41st IFMSS Annual Meeting
What to Do While Visiting Ireland
Visiting the Emerald Isle
Our IFMSS meeting location, Castlemartyr is situated in one of the richest historical parts of Ireland, close to the Fota Wildlife Park, Jameson’s Distillery, numerous small fishing villages, market towns, the Wild Irish Way coastline, and beautiful, sweeping landscapes. West Cork and Kerry are some of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and are easily accessible from Castlemartyr.
We’ve put together a list of activities at Castlemartyr and the surrounding areas that you might like to try. Additionally, Mary Nolan, IFMSS Ireland advisor living in Dublin, has put together a blog introducing you to some aspects of Ireland and the Irish from a personal, anecdotal perspective.
If you plan to extend your trip, take a look at these unique properties by the Irish Landmark Trust.
Activities
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Explore Cork City
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Golf at Castlemartyr
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Swim & Explore Ballycotton
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Biking
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Grab a Drink at a Pub
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Explore the Castlemartyr Castle & Parterre Gardens
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Drive the Wild Atlantic Way
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Explore Cobh
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Visit the Jameson Distillery
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Visit Titanic's Last Port of Call
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Explore Kerry
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Visit Castlemartyr's Health Club
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Castlemartyr Archery
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Play Tennis at Castlemartyr
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Visit Castlemartyr's Spa
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Kayak at Castlemartyr
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Did We Mention the Pubs?
Family Activities
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Fota Wildlife Park
Visit Fota Wildlife Park to see ostriches, giraffes, kangaroos, zebras, and antelope roaming 50 acres. Predators like cheetahs are securely enclosed. Fota helps breed endangered species, including cheetahs, with only 12,000 left in the wild, and houses various other zoo animals from around the world.
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Trabolgan Holiday Village
Trabolgan Holiday Village is located near the village of Whitegates which is approximately a 20 minute drive from Garryvoe Hotel. It is well known for its magical surroundings, excellent facilities, and various indoor/outdoor activities.
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Leahy's Open Farm
Leah’s Open Farm in East Cork is three miles from Dungourney and ten minutes from the Garryvoe Hotel. Visitors of all ages can enjoy feeding lambs, holding snakes, cuddling rabbits, go-karting, boat rides, tunnels, and playgrounds.
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East Cork Adventure Centre
East Cork Adventure Centre is a fun place for kids of all ages with a huge selection of outdoor activities to choose from. Paintballing is a popular sport along with kayaking and the “Bogstacle Course”. Comfortable shoes are a must and don’t forget a change of clothes : )
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Mahon Point Shopping Centre
Mahon Point Shopping Centre is the second largest shopping centre (over 60 stores) in East Cork and includes an Omniplex Cinema for watching movies on the big screen.
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Blackrock Castle Observatory
A repurposed castle transformed into a small observatory along with a cafe. Learn about our universe and the stars in the sky.
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Explore Youghal
Youghal, a seaside resort in County Cork, is a historic walled seaport town on the River Blackwater. Known for its beaches and historic sites, it has been a tourist destination since the mid-19th century. Families can enjoy Perks Family Entertainment & Indoor Funfair with rides, bowling, and a jungle gym.
Extending Your Stay
A week’s visit to Ireland is simply not enough! If you would like to extend your stay before or after the IFMSS meeting, please see our recommendations below.
If you plan to extend your trip, take a look at these unique properties by the Irish Landmark Trust.
Visiting Other Areas of Ireland
The Discover Ireland website has everything you need to know about visiting Ireland, while each county (listed below) has its own website. Those within easy reach of Cork are indicated. See map of Irish counties for the location of the other counties.
Clare (on Wild Atlantic Way)
Cork (on Wild Atlantic Way)
Galway (on Wild Atlantic Way)
Kerry (near Cork, on Wild Atlantic Way)
Leitrim (on Wild Atlantic Way)
Limerick (near Cork, on Wild Atlantic Way
Visiting Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland rewards visitors with a plethora of areas of natural beauty, a rich and vibrant cultural life and the opportunity to meet the people there – welcoming, warm and engaging. Below we list some of the highlights, which are primarily coastal, beginning in Newcastle to the South East and continuing to Derry to the North West, with some inland suggestions also.
Newcastle, County Down
A 40-minute scenic coastal road drive from the N1 motorway at Newry. Newcastle, County Down charming seaside town has one of the best sandy beaches in Northern Ireland and is very popular for families as a seaside resort. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the nearby Sliabh Donard Hill is an accessible, well-paved hill walk that yields beautiful views of the Mourne mountains and the sea - and, on clear days, the islands off western Scotland.
Belfast
Belfast is a vibrant city and rewards a visit with a rich variety of places and people to see.
Antrim Coast Road
The Antrim Coast Road is a delightful, multi-faceted drive with many beautiful spots, some of which are particularly interesting to fans of Game of Thrones. Highlights include:
The Glens of Antrim (locally known as “The Glens”,) comprises nine glens (valleys) radiating from the Antrim Plateau to the coast. The Glens are an area of outstanding natural beauty with several towns worth visiting, including Ballycastle, Cushendun, Cushendall, Carnlough and Glenarm.
Fair Head features steep cliffs and stunning views over the sea.
Carrick-a-rede bridge, the scene of many marriage proposals.
Derry
Lying at the western end of the Northern Ireland coast, Derry is another vibrant and historic city with a rich cultural, political and musical heritage.
Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly
Rich in marine life and scenic beauty.
Inland from the coast road lie other areas of outstanding scenic beauty:
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Once downloaded, enter your email address and the passcode you received in your IFMSS2024 welcome email to login. Set up your profile and get started! Feel free to explore the app and make connections before the start of the event. For additional navigation information, view this short tutorial.
Contact Us
Scientific Program: Greg Ryan, greg.ryan@sinaihealth.ca
Registration & Administration: Elizabeth Gan, elizabeth.gan@sinaihealth.ca
Visiting Ireland: Mary Nolan, mary.nolan@foldedroom.com