[c.t.ner]

My mum was born in Passage West (just outside of Cork) and I've spent a few years living there as an adult and child.

Cork is a beautiful area and it's only a short three hour drive/bus ride from Dublin. Kinsale is one of the best little secrets of the south west coast. From back packing through Ireland in my youth and living there for a while. My advise would be.

1) If you do get a chance to take in any Hurling or Gaelic Football match, jump at it. Think Ireland's version of the CFL in a sport you'll never really be able to see anywhere on earth.

2) All of the major cities, Cork, Dublin, Gallway, Belfast have one day bus trips to scenic areas that are well worth the money. Yes, it's a little touristy but for the value ($50 bucks) you'll get a get a cheap and quick way to see some cool stuff. (I think in Cork you can do the Ring of Kerry and Blarney and in Belfast you can do the Giants Causeway).

3) If you plan to go to Cork DM me and I can tell you some places to go... including K.C.'s Chipper.

4) As in true stereotypical fashion, pretty much each city has it's own unique Distiller or Brewery. If you're in Dublin do a pub crawl of the Jamieson Factory and Guinness Factory. I think the Jamieson factory opens at about 9:00am.

5) Cork has it's own versions of Guinness called Murphy's and Beamish... As anyone from Cork will tell you Murphy's is far better than Guinness and Beamish is for old folks. The also make fantastic gin in Cork.

6) It could be my cousin's prejudice, but stay away from Limerick. There's a reason they call it stab city.