Inch Hideaway

Want to start off with a healthy dose of history? The site's half an hour’s drive from Cobh, the last port of call of the Titanic. Sail here for the Titanic Experience museum and highly recommended tours of the former prison on Spike Island. Cork's less than 40 minutes away for urban days – if there’s only time for a few things, a tour of Cork City Gaol, viewing the artworks at the Crawford Gallery, and flitting between stalls in the spectacular English Market are absolute musts. Tick an Irish classic off the bucket list with a longer jaunt in the car: make a pitstop on the other side of the city for a tour of Blarney Castle (yes, that Blarney) and to pick up gifts (other than the gift of the gab) at Blarney Woollen Mills, both within 50 minutes of base. Keep kids entertained on energy-filled days with surf lessons at Swell Surf School, and kayaking, snorkelling, archery and tree climbing at ECO Adventures, both within 10 minutes. If they’re in a more laidback mood, head instead to Fota Wildlife Park 25 minutes away for wanders among lions, tigers and (red panda) bears. Fancy a tipple and a nibble? Make the 20-minute journey into Midleton for a tour and tasting at the Jameson Distillery in town, then wander on to Ballymaloe House for cookery classes or a meal.