Long Island - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Michael Collins House, Clonakilty is a museum dedicated to Irish patriot and revolutionary hero, Michael Collins. Visit to learn about the “Big Fella” himself, his life story entwined with the history of the fight for Irish independence. The museum is presented in an accessible manner through guided tours, interactive displays, audio visuals, artefacts and more, bringing the history to life for all the family.

Blarney Woollen Mills was built in 1823. It was used mainly for spinning and weaving wool. They carved out a niche in tweeds, woolen worsted cloths, knitting wools and hosiery. A fire at Christmas in 1869 saw the destruction of the mill. It was re-built the following year and still stands to this day. Business declined in the mid-20th century, and Blarney Woollen Mills closed in 1973.

Blarney Castle is a medieval stronghold in Blarney, near Cork, Ireland. The castle originally dates from before 1200, when a timber house was believed to have been built on the site, although no evidence remains of this. Around 1210 this was replaced by a stone fortification. The castle is now a partial ruin with some accessible rooms and battlements. Tourists visiting Blarney Castle may hang upside-down over a sheer drop to kiss the stone, which is said to give the gift of eloquence.

Ballincollig Royal Gunpowder Mills was one of three Royal gunpowder mills that manufactured gunpowder for the British Government. Located in Ballincollig near Cork city in Ireland, the powder mills were originally opened in 1794 as a private enterprise, before being taken over by the British Government during the Napoleonic Wars. Though ruined, many of the remaining structures of the mill site are afforded National Monument status.

Fota Wildlife Park in Cork is a special zoo and Ireland’s premier wildlife attraction. Wherever possible the park have chosen animals that thrive in a free-range environment, which allows them to roam free, while mixed with other species and with us human visitors. The park is home to nearly 30 mammal and 50 bird species.

Fota is an island in Cork Harbour, Ireland, just north of the larger island of Great Island. Fota Island is host to Ireland's only wildlife park – as well as the historical Fota House and gardens and golf course owned by the "Fota Island Golf Club and Resort". The island comprises two townlands both called Foaty: one each in the civil parishes of Clonmel (the western half of Great Island) and Carrigtohill.