Cork and Kerry

If you are planning a holiday to Ireland, a stay in Cork and Kerry is the ultimate way to experience the magical Irish nature. During a tour through Southwest Ireland, you will drive along the world-famous Ring of Kerry, discover the rugged cliffs of the Beara Peninsula, and taste the best local dishes in the culinary capital, Cork City. Whether you choose an active hiking holiday, a child-friendly holiday home in Kerry, or a romantic break in a cottage on the coast, a holiday rental offers the perfect base to explore this region at your own pace.

Get inspired by the colorful houses of Kinsale, the lakes of Killarney National Park, and the mysterious Skellig Islands. Thanks to a rental car from Cork Airport, you can easily visit hidden bays and remote mountain passes, allowing you to tailor your Ireland holiday exactly to your wishes.

Discover our holiday homes with views of the Atlantic Ocean, browse cozy cottages in Dingle, or choose a luxury apartment in the heart of Cork. Start planning your trip today with Leisure Time.

A holiday rental in Cork or Kerry gives you the freedom to fully experience authentic Irish life. With your own home, you not only have space for the whole family but also the coziness of your own fireplace after a day in the great outdoors. Many travelers specifically look for a holiday home in Kerry with a fenced garden for their dog, or a traditional stone cottage in West Cork. Unlike a hotel in the city, here you enjoy absolute silence, the starry sky, and the possibility of having breakfast in the morning with a view of the green hills.

During a nature holiday in Cork and Kerry, there are numerous highlights:

• The Wild Atlantic Way: Drive the iconic coastal route and stop at Mizen Head, the most southwesterly point of Ireland.
• Walking and Hiking: Conquer Carrauntoohil, the highest mountain in Ireland, or walk a section of the Kerry Way.
• Culinary Discoveries: Visit the English Market in Cork City or eat fresh lobster in the harbor of Dingle.
• History and Mysticism: Discover Blarney Castle (and kiss the legendary stone) or visit the stone circles scattered across the landscape.

For families, a holiday home near Killarney is the perfect choice, with plenty of opportunities for boat trips on the lakes and cycling tours through the national parks.

During your search for accommodation in Cork and Kerry, you can choose from various regions:

• Killarney & The Ring of Kerry: The touristic heart with mountains, lakes, and beautiful waterfalls.
• Dingle Peninsula: Known for its breathtaking coastlines, dolphins, and the most authentic Irish pubs per square mile.
• West Cork: A paradise for artists and foodies, with villages such as Schull, Bantry, and Kinsale.
• Cork City: A vibrant city full of culture, live music, and historic architecture.

Are you ready for a spontaneous flight to the green hills? There are regular competitive last minute Cork and Kerry offers available at Leisure Time. Whether you are looking for a cheap cottage by the sea for a week of rest or a luxury country house for the whole family, booking flexibly allows you to benefit from the most beautiful locations at a sharp price.

The Irish weather is fickle, but that is part of the charm:

• Spring (May – June): Often the driest months with long days and beautiful blooming rhododendrons in Kerry.
• Summer (July – August): The warmest period, ideal for beach walks on Inch Beach or sailing to the Skelligs.
• Autumn (September – October): The autumn colors in the national parks are spectacular; perfect for a hiking holiday.
• Winter (November – February): Rugged storms on the coast and then warming up by a turf fire in your own holiday home.

A driving holiday through Ireland is the only way to reach the truly remote places.

• Driving on the Left: In Ireland, people drive on the left. The roads in Cork and Kerry can be narrow and winding, so take your time.
• Clothing: Always bring a raincoat and walking shoes; the weather can show four seasons in one day.
• Pets: Ireland is very accessible for dogs. Many of our cottages in West Ireland allow dogs.

What is the most beautiful route: the Ring of Kerry or the Dingle Peninsula? 

This is the most frequently asked question by travelers! The Ring of Kerry is world-famous, offers spectacular mountain passes and lakes, but can be busy in the high season. The Dingle Peninsula is more compact, more rugged, and is often experienced as 'more authentic' with its many Irish pubs and the famous Slea Head Drive. If you have the time, we recommend booking a holiday home in Kerry for both regions and discovering them both.

Is driving in Southwest Ireland difficult for tourists? 

In Ireland, people drive on the left side of the road. The main roads are fine, but as soon as you follow the Wild Atlantic Way in Cork and Kerry, the roads become narrow and winding (especially the Healy Pass or the Connor Pass). A small rental car is often more pleasant here than a large family car. Take your time and enjoy the view; courtesy in traffic is the standard here.

What is the best base for a holiday in this region? 

For Kerry, Killarney is the most central place, ideal for the National Park and the Ring of Kerry. For Cork, colorful Kinsale is a favorite, especially for foodies. Looking for absolute peace? Then choose a cottage in West Cork near Bantry or Schull, where time seems to stand still.

What about the weather? Does it really always rain in Cork and Kerry? 

The weather in the southwest is fickle due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. It rains regularly, but the showers often pass quickly ("liquid sunshine"). This actually ensures the intensely green hills. The best travel time is from May to September, when the days are long and the chance of sun is greatest.

Can you visit the Skellig Islands from Kerry? 

Yes, boats depart from Portmagee to Skellig Michael (known from Star Wars). Please note: these trips are very weather-dependent and only sail between May and September. Tickets are sold out months in advance, so book your accommodation in Kerry and your boat tickets as early as possible.

Is Cork and Kerry suitable for a holiday with a dog? 

Absolutely. Ireland is a country of dog lovers. There are countless hiking routes where dogs are welcome, provided they are leashed because of the livestock. At Leisure Time, we have a wide range of dog-friendly holiday homes in Cork and Kerry, often with a large garden or directly adjacent to hiking trails.

What is the price level in Southwest Ireland? 

The prices for groceries and hospitality are comparable to those in the Netherlands and Belgium. An advantage of renting a holiday home in Ireland is that you can cook for yourself with the fantastic local products from markets such as the English Market in Cork City, which makes your holiday more budget-friendly.

Whether you choose a luxury villa on the coast of Cork, a cozy cottage in the mountains of Kerry, or a modern apartment in the city: at Leisure Time, you will find the perfect match.

Book your ideal holiday home in Cork or Kerry today and experience the unprecedented beauty of the Irish west coast!