ps, it hasn't been called 'Southern Ireland' since 1922, Ireland is the correct name or 'The Republic of Ireland'.
Yes. That's a pet hate of mine also, along with "British Isles" and "Londonderry".
Anyway back to business. Bantry in west Cork and Kerry are great places to visit, the scenery is brilliant in that part of the world and as mentioned before Abbeyshrule is also a nice trip.