Things to do & places to visit in Province of Munster, Ireland

Province of Munster #2 destination in Ireland 2023. The average rating score is 4.60 based on 149.6k traveler reviews, of 213 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Dublin, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 11:52.

Province of Munster Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

59°F - 44°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Moderately chilly and breezy

Feels like

32%

Chance of rain

102.0 millimeters

Amount

16.4 mph

Wind speed

81%

Humidity

15.7

Daylight length

5:39 AM

Sunrise

9:23 PM

Sunset

38%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (42)

Top destinations in Province of Munster 7

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Killarney National Park (7.286 reviews)
- Cycling round Killarney National Park
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

Would 100% recommend renting bikes to cycle around the park, as it is a much quicker way to get around while taking in all the sights including Muckross house and Torc waterfall. You can rent bikes just before the park just beside a Chinese restaurant, they are €15 euro and they keep a form of identification until you return the bike. Such a great day out! See more..
5.0 Spike Island (3.009 reviews)
- Easy trip worth the time!
Monday: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Islands

Discover Ireland's Captains & Convicts and Sinners and Saints at Spike Island Cork, Ireland's historic island. Voted Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction of 2017! The Island is located off the coast of Cobh in Cork harbour & has over 1300 years of Irish history. From an island monastery & fortress to the world's largest prison in the 1850's and centuries of island homes. Your journey starts with a ferry ride before Ireland's best storytellers take you on a guided tour of the outer island and fortress. You can then self explore our prison cells, fortress, beautiful island walks and also use our on-site cafe. Attractions include the 1850's punishment block, the 1980's prison cells and riot exhibition, Ireland's largest artillery gun park and several penal, military and social history museums. With activities for children and families and guided and self-guided tours, Spike Island has something for everyone. Audio guides available, cafe and gift shop on site. See more..
5.0 KerryClimbing (1.560 reviews)
- Excellent!
Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Walking Tours • Climbing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Catherine & Piaras were a joy to deal with. From initial queries to booking a place on Mountain Proficiency training the experience was incredibly professional and detailed. The information you are given is precise and accurate. They have all the items you need on the day if you forgot anything. Piaras is very engaging and goes through aspects in a detailed manner. He will answer any question you may have. I am booked on mountain skills 2 later in the year with Kerry Climbing and I am very much looking forward to it. See more..
5.0 Slea Head Drive (1.224 reviews)
- Worth it!
Scenic Drives

Scenic drive from Dingle Town to the Dingle Peninsula and back. See more..
5.0 Dingle Sea Safari (963 reviews)
- Fabulous Trip
Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Boat Tours • Eco Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours

I cannot recommend Dingle Sea Safari enough it's a definite must do... Colm our skipper gave us the most exhilarating trip in large swells from Dingle Bay to the Blasket islands visiting and entering caves along the way and telling us all the geology and history of the peninsula. Stopping at great Blasket to view the seals and their pups and then making our way out to find a huge pod of common dolphin... Fantastic day will definitely do it again and again and again! See more..
5.0 Dingle Peninsula (830 reviews)
- Dingle here we mingle
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Drives

Taking this scenic drive to South-West of Ireland along the Atlantic coastline makes my heart pound with excitement. Not only the sceneries of the waves lapping the shores were simply breathtaking yet relaxing, but also the sight of awesome rock formations was truly fascinating !! Look at the special formations I posted here. I was mesmerised by the pristine beauty of nature and its gift left behind for umpteenth decades, one of such that leaves indelible memories is Dingle Peninsular, that’s me stretching out on the lolling greens amidst the backdrop of the peninsular and the wild Atlantic seas. Dingle is a quaint little town with colourful buildings decorating the tranquil surroundings. Join me for more adventure touring around Ireland in the next episodes. See more..
5.0 Butlers Private Driver Tours (812 reviews)
- Exceptional service
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Bus Tours

We had a great trip to Ireland and Noel was an absolute professional, a great safe driver, full of interesting stories and lots of creative suggestions and ideas as we juggled our itinerary due to rain on an almost daily basis - it was a very wet week, even by Irish standards!! Martina was very easy to work with as we planned our trip and was patient with my many follow up questions. All 3 recommended hotels were outstanding. Highly recommend Butler's if anyone is looking for a private tour See more..
5.0 Skellig Michael (775 reviews)
- Did not disappoint
Historic Sites • Islands

