As mainland Ireland’s most southerly point, Mizen Head draws many to its coastline to see dramatic cliffs, white-capped seas, an old signal station and a lighthouse far out at sea, as well as feel the fresh Atlantic wind. Accessing the end of Mizen Head entails crossing a footbridge 150 feet high. © Matthi | Dreamstime.com

Situated within Cork City, Blackrock Castle Observatory is a 16th-century castle now operating as an observatory, restaurant and visitor center. The castle often hosts events and exhibitions about history and science, particularly in the field of astronomy. © Giancarlo Liguori | Dreamstime.com

One of the most well-known landmarks in Ireland, a visit to Blarney Castle must include venturing to the top of the castle, leaning back and kissing the stone to receive “the gift of the gab.” Tour the 15th-century castle before walking its grounds, which feature gardens and even a poison garden, showcasing the world’s most poisonous plants like hemlock and nightshade. Nearby, Blarney Woolen Mills offers traditional meals and a heritage shop. © Stephen Smith | Dreamstime.com

Old Head of Kinsale not only features green cliffs, but also serves as the nearest point where the RMS Lusitania sank in 1918. A memorial garden lies at Lusitania Museum & Signal Tower Museum in Old Head. © Stefano Valeri | Dreamstime.com

The seaside town of Cobh was the Titanic’s last port of call in 1912, with the original dock still standing as a haunting reminder. Cobh’s colorful houses line the hilly streets overlooking the ocean, with the dominating cathedral at the top, making the town a vibrant place, especially in summer. The town also includes a heritage center exploring Ireland’s mass emigrations, as well as Fota Wildlife Park and Spike Island, an 18th-century bastion fort. © Artur Bogacki | Dreamstime.com

Cork City is the second-largest city in Ireland, positioned between two channels of the River Lee. Originally a Viking settlement, today the city boasts many restaurants, hotels, bars and attractions, including St. Anne’s Shandon and Cork Opera House. The main St. Patrick’s Street is lined with shops like Brown Thomas, Tommy Hilfiger and North Face. Oliver Plunkett Street is another popular street filled with pubs, local shops and more. © Madrugadaverde | Dreamstime.com

Cork’s English Market was the site of Queen Elizabeth’s 2011 visit, where a fishmonger made the late Queen laugh, calling monkfish “the mother-in-law fish.” This hall continues to be a bustling place, operating since 1788. The market sells everything from baked goods to seafood, fruits to meats, spices to wines. The space even includes several cafés and restaurants. © David Ribeiro | Dreamstime.com

While its main headquarters lie in Dublin, Jameson’s presence in Cork includes a museum and visitor center. Jameson Distillery Midleton offers tours of the distillery, still in use, as well as a whiskey tasting and walk of the distillery’s grounds. © David Ribeiro | Dreamstime.com