour.a49216644.activity-details)[Horseback Riding Experience](/things-to-do/horseback-riding-experience.a4120283.activity-details) | | With kids | [Deh HeadPiece & Tings](/things-to-do/deh-headpiece-tings.a47478108.activity-details)[Live Music Sunset Sail](/things-to-do/live-music-sunset-sail.a46066527.activity-details)[Horseback Riding Experience](/things-to-do/horseback-riding-experience.a4120283.activity-details)[Christiansted's Artisan Shopping Tour](/things-to-do/artisan-shopping-and-beach-day-trip-in-christiansted.a50315706.activity-details)[Chocolate Making Workshop with Tasting](/things-to-do/st-croix-local-chocolate-experience-with-tasting.a50346382.activity-details) | ## What to do in Southwest Ireland --- ### Discover the most popular places to visit in Southwest Ireland ![Blarney Castle showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and château or palace](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/144000/144686-Blarney.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Blarney Castle Walk in the footsteps of ancient kings, wander amid mystical gardens and kiss the venerated Blarney Stone at this centuries-old castle. [](https://expedia.ca/Blarney-Castle-Blarney.d6090151.Vacation-Attraction) ![Muckross Abbey featuring heritage elements, a castle and a cemetery](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/145000/145236-Muckross-Abbey.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Killarney National Park See the rare fauna and visit the quaint cottages adorning the picturesque lakes and forests of this mountainous national park. [](https://expedia.ca/Killarney-National-Park-Killarney.d6090214.Vacation-Attraction) ![University College Cork](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/524000/524778-cork.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### University College Cork Situated by the banks of the River Lee, University College Cork is a gorgeous, ornate gothic structure with a rich reputation for academic excellence. [](https://expedia.ca/University-College-Cork-Cork.d6075852.Vacation-Attraction) ![Ross Castle](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/524000/524824-county-kerry.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Ross Castle Standing guard over the lake, this silent ruin provides a glimpse of life in an Ireland that was often a land of warring clans. [](https://expedia.ca/Ross-Castle-Killarney.d6090217.Vacation-Attraction) ![Muckross House which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and a castle](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/145000/145100-Muckross-House.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Muckross House Enjoy varied delights on this splendid estate, which offers a look into daily life in the past, both inside a luxurious home and on a busy farm. [](https://expedia.ca/Muckross-House-Killarney.d6090223.Vacation-Attraction) ![English Market which includes food, interior views and markets](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/144000/144961-English-Market.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### English Market Shop for fresh produce from around the world and sample traditional Cork dishes at this historic food market inside a grand Victorian building. [](https://expedia.ca/English-Market-Cork-City-Centre.d6125594.Vacation-Attraction) ![Dingle Harbour](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/524000/524966-dingle-harbour.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Dingle Harbour Explore the waterfront in Dingle with a trip to Dingle Harbour. While you're here, you can savor the lively bars. [](https://expedia.ca/Dingle-Harbour-Dingle.d6090249.Vacation-Attraction) ![Blarney Stone](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/524000/524550-blarney-stone.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Blarney Stone While County Cork is not short on medieval history, you will only find one Blarney Stone. Located roughly five miles northwest of Cork, the stone is said to have mythical qualities. Legend has it that the Blarney Stone grants the gift of eloquence to anybody who kisses it. [](https://expedia.ca/Blarney-Stone-Blarney.d6174282.Vacation-Attraction) ![Cork Opera House](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/2c9f23616be2daa01522d86fde5f39f4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Cork Opera House Enjoy a show at Cork Opera House, a storied theater in Cork. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this walkable area, or seek out the local tours. [](https://expedia.ca/Cork-Opera-House-Cork-City-Centre.d6075886.Vacation-Attraction) ### Explore areas of Southwest Ireland ![English Market which includes markets, interior views and food](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/144000/144958-English-Market.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Cork City Centre 4/5(2 area reviews) Cork City Centre is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to St. Patrick's Street and Cork Opera House while you're in town. [](https://expedia.ca/Cork-Cork-City-Centre.dx6205877) ![Killarney which includes mountains, landscape views and a river or creek](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/38000/38897-Killarney.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Killarney City Centre While visiting Killarney City Centre, you might make a stop by sights like Killarney National Park and Cinema Killarney. [](https://expedia.ca/Killarney-Killarney-City-Centre.dx919176286447001600) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Dromhale Dromhale might not have many top sights, but The Kerry Way and Killarney Race Course are two attractions nearby that you can check out. [](https://expedia.ca/Killarney-Dromhale.dx919176555249467392) ![Glucksman Gallery which includes modern architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/144000/144550-Cork.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### South Parish While visiting South Parish, you might make a stop by sights like Cork City Hall and Elizabeth Fort. [](https://expedia.ca/Cork-South-Parish.dx952334918782976000) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Victorian Quarter 4/5(18 area reviews) Victorian Quarter is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Everyman Palace Theatre and Leisureplex while you're in town. [](https://expedia.ca/Cork-Victorian-Quarter.dx553248624898312707) ![Killarney which includes mountains, landscape views and a river or creek](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/38000/38897-Killarney.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Avenue If you're spending some time in Avenue, Killarney National Park and Cinema Killarney are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.ca/Killarney-Avenue.dx919177130724753408) --- Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check [things to do near me](https://www.expedia.ca/things-to-do-near-me) to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be. --- ## Day trip destinations from Southwest Ireland ![Muckross House which includes a garden, heritage elements and flowers](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/144000/144602-Killarney.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Killarney ![Cork](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/524000/524778-cork.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Cork ![Tralee Town Park featuring flowers, a garden and a statue or sculpture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/144000/144701-Tralee.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Tralee ![Charles Fort showing general coastal views, boating and a bay or harbour](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/38000/38794-Charles-Fort.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Kinsale ![Dunmore Head which includes farmland, rocky coastline and landscape views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/144000/144711-Dingle.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Dingle ![Photo by alusoare.com](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/ec3469d532d3a441c48b874fc6c9c893.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Goleen ![Photo by Annie Chamberlain](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/686d4e789578de5feb328fef99dba1fc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Clonakilty ![Cobh showing a bay or harbour, a coastal town and heritage architecture](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/38000/38829-Cobh.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Cobh ## Explore a world of travel with Expedia - Lodging - [B&B in Beara Peninsula ](https://www.expedia.ca/Beara-Peninsula-Bed-And-Breakfast.d553248635976196296-aaBedAndBreakfast.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) - [Chalets in Beara Peninsula ](https://www.expedia.ca/Beara-Peninsula-Chalets.d553248635976196296-aaChalets.Travel-Guide-Accommodation) - [Cheap Hotels in Beara Peninsula ](https://www.expedia.ca/Beara-Peninsula-Hotels-Cheap-Hotels.0-0-d553248635976196296-tCheapHotels.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels and earn double points when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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