In Cork you may hear the locals refer to the city as the ‘real capital of Ireland’. The country’s second city was the European Capital of Culture in 2005 and plays host to a thriving festival and Irish music scene. Visit St Finbarrs Cathedral, Cork City Museum and the 19th Century Cork Jail. Blarney Castle is also a short ride away where you can kiss the Blarney Stone! In Blarney you can experience ancient Irish folklore to the max by kissing the famous Blarney Stone. Be warned, you may head home with a newfound gift of the gab.