Even though there is a current concern about falling rocks on Skellig Michael, the boat ride out to look at the island (while not being allowed to actually land on the island and transcend the 600+ stairs to the abbey) still did not disappoint. Just being able to actually see and witness this remote island rock outcropping is second to few and is truly awesome and imposing. Plus the joy of seeing dolphins playfully escorting your boat, while enjoying the antics of the gannets and puffins is not to be missed. Our boat captain Nicky happily informed us of all that we needed to know, and made a point of slowing the boat so that we could savor some of the more memorable moments. Hoping to return again! See more..
5.0 Burren Birds of Prey Centre (713 reviews)
- One of the Best Experiences in the Burren... and that's saying something!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

DYNAMIC FLYING DISPLAYS where the visitor can interact and get up close and personal to the birds as they fly overhead and through the audience. A HOME to Eagles, Falcons, Hawks, and Owls from all over the world.EDUCATION into the amazing world of Raptors, their biology, conservation and the ancient art of Falconry.HAWK WALKS which are a once in a life time opportunity to interact with some of nature's top predators. Guided and instructed by experienced Falconers, this hour long 'Walk with a Hawk' through hazel woodland and across Burren limestone pavement is tailor made for anybody seeking a totally unique experience. See more..
5.0 Waterford Greenway (697 reviews)
- Great exercise and gorgeous views
Spent 2-3 hours Biking Trails • Hiking Trails

Waterford Greenway is a spectacular 46 km off-road cycling and walking trail along an old railway line which runs between Waterford and Dungarvan. From the Viking City alongside the River Suir, out by Mount Congreve Gardens, through Kilmacthomas, across eleven bridges, over three impressive viaducts and through a 400m long tunnel; with wonderful views of the Comeragh Mountains and Dungarvan Bay. See more..
4.5 Cliffs of Moher (14.5k reviews)
- Gorgeous! Magical in the right conditions
Monday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Geologic Formations

Spectacular cliffs stretching 700 feet over the rugged Atlantic coast is part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark and is a Special Protected Area for Birds and Wildlife, home to 35 species of birds. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience operates under an ethos of sustainability, environmental protection and conservation. Safe accessible viewing areas and pathways along the cliff edge appeal to all levels of ability. A short walk to O'Brien's Tower provides an excellent lookout on Ireland's beautiful western shoreline. The Visitor Centre hidden underneath the hillside houses an exhibition, two cafes, gift shop, toilets, first aid centre, information points and baggage store. Admission includes access to all areas, map and secure parking. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is a signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way. See more..
4.5 Blarney Castle & Gardens (7.524 reviews)
- Famous Castle & Stone, Really Impressive Gardens
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Castles

Situated 8km from Cork City, this historic castle is most famous for its stone, which has the traditional power of conferring eloquence on all who kiss it. The word Blarney was introduced into the English language by Queen Elizabeth I and is described as pleasant talk, intended to deceive without offending. The stone is set in the wall below the battlements, and to kiss it one has to lean backwards (grasping an iron railing) from the parapet walk. LAST ADMISSION IS 60 MINS BEFORE CLOSING TIME/Dogs Not Permitted/Drone Photography Prohibited See more..
4.5 Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms (5.080 reviews)
- Muckross House and Gardens
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Gardens • Scenic Walking Areas

We have made the decision to close Muckross House, Craft Centre & Garden Restaurant until March 29th in order to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 virus. We have a social responsibility to our staff, families & customers to do what is right. Stay safe and we look forward to welcoming you when this temporary setback passes. Muckross House, Gardens, and Traditional Farms represent the focal point and nucleus of Killarney National Park. This is Ireland's oldest National Park, and it includes the world famous Lakes of Killarney, as well as the mountains and woodlands that surround them. Muckross and Killarney National Park are open daily all year round (expect the Christmas period). Please refer to website for more details on opening times & prices. See more..
4.5 Bunratty Castle and Folk Park (4.491 reviews) from $18.15
- All good!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Castles

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a must on your itinerary to Ireland. This is your chance to experience a window on Ireland’s past and explore the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle and the 19th century Bunratty Folk Park. Bunratty Castle Welcome to Bunratty Castle, the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Bunratty Folk Park Enjoy the sights, sounds tastes, scents, of this enchanting place as you stroll from house to house or around the charming village street complete with school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers and of course McNamara’s pub! meet the village characters, sample some freshly baked bread by our resident Bean an Ti's (woman of the house) and for little visitors explore of quaint fairy village and pirate adventure playground See more..
4.5 Rock of Cashel (4.174 reviews)
- Great history lesson and worth visiting
Monday: 9:00 AM - 3:45 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

The former seat of the Kings of Munster, the Rock of Cashel was handed over to the church in 1101 and became the seat of the Archbishop. Today, five buildings remain, including an impressive round tower, 12th century chapel, 13th century cathedral, and the Hall of the Vicar's Choral. See more..
4.5 Torc Waterfall (3.817 reviews)
- Gorgeous flowing waterfall
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Waterfalls

Gorgeous flowing waterfall. Our taxi driver told us that it’s not the biggest waterfall, but it’s a waterfall (I think he was underselling it just a tad). You could hike or as go to the parking lot and take a short walk to the waterfall. It’s free to enter and dogs are allowed. It was snowing when we went (which we were told multiple times was an anomaly) but we were able to take a taxi from the city center and then head in from the parking lot. We had no cell service here so I would recommend downloading a map of the area beforehand. There is a road that also leads to Muckross House that’s about a 20-30 minute walk. There’s a nice view of the area further up on the stairs. I would recommend wearing shoes with good traction as it was a bit muddy even on the short walk we had. See more..
4.5 Fota Wildlife Park (3.688 reviews)
- Better than Dublin Zoo
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Ireland's Wildest Attraction. Fota Wildlife Park is set on 100 acres on the scenic Fota Island in the heart of Cork Harbour. It is a unique place where you can come face to face with free roaming animals and birds from all parts of the world. So if it’s a kangaroo that hops in front of you, or a ring-tailed lemur, which jumps down from a tree, each visit is sure to bring its own fantastic memories. Fota Wildlife Park features the recently opened Asian Sanctuary—with Asian Lions, Sumatran Tigers, and Indian Rhino. The cheetah run, tropical house and giraffe crossing are also must-sees. The development of the Asian Sanctuary over the past five years has enhanced the Park as an iconic international visitor attraction as well as serving the core values of conservation, education, and research. Facilities include cafés, several play areas, picnic areas and a gift shop. Accessible by train and car. See more..
4.5 Gap of Dunloe (3.603 reviews)
- Scenic Walk through the Gap of Dunloe
Valleys

I visited back in May 2022 and it was very scenic walk through the Gap of Dunloe. I would recommend doing this on your own instead of a tour as it provides more flexibility. I took the Hop on Hop off bus from Killarney Town to Ross Castle (it was EUR 5 if I didn't remember wrongly). I informed the bus driver that I am going to Ross Castle & paid directly to the driver. Followed by a 2.5 hours boat ride (EUR 20) that departs at 10:30am from the pier at Ross Castle to Lord's Brandon Cottage. Had lunch at Lord's Brandon Cottage and walked approximately 11KM to Kate Kearney's Cottage. The walk is very easy as the road is paved. Had dinner at Kate Kearney's Cottage and took a taxi (EUR 22) back to Killarney Town. I booked the taxi using an app (Free Now). See more..
4.5 The English Market (3.086 reviews)
- Great food, fun to browse
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Flea & Street Markets

I had an excellent experience here. The market is such an interesting place. I loved walking around and seeing all the different products. Of course, things aren’t cheap, but I wasn’t expecting them to be. I highly recommend stopping at Cafe Marius—I had an excellent Irish breakfast there for a reasonable price. The people working were lovely as well. Overall I definitely think the English Market is worth a stop. See more..
4.5 Ross Castle (2.933 reviews)
- Definitely check it out!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Castles

Horse Drawn Carriage Rides to Killarney National Park and Lakes Ross Castle Muckross House Torc Waterfall’s See more..
4.5 Ladies' View (2.772 reviews)
- Out of this world
Monday: 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

We stopped at this amazing place to get a few photos and were blown away by the spectacular scenery all around us. Despite other tourists parked beside us there was silence apart from the birds singing. It's an experience you find hard to describe unless you've been there. There is a gift shop and restaurant with a great upper levels where you can enjoy your food while taking in the sights. See more..
4.5 King John's Castle (2.619 reviews)
- Super educational AND fun
Monday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Castles

This newly renovated 13th-century castle is open for tours. See more..
4.5 Titanic Experience Cobh (2.370 reviews)
- Rustic charm
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Titanic Experience Cobh is a permanent visitor centre, located in the original White Star Line Ticket Office in the centre of Cobh town (formally known as Queenstown) in what was the departure point for the final 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic. Our visitor experience is presented in two parts. The first is an exciting immersive audio visual tour retracing the steps of the 123 passengers who boarded Titanic from Queenstown on April 11th 1912. Experience their anticipation of the long journey ahead and their new life waiting in America. With Fourth Officer Boxall as your virtual guide and using innovative audio visual technology and replica set designs, ‘passengers’ will experience what life would have been like on board for those 123 Queenstown Passengers. Passengers will share the excitement of boarding the most Luxurious liner of her time and feel the horror of the tragedy on that fateful night on the 15th April 1912. See more..
4.5 Charles Fort (2.264 reviews)
- Great Setting
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites

We unfortunately missed the last admission at 5pm & chose to wonder around the outside which was worth it. The Fort is quite big & really well preserved from all our observations. We wondered along the water and got some really great views & photos of the Fort as it is right on the ocean. You can see James Fort on the opposite side of the Bay entrance but its not as big & preserved as Charles Fort. Even though we could not go in we were impressed with we saw & the entrance fee is a lot less than some of the other castles we visited during our 2 week trip in Ireland See more..
4.5 Jameson Distillery Midleton (2.158 reviews) from $32.12
- Superb Tour
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Visit Jameson Distillery Midleton and enjoy a host of unique experiences - from a Premium Whiskey Tasting to a workshop at our state of the art Jameson Irish Whiskey Academy. Today, every drop of Jameson enjoyed anywhere in the world is produced here, just 20 minutes’ drive from Cork City. Take a hosted tour of the distillery which brings the fascinating story of Jameson’s rich heritage to life. You will learn about the hard-working people and field-to-glass processes responsible for the whiskey that bears John Jameson’s name. Our Behind The Scenes Tour gives you access to our Micro Distillery, Cooperage, Maturation Warehouse & Distiller’s Cottage. See more..
4.5 Ring of Kerry (2.122 reviews)
- Ring of Kerry
Spent 2-3 hours Scenic Drives

We drove ourselves vs taking a tour and left early to avoid the tour buses, because we left very early we drove the opposite direction of the tour buses and this made for a great day, we had most sights to ourselves vs dealing with crowds...if you do not go early, I do not recommend driving the opposite of the buses as it would then become dangerous. Buses have the right away on this drive and there are a few areas where there is no place to pull over. Drive with caution. See more..
4.5 Cork City Gaol (1.837 reviews) from $12.35
- Cool and creepy
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

Corks Most Captivating Experience:A step back in time to see what 19th/early 20th century life was like-inside and outside prison walls. Historical experience brought to life with amazingly lifelike figures, furnished cells, sound effects & fascinating exhibitions. This exhibition fascinates visitors of all ages and nationalities and the tour is available in up to 13 languages. See more..
4.5 Gallarus Oratory (1.663 reviews)
- Amazing Place
Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Ancient Ruins • Religious Sites

Ancient church built over 1,000 years ago. See more..
4.5 Muckross Abbey (1.462 reviews)
- A very special place
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Religious Sites

Yes, there are many abbey ruins in Ireland, but this one is something else. So well preserved, you can not only go inside but explore the several rooms and even upstairs areas on your own. There is no charge, but I eould pay to bisit a place like this. Plus, if you've got the time, talk a walk around Muckross lake (all the way is about 4h) and enjoy the magical and wonderous fairytale park. Well worth a visit See more..
4.5 Cobh Cathedral (1.305 reviews)
- Spectacular
Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites

The building is nothing short of spectacular, both inside and outside. It is full of history and stories around it. The photos do not really do it justice and in no way give you an idea of the scale of the building. A beautiful building inside with amazing stone and woodwork. Not to mention the stained glass and paintings. There is no entry fee, however there is a donation box as you enter with the contactless card option to donate 5 euro. It's a bit of a climb but well worth the effort. If you are in Cobh this is a must see. See more..