So much less the tourist-clogged path of its neighbouring tour, the Ring of Kerry, the trip from Cork City to Dingle in Kerry, by the south coast road (N25) across the toes of Ireland is an opportunity to dip into unpolished, but majestical Ireland.

Bypassing the standard stops such as Kinsale, pitch up for the night in towns such as Clonakilty (home of Jimi Hendrix's bass player Noel Redding - his guitars hang in De Barra's pub), Rosscarbery (a gem of a town hidden by a causeway and a bypass many years ago) and head past Skibbereen to Cape Clear islands for a day trip.

Along the way gather random information off locals to such places as the most bizarre and hidden archaeological museum in the world near Union Hall, or simply point the car towards to coast and get a little lost.

Continue at your own pace along sheep strewn roads to the Dingle peninsula stopping short for a night or two in tiny Annascaul. There, you can revel in the cosiest bars in the world. Take in the story of the local explorer legend Tom Crean in the South Pole Inn too. Dingle itself then, a gem of Atlantic perfection like a well deserved pint at the end of a journey.

South West of Cork City, right there by the Atlantic ocean.

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I just spent a week back in my old town Cork. Stayed here and could not believe the value. Got a room for just €69 a night. For a 4-star hotel with a leisure centre and good location I was more than pleased. Will be back.

www.themontenottehotel.com/

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An unassuming hostel, up the side of a hill, near Dunmanway in Co. Cork

Quiet and peaceful, you can camp, stay in an old gypsy caravan, sleep in the dorm, or take the family room with private bathroom.

www.shiplakemountainhostel.com/smh_info.html

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One of the best things about Cork (and there are many!) is that you have a choice of two stouts that aren't Guinness.

Murphy's is brewed at the Lady's Well Brewery in Blackpool and Beamish and Crawford is brewed on the South Main Street, just across the road from An Spailpin Fanach, one of Cork's better pubs and a great place for folk music.

Both brews are delicious - but don't take my word for it, I'm a native! Do try them if you're in the city.

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