It’s a good time to start planning some of Roz Purcell’s Cork Bucket List adventures
The days are getting longer.
And if you’re feeling he call of the outdoors but you don’t know where to start your search for adventure, look no further than Rozanna Purcell’s 2026 picks — a curated list of hikes, swims, islands and experiences worth planning around.
The radio presenter and bestselling author of The Hike Life shared her ultimate list of ‘bucket list’ ideas to plan around Ireland this year.
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Below are the standout Cork ideas from her list, all within county bounds:
Pooleen Wood
Pooleen gets its name from An Poillín — “the little pool” — a natural dip carved by the Glengarriff River. Bring a picnic and your togs, and explore trails like Esknamucky or Lady Bantry’s Lookout.
Sheep’s Head Loop
Spectacular coastal panoramas, farmland paths and dramatic cliff views make Sheep’s Head a classic. Choose a shorter loop like Poet’s Way or the Lighthouse Loop, or go all in with the full 88 km circuit for a multi-day challenge.
Cape Clear & Bere Islands
These island trips pair natural beauty with layers of history and culture. Cape Clear offers birdwatching, hiking and Fastnet Rock tours; Bere Island invites exploration of heritage centres, battlements and ancient sites.
Garnish Island
A tiny botanical paradise in Glengarriff Harbour, Garnish Island feels like a movie set. Exotic plants, a Grecian temple, clock tower and Italian Tea House await. A short ferry from Glengarriff Village also offers views of large seal colonies.
Atlantic Sea Kayaking at Night
The truly unforgettable option: kayak on Lough Hyne, Europe’s only salt-water lake of its kind. Sunset, stars, moonrise and bioluminescent water make this a magical Cork experience.
Cork City & Random Must-Dos
Not every adventure needs hills and water. Rozanna also highlights:
- Ringing the Shandon Bells in St Anne’s Church
- Taking the Dursey Island cable car across the sea
- Walking the atmospheric Three Castle Head ruins
These are perfect for days when you want curiosity over effort.
