Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and Clare -- the sound of these Southwest Ireland county names has an undeniably evocative Irish lilt. A varied coastline, spectacular scenery (especially around the famous lakes of Killarney), and a mild climate have long attracted visitors to this region. Although the …
County Cork east of Cork City is notably more tame than West Cork. What the region lacks in rugged splendor, it makes up in sophisticated amenities: Ballymaloe House, run by Darina Allen, Ireland's answer to Julia Child, is famed for its cooking school and gourmet cuisine, while Crosshaven holds …
Cork City (pop. 240,000, including environs) may be far smaller than Dublin, but to a Corkman there isn't even the remotest possibility for comparison; Cork is simply superior. Any native will tell you that his beloved Cork provides all the conveniences of a city but retains its small-town, …