Ringaskiddy, Ireland Cruises

Ringaskiddy, Ireland Cruise Port

• If you don't have much time to spend in the area and fancy a bite, check out The Ferry Boat Inn. Popular for its fish and chips, it's one of the few pubs in town.
   
• Built as defensive forts against Napoleonic invasion, there are several Martello Towers that were erected across the British Empire during the 19th century. The limestone tower in Ringaskiddy, dating back to 1804, is an interesting piece of period architecture and provides a lovely view of the sea and surrounding countryside.
   
• For coastal views and an invigorating walk, check out the Slí na Sláinte. This two-mile stroll begins at the Warner Lambert factory, takes you through the village, and down Curraghbinny Road. Designed to promote heart health among the Irish, each kilometer is marked along the way.
   
• Nearby Spike Island has been undergoing steady improvement to draw in tourists; the site of a 7th century monastic settlement, a defensive fort in 18th century, and then a prison in the 1920s (nicknamed "Ireland's Alcatraz"), it finally evolved into a historical attraction. After taking a turn though the cells and scoping out the gun emplacements, have a bite in the former prison gym – now a café